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- Special Interest
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- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every August 8
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- 🐶
Odie Day celebrates the iconic, lovable canine companion from Jim Davis’s ‘Garfield’ comics every August 8. Known for his gullibility and endless affection, Odie brings joy to millions of fans worldwide. Join in the fun by re-reading classic strips, watching animated specials, or sharing your favorite Odie moments online.
Want to sponsor Odie Day? Learn how
Expected Odie Day Deals
While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that pet supply stores, comic book shops, and entertainment retailers often run special deals for pop culture pet holidays. Look for discounts on ‘Garfield’ merchandise, including plush toys and comic collections, at stores like Barnes & Noble and Target. Pet food brands such as Purina or Blue Buffalo might offer promotions on dog treats and toys. Streaming services like Paramount+ (home of ‘The Garfield Show’) could feature special bundles or free access to Odie-centric episodes. Keep an eye on independent comic shops and online retailers like Amazon for unique collectibles. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as August 8 approaches.
Platform Guide for Odie Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #OdieDay. Share photos of your own goofy canine companions, favorite Odie merchandise, or fan art inspired by the beloved cartoon dog.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #OdieDay. Film a short video recreating a classic Odie moment, showcasing your dog’s silliest tricks, or unboxing new ‘Garfield’ collectibles.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #OdieDay. Tweet your favorite Odie quotes, comic strips, or discuss why Odie is the best cartoon dog with fellow fans.
Odie Day Hero
Jim Davis
History of Odie Day
Odie Day celebrates the cartoon character, Odie. This day marks the first time that the pooch appeared in the comic strip “Garfield” in 1978. The day is also celebrated as Odie’s birthday. Odie was brought to live with Jon Arbuckle and his cat, Garfield, by Arbuckle’s new roommate, Lyman. Lyman was eventually dropped from the comics, and Odie became Arbuckle’s dog. Following the success of the comic strip, Odie also appeared in two television series and several Garfield movies.
Odie is a wirehaired dachshund-terrier mix, who was originally going to be named Spot. Creator Jim Davis had to change the name upon finding out that a dog named Spot already existed in another comic strip. Odie is best known for having a very long tongue and for not being very smart. He is friends with Garfield and often a victim of Garfield’s silly pranks and antics. Odie rarely speaks or is seen with thought bubbles, and if he is seen saying or thinking something, it is denoted with simple phrases. Every once in a while he is portrayed as being smart, such as the time he read War and Peace in a smoking jacket while listening to Mozart, or the time he locked Arbuckle and Garfield out of the car on a camping trip, ate all the snacks, and listened to music while they stood outside in the rain. The holiday aims to celebrate the famous dog and introduce a new generation of readers to Garfield and Odie’s (mis)adventures.
Odie Day timeline
The comic strip was initially known as “Jon.”
The weekly “Garfield” comic strip launches on June 25.
“Garfield” appears in 2,570 newspapers with 263 million readers worldwide.
“Garfield: The Movie” is released in theaters.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Odie Day
Local businesses can tap into the fun of Odie Day by offering pet-friendly promotions or ‘Garfield’-themed specials. Pet stores could host an ‘Odie Look-Alike’ contest for dogs or offer discounts on yellow dog toys and treats, perhaps even partnering with a local animal shelter for an adoption event. Comic book shops can highlight ‘Garfield’ graphic novels and merchandise, creating a special display featuring Odie’s memorable moments. Cafes might introduce a ‘Slobbering Sundae’ for human customers, playing on Odie’s affectionate nature, or offer a discount to patrons who bring their dogs along.
Odie Day FAQs
When is Odie Day?
Odie Day 2026 is celebrated on Saturday, August 8, marking the anniversary of the beloved cartoon dog’s first appearance in the ‘Garfield’ comic strip.
When did Odie first appear?
Odie made his debut in Jim Davis’s ‘Garfield’ comic strip on August 8, 1978. He was originally owned by Jon Arbuckle’s friend Lyman before becoming Jon’s pet.
What kind of dog is Odie?
Odie’s breed is never explicitly stated in the ‘Garfield’ comics, adding to his universal appeal as a lovable, generic dog. He embodies the spirit of a happy-go-lucky mutt.
Is Odie the only character to age in Garfield?
Yes, interestingly, Odie is the only character in the ‘Garfield’ cartoon universe who has been shown to age. This unique trait sets him apart from the perpetually unchanging Garfield and Jon.
How To Celebrate Odie Day
Read the comic strip
So many of us have fond memories associated with reading the Garfield comic strip. Bring out old newspapers and magazines, and flip through the pages on Odie Day.
Watch a Garfield movie
Watching Garfield T.V. shows, primetime specials, and movies are also a great way to celebrate Odie Day. Pick your favorite title and settle in for hours of fun and laughter.
Treat your dog
Have your very own Odie at home? Treat your dog to a new collar or take them out for a run. Odie Day means hugging your dog extra tight today!
5 Facts About “Garfield” That Will Blow Your Mind
It is set in Jim Davis’ hometown
“Garfield” is set in Muncie, Indiana, Davis’ hometown.
He is named after the creator’s grandfather
Garfield is named after Davis’ grandfather, James A. Garfield Davis.
“Garfield” has a different name in three countries
In Norway, Sweden, and Finland, “Garfield” is known by a different name.
Jon Arbuckle is also a cartoonist
In the very first strip, Arbuckle was shown working as a cartoonist.
The merchandise is a moneymaker
Davis earns up to one billion dollars annually through merchandise alone.
Why We Love Odie Day
It reminds us of our childhood
Many of us remember reading “Garfield” with our friends when we were kids. Odie Day reminds us of those wonderful days of our childhood.
We love Odie
Just like Garfield and Arbuckle, Odie is an indispensable part of the “Garfield” universe. He makes us laugh with his silly antics and adorable goof-ups and that’s why we love Odie Day.
It celebrates one of the most popular comic strips ever
“Garfield” is the world’s most-read syndicated comic strip. Odie Day also celebrates this remarkable feat achieved by its creator, Jim Davis.
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