Cartoonist Patrick McDonnell’s syndicated comic strip Mutts has had a special place in the hearts and minds of millions of readers over the years, with fans becoming deeply invested in and entertained by the exploits of Mooch the cat and Earl the dog and what fun and mischief they find. Another member of that lovable cast of characters is Guard Dog, who has long hoped for freedom from being chained by his cruel owner. Both sad and cautionary, the story of Guard Dog is tragic and has raised awareness about animal cruelty over the decades.
However, Guard Dog finally has his well-deserved freedom, as seen in Breaking the Chain: The Guard Dog Story, out now from Abrams ComicArts. Coinciding with today’s 30th anniversary of Mutts, Breaking the Chain focuses on the beloved Guard Dog, the cruelty has endured over the years, and the joyous triumph of finally earning the freedom the Goodest Boy always deserved. Having read the book, it’s certain to make you laugh, make you smile, make you cheer, make you tear up, and bring you hope.
That’s why we are proud that Abrams ComicsArt has allowed FreakSugar to publish an exclusive excerpt from McDonnell’s introduction to the book. Do yourself a kindness today and read the pages below and then buy the book for yourself.
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Breaking the Chain: The Guard Dog Story is on sale now from Abrams ComicArts.
From the official press release:
For three decades, the multi-talented, internationally bestselling cartoonist and writer Patrick McDonnell has entertained readers around the world with his beloved syndicated comic strip Mutts. The adventures of Mooch, the curious cat, and Earl, the ever-trusting dog, have drawn praise from the likes of Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz, The Simpsons creator Matt Groening, and Jane Goodall. In 1995, McDonnell introduced a new character in Mutts: Guard Dog, a chained dog longing for his freedom.
Now, this September, Abrams ComicsArts will publish Breaking the Chain: The Guard Dog Story, a celebration and history of Guard Dog with a full color version of his newsworthy story of long awaited freedom that captivated readers around the world. Over the years Guard Dog, one of the strip’s most beloved characters, has played an important role in raising awareness about the cruelty of tethering and has inspired countless readers to become involved in animal welfare.
Breaking the Chain: The Guard Dog Story begins when Guard Dog is abandoned by his owner, left alone and suffering. But he’s soon discovered by his animal friends Mooch and Earl, and Doozy, a kindly neighborhood girl, who work together to rescue their friend.
“This wasn’t a villain; this was a tragic character,” says McDonnell in his introduction to Breaking the Chain: The Guard Dog Story. “I thought of all the real dogs in this country and around the world who suffer the same unbearable fate. Maybe my dog could be their voice. He could represent the cruelty that animals endure at the hands of humans, and the cruelty we inflict upon ourselves by staying chained to our own unconscious ways of thinking.”
Brought to life with Patrick McDonnell’s warm and intimate art, and featuring the complete story, now in color for the first time, Breaking the Chain is an emotionally resonant vignette whose grounding in the real-life animal neglect issues that affect millions of chained dogs worldwide will move both long-time Mutts fans and first-time readers. The book features an introduction from Rob Thomas, the award-winning singer/songwriter and co-founder with Marisol Thomas of Sidewalk Angels Foundation.