Garfield Arrives!....June 19th, 1978

Garfield....it seems to me has been around forever, made his debut in the comic strips on this date in 1978.
 Garfield was created b Jim Davis, the man from Indiana, and patterned the comic strip after his own personal farm life to the Garfield comic. Actually, Jon Arbuckle, the owner of Garfield, is a reflection of some of Jim Davis's life being raised on an Indiana farm. Jim Davis had a brother named "Doc Boy" and the farm he was raised on had approximately 25 cats.

 Garfield received national fanfare from the cartoon TV series, "Garfield and Friends", which lasted for almost 7 years (1988-1994).
 Garfield, the lazy orange tabby, became well-known for his selfish behavior, the fact he was overweight, and his love for Lasagna. He gained the attention of many...most likely because we saw many of our own behaviors being personified through Garfield.

 Garfield considered himself "more intelligent than other animals and human beings"and he had a particular "hate" for Mondays. In fact, many of Garfield's "bad-luck" episodes usually happened on....Monday.
 Garfield was named by Jim Davis in honor of his own grandfather, who had received his middle name "Garfield" in honor of President James A. Garfield from years past.

 Garfield was born in the kitchen of "Mamma Leoni's Italian Restaurant", and this resulted in Garfield's love for lasagna throughout his comic and TV episodes.
 When Garfield's owner came to a store to choose a pet, "Jim Arbuckle" was given 3 choices: a) an iguana b) a pet rock and c) Garfield. Thus began the life of this beloved cat and its owner.

 Garfield seemed to take particular enjoyment tormenting his owner Jim Arbuckle, and the family dog: "Odie"...who happened to be my favorite!

 Odie was the kind and affectionate dog, not necessarily the most intelligent, yellow-furred, brown-eyed beagle in the series.
 Actually, in one episode Garfield attempts to find out what type of dog Odie
really is with the help of a book, and after the research Garfield deducted Odie was a "purebred-clown".

 Odie is often seen with his tongue hanging out, slobbering a little as he approaches Garfield, and in the TV series his entrance is normally announced by the sound of a cavalry's bugle.
 Odie actually thought or spoke rarely, and he did not have a recurring voice bubble in the comic strip. Yet, with all that, Odie was considered a "normal" house dog.



Other Notes on Garfield:
1. Garfield enjoyed performing on the top of a wooden fence next to Jon's house...in the middle of the night. Usually Garfield was "booed" by the neighbors and often times various objects were thrown at him.
2. Garfield hated spiders, and would not chase mice (unless bribed to do so). He is often seen trying to catch and eat a bird, but with little or no success.
3. Garfield was seen more than once destroying Jon's curtains and his ferns. He was also notorious for creating havoc in the flowerbeds, both Jon's and his neighbors, Mrs. Feeny.
4. Garfield detests going to a vet, and usually would hide when he found out that is where Jon was taking him that particular day.
5. Garfield's voice was portrayed by Scott Beach (in early TV commercials), Lorenzo Music (1982-2000), Frank Welker (2007 to present), and Bill Murray (in both live action films).

 Garfield had numerous relatives including his girlfriend Arlene, his 1/2 brother Raoul, and Jarfield, his full brother.
 Garfield has made many laugh since the day he was created, and I think much of it is due to seeing our own selves in the life of Garfield at one time or another.
 Great Cat! Great Creation! Thank-you...Jim Davis!

 Scripture verses for "Garfield" and me to work on:

1. Philippians 2:3 (Messenger): " Put yourselves to the side, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourself long enough to lend a helping hand."

2. Galatians 5:26 (Contemporary English): " Don't be conceited or make others jealous by claiming to be better than they are."