Odie Day is celebrated on August 8 every year. Odie is the famous fictional dog from the “Garfield” comics created by the iconic cartoonist Jim Davis. Odie has also appeared in two live-action features and three C.G.I. feature-length Garfield films. Interestingly, Odie is the only character to age in the “Garfield” cartoon universe. Odie is characterized as a gullible and naive dog, but he also happens to be very caring and loving. Garfield often takes advantage of Odie’s gullibility by playing pranks or simply making fun of him. Nevertheless, their friendship is cherished by both adults and children.
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.
Odie Day FAQs
How did Jon Arbuckle get Odie?
Odie first appeared in the strip on August 8, 1978. He was brought in by Lyman, Arbuckle’s friend and roommate, who disappeared in 1983.
What kind of dog is Odie?
Odie is a yellow-furred, brown-eared dog. In films, he is depicted as a wire-haired dachshund/terrier mix. He has a large tongue and slobbers in his appearances.
What cat breed is Garfield?
Garfield is a Persian Tabby.
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.
Odie Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | August 8 | Thursday |
| 2025 | August 8 | Friday |
| 2026 | August 8 | Saturday |
| 2027 | August 8 | Sunday |
| 2028 | August 8 | Tuesday |
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