When asked which of his dog-themed comics stands out the most, Mark admitted he doesn’t have a single favorite but pointed to one that sparked a big response. “I don’t have a single favorite dog cartoon, but I’ll give a mention to a recent one—the dog in the dentist’s chair. That one really seemed to strike a chord and received a great reaction,” he shared.
We were also curious about what inspires Mark to include dogs in his work, and it turns out their personalities are simply irresistible. “I use a lot of dog humor in my work because dogs have so much personality, and they’re simply fun to draw,” he explained.
Interestingly, audiences react much the same way whether Mark draws cats or dogs. Both resonate deeply with pet lovers. “I usually get similar reactions whether I do dog or cat cartoons. Pet owners are generous in expressing their joy, and I think we all love humor about living with these little critters,” he said.
Finally, we asked what winning the prestigious “Cartoonist of the Year” award meant to him. Mark emphasized how meaningful it was to be recognized by his peers. “The NCS Reuben is the biggest honor I’ve ever received. It’s voted on by my peers, and that means everything to me. I don’t know if it will change anything for me professionally, but personally, I feel enormously grateful. Honestly, I don’t think I’d be here without the inspiration I get from dogs and cats,” he concluded.
