Designer Mutts

Staring at a blank computer screen? Looking for a silly time-waster until that brilliant idea blossoms?

Check out the fun and games section at the Animal Planet website. One of my favorites is this design-a-mutt game. The game even gives a name to your multi-canine creation. And don't forget to dress your new pup so he's truly stylin'. Enter him in the dog show and you get to be the judge.

Remember the old Colorforms kit? This game sort of reminds me of that.

Number 4 Faves

Mutts by Patrick McDonnell

Mutts by Patrick McDonnell is different from many of today's strips. His artwork is reminiscent of the early days of cartoon comics. And what's not to love about this sweet, simple strip that gently reminds us animals are as much a part of creation as we, and just as deserving of respect and love. The main characters are a dog named Earl and a cat named Mooch. They have a droll way of looking at the world.

There are a couple of things I particularly love about McDonnell's work. He has an ongoing story line about a dog kept as a guard dog, who lives his life outside on a chain. McDonnell promises fans he'll free him one day, but not before he gets out the message about the cruel practice of chaining dogs.

Another story line that McDonnell uses is the message of adopting pets from shelters. He has done numerous poignant strips about abandoned animals and what they may think and feel, yet he handles these sensitive issues with tact, and a subtle sense of humor. As you might imagine, animal welfare groups adore Patrick McDonnell.

Therefore my number 4 faves are Earl and Mooch, stars of the comic strip, Mutts.