Even though we all know about Garfield’s views on pasta and Mondays, there’s a lot more going on that casual fans may not be aware of.

Like how he was the combination many of the cat’s creator Jim Davis owned while growing up. Or that he previously created a strip about a comical gnat, and when that didn’t catch on, he looked closer at the comics pages and decided there were too many dogs and not enough cats.

Even though Garfield always expects top billing, he can’t do it all without the help of a strong supporting cast, from chummy rats to deadpan veterinarians to a kitten that’s just too cute.

Meet Odie

Odie has been with Garfield since his first year. Longtime readers may remember that he came with Lyman, Jon’s original roommate, and then remained after Lyman’s departure.

However, in the book “Garfield: His 9 Lives” Jon brought him home years ago as a puppy as company for his kitten, Garfield.

Over the years, Odie has become more of a punching bag than a foil for Garfield, and always seems to bear the brunt of the cat’s indifference. But he always seems to have a good outlook, which we’re never sure is due to his low IQ or attitude.

In a 2006 interview with MovieWeb, Davis described Odie as being everything Garfield wasn’t. He was tall and skinny instead of short and round. He was happy not grouchy. He loved chasing balls while Garfield loved laziness. Garfield has conversations inside his head or chats with other animals while Odie mostly barks.

Want your own Odie?

Garfield doesn’t seem to be a specific breed, maybe a little calico. Likewise, no one is quite sure exactly what Odie is either, at least the print versions.

In a Sunday strip from August 2007, we see Garfield reading about dog breeds and rejecting bulldog, pointer, sheep dog, and basset hound, and finally deciding on a “purebred clown.” Odie seems to agree with this guess by honking his nose affirmatively.

Some online forums maintain he’s part beagle because of the big head and small nose, others say he’s a dachshund because of his slender body. This breed was used in the “Garfield” movies.