Dog Names Meaning Jovial

Odie is a fictional cartoon character featured in the comic strip, television series, and movies, 'Garfield.' He was created by Jim Davis. In many ways, he is the direct opposite of the grumpy, cynical fat Garfield. The jovial pooch's job in the story is often to lighten the load and even make Garfield smile. 

The yellow-haired Odie has upright brown ears a friendly face. His tongue is typically lolling to the side of his mouth, and he is always ready to give slobbering kisses. No matter how mean Garfield is to the dog, he continues to adore the orange cat.

When Jim Davis first created the cartoon, he called the dog, 'Spot.' Then Jim found that the name had been used in another cartoon series created by Mort Walker so he decided to change the dog's name to Odie. He picked the moniker based off a car dealership advertisement that had a village idiot named Odie. The name seemed perfect for the overly lovely and straightforward canine. 

Odie made his appearance in the Garfield strip on August 8, 1978. The date is considered his birthday by his many fans. The pooch was the pet of Jon Arbuckle's roommate Lyman. Lyman remained in the series for about five years, and then upon Lyman's departure, Jon kept Odie. 

Unlike every character in Garfield, Odie does not speak. He is just a typical housedog. Although Garfield considers Odie to be far less intelligent it the show often shows glimpses that Odie is not as dumb as he appears but is highly intelligent. The pooch often listens to classical music while reading the classic novel War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy. 

Odie is often treated poorly by Garfield who regularly kicks him off the table and abuses him verbally. Despite the cat's mean nature, Odie continues to be jovial and loyal. Even though Garfield is mean to the dog, he is also protective of him and stands up for him on numerous occasions. 

Undeniably, the relationship between the jovial Odie and the cynical Garfield is chemistry made in heaven. It is indeed what makes the entire cartoon a success. Fans regularly tune in to see what is going on between the cat and dog. It is one of the best representations of the friendly nature of the canine versus the often aloof demeanor of the feline. When the two personality types are combined, it forms a magical bond.