A Comic for Change
We’re thrilled to feature MUTTS Comics in our September Customer Spotlight. This month, MUTTS celebrates an impressive 30-year anniversary. Created by Patrick McDonnell in 1994, MUTTS has grown into a beloved comic strip advocating for environmental and animal rights. Appearing in over 700 newspapers across 20 countries, MUTTS has touched the hearts of readers worldwide.
Commitment to Compassion
Ali Datko, the Director of Marketing at MUTTS.com, offers a glimpse into the creative and strategic world behind the strip. Ali manages marketing strategy, email campaigns, social media, and website product strategy. She also helps to ensure that MUTTS.com remains true to its moral compass, promoting kindness to animals and people alike.
Ali’s passion for working at MUTTS.com is rooted in the company’s alignment with her personal values. MUTTS emphasizes compassion for animals and the environment, encouraging readers to reflect on the lives of animals and the importance of kindness. This commitment extends to advocating for the planet and promoting sustainable practices.
“Break the Chain”
One of MUTTS’ most cherished characters, Sparky (formerly known as “Guard Dog”), has undergone a remarkable transformation. Initially introduced as a chained dog with a mean attitude, Sparky’s story evolved when Patrick realized he was actually a tragic character. Readers were moved by his plight of being chained up, which helped to increase awareness about the cruelty of tethering dogs. On November 30, 2023, Sparky was finally unchained — and the next month, he was adopted and embraced his newfound freedom. To commemorate this milestone and the comic strip’s anniversary, Patrick released a book on September 3 detailing Sparky’s journey, titled Breaking the Chain: The Guard Dog Story.
Collage featuring a TS Designs T-Shirt with a ‘MUTTS Fan Club’ graphic, signed by Patrick McDonnell, alongside a close-up of the TS Designs ‘Clothing Facts’ label from 2004.
MUTTS and TS Designs
MUTTS has been a valued customer of TS Designs for the past 20 years. We even have a special garment dye color called “MUTTS Blue,” a nod to our long-standing collaboration. They appreciate our products for their quality, durability, and excellent fit. At TS Designs, we share their love for animal welfare and enjoy the MUTTS comics.
To celebrate this partnership, we invite you to visit MUTTS’ anniversary website, which features a history of the comic strip and stories from readers who have been inspired by the comics. Don’t forget to check out their PAWesome, sustainable merch, manufactured at TS Designs!
TS Designs manufactures the highest quality printed t-shirts in a domestic, transparent, and trackable supply chain. We work with brands who want to provide their customers with responsibly made clothing that positively impacts people and the planet.