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When it comes to fictional cat fans, Garfield has always been the meowing cat. The famous pigtail is even celebrated on its own special day – Garfield Cat’s Day, which is celebrated on June 19. But, like the old saying goes, “every dog has its day. “, including Odie! Odie is celebrated with its own pet holiday: Odie Day.
To mark National Odie Day, we found out some interesting facts about Garfield’s friend!
When is Odie Day?
Each year his loyal fans mark his birthday on August 8, the anniversary of his debut in Jim Davis’ iconic comic book series.
What kind of dog is Odie?
According to him Garfield creator Jim Davis, Odie is a Terrier/Wirehaired Dachshund.
What was Odie’s original name?
Did you know that Jim Davis’ dog character is not named Odie but Spot? After finding out that the name Spot was taken by a dog in the comic Boner’s Ark (created by cartoonist Mort Walker of the famous Beetle Bailey), Davis chose the name he gave a character (Odie the Village Idiot) in a car dealership advertisement he wrote.
Who was the original owner of Odie?
Who were Odie’s original pet parents? When the comic book dog first appeared in Garfield, he was Lyman’s barking friend, the roommate of Jon Arbuckle, animator and Garfield’s pet parent. Odie became Jon’s deskmates when the Lyman character was discontinued in 1983.
A four-legged friend on two legs
Although Odie entered the comics on four legs, the dog was drawn primarily on two legs starting in October 1997.
Live Action Odie
Although the cat is famously computer-animated, Odie has been portrayed by real dogs in both Garfield: The Movie and Garfield: A Tale of Two Kittieswith Dachshunds Chloe and Tyler taking on the role.
Odie helps homeless dogs and cats
In 2016 Odie and Garfield promoted the pet adoption option in both print ads and public service ads for The ShelterPetProject.org.
A joint effort between Maddie’s Fund, The Ad Council and The Humane Society of the United States, The Shelter Pet Project was launched in 2009 to help 2.4 million dogs, cats, puppies and kittens find themselves. in the shelter system each year.
Odie’s sculpture
Over the years, cartoonist Jim Davis not only captured the attention of fans with the cute caper buds of a satirical kitten and his dog companion, he also helped brighten up his home state of Indiana.
Garfield devotees have the chance to tour some of the lasagna-loving cat sculptures along Garfield Trailruns from Fairmount to Upland, Indiana.
Although not part of the Grant County Garfield Trail due to its location, admirers of Jim Davis’ work on the creation of dogs can visit the Indiana Farmers’ Arena in Indianapolis, which is not just leopard. spots but also statues of both Garfield and Odie.
Other famous fictional dogs with pet vacations of their own
Odie isn’t the only imaginary dog to be rewarded on his own special day!
Just two days after the annual homage to Jim Davis’ beloved drawn dog, comic book lovers can celebrate Snoopy’s birthday.
On September 13, fans of the classic Saturday morning cartoon marked the debut of Scooby-Doo!
For dog lovers who want to pay tribute to literature’s most loyal four-legged friend, on the last Saturday in September, the town of Mason, Texas (author Fred Gipson’s hometown) hosts a performance. annual positive for Old Yeller.
Learn more about Garfield
If you want to learn more about Jim Davis and his comic books, visit the Fairmount Museum of History in Fairmount, Indiana, which features Garfield memorabilia.
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