26 Comments
User's avatar
Jim the Geek's avatar

From an old guy who has reached the age of invisibility, thank you for making Rusty cool.

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Plum's avatar

I absolutely love Rusty! He and Tabby are my favorites although I’ve gotten quite attached to the whole gang.

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John Boyd's avatar

This old guy seconds that thank you.

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UAO2's avatar

You and your comics are one of the few good things in life that I always look forward to. Cheers!🥂

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Robert Nash's avatar

I haven’t worked retail in 50 years and I love your cartoons. The little signs in the background are a nice touch.

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Kay-El's avatar

I enjoy your comics but you broke my heart that there’s no actual cat retreat. Actually, you broke my cat’s heart. :D

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Stephen Beals's avatar

We, as a society, can fix that.

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Debra Waldorf's avatar

Thank you for the weekly gift of your comics. The smiles and chuckles are life enhancing!

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Denise Heap (private)'s avatar

I think about you every time I go to my local Target (Hanover, Pennsylvania). Management must be exceptionally good. On Monday, people stood three deep in four staffed lanes, while self-checkout was empty.

Honestly? Gave me hope.

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Stephen Beals's avatar

A well run store is a beautiful thing.

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247kath's avatar

Omg I love Rusty. I think I’m getting close to “Too old to punch”😂🤣

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Just Start Creating!'s avatar

I lived your January comic this year. I turned to the guy standing close and said “Can I help you?”He said “They told me to stand behind you.” I said “You can stand behind me from further away.”

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Stephen Beals's avatar

I like your response better.

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DAVID's avatar

Happy New Year! Your comics always give me a chuckle.

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Darcy Fiona McNair's avatar

Thank you for sharing your wonderful comics! I've worked Customer Service most of my life, and I can relate to all of your work! Happy New Year 🙂

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Stephen Beals's avatar

A hardened soldier! I wish you happy customers who are regularly taking their meds.

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Lou's avatar

Happy New Year! Hoping for more Tabby in 2026.

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DW Davis's avatar

Seeing the results of the poll thus far when I voted - Sleeping was ahead with 54% - I'd love to know what the final numbers come out to.

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Willy from Philly ButNotReally's avatar

Wonderful look-back. I'm glad I stumbled on your substack. While I don't work retail any more, I do regularly deal with people, so many of these hit close to home. Thank you for bring laughs and good vibes into our lives and may 2026 be better than 2025.

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Diane Lee's avatar

Just love the July one! Tabby is indeed cool.

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Peter Gimpel's avatar

BS"D

Happy New Year to you, Stephehn Beals, and to your cast of thousands!

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martin.english@gmail.com's avatar

Happy New Year !!

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