Canine Companions, Part Two

Dogs are man’s best friend, and we can see that represented in all of our media, including cartoons and other animated shows and films! In fact, many cartoon dogs are iconic characters whom we remember more fondly than most human characters, and long after their shows were cancelled or otherwise ended. Here are five more of those wonderful canine companions that we still think of today when we think of famous dogs:

6. Mr. Peabody

Most dogs are represented as the intellectual inferior of their master, but not so with Mr. Peabody. A time traveler, a scientist, a historian, and a connoisseur of countless things, Mr. Peabody was our guide, as well as Sherman’s through a difficult time in life: all of human history!

7. Santa’s Little Helper

The new first family of animated television is, of course, the Simpsons. It may not seem new now, but keep in mind that the Flintstones and Jetsons reigned supreme long before them. At the foot of the throne lies Santa’s Little Helper, perpetually flea-ridden, eating things he definitely should not, and dumb as a rock – but still a faithful companion to Bart and the whole Simpsons family.

8. Brian Griffin

Brian is a Mr. Peabody-like interpretation of the dog as intelligent, self-aware, and with a life and desires of his own. Brian is very human in his behavior – in fact, he may be the most realistic person in the entire Griffin family.

9. Odie

Garfield is perhaps the most iconic animated cat in the world, as he embodies the cat ethos so well: eat, sleep, and leave him alone. Odie, on the other hand, embodies the dog ethos as well: lick, bark, and play! It’s not hard to see why the two just can’t seem to get along.

10. Charlie

This last one is a tearjerker. Charlie, of All Dogs Go to Heaven fame, was voiced by Burt Reynolds, and in his film he told us a tale of redemption and love that can’t help but make us think of those dogs whom have enriched our lives and then left us in their time.