Assemblyman Andy Goodell (R,C–Chautauqua) recently joined friends and neighbors to celebrate the birthday of local cartoonist Brad Anderson, the creator of the Marmaduke cartoon series. Mr. Anderson has shared the adventures of America's most lovable Great Dane with readers for nearly six decades. The cartoon series revolves around the Winslow family and their lovable Great Dane, Marmaduke.

It is ironic that a local Swede would become so famous with a cartoon about a “Great Dane,” noted Mr. Goodell. Both Mr. Anderson and Mr. Goodell share a Swedish heritage.

“It is only appropriate that in these ‘dog days’ of summer that we should honor the creator of Marmaduke,” said Goodell. “While other cartoons over the years may have been controversial, no one ever had a ‘bone’ to pick with Marmaduke. Instead, everyone thinks that Marmaduke is ‘doggone’ funny.”

Some of Marmaduke’s best lessons include a leash is a strap that attaches to your collar, enabling you to lead your person where you want him/her to go; a wastebasket is a dog toy filled with paper, envelopes and old candy wrappers. It is important to evenly distribute its contents throughout the house before your person comes home; and, of course, that love is a feeling of intense affection, given freely and without restriction. The best way you can show your love is to wag your tail. If you're lucky, a human will love you in return.”

“The last one sums it up. We all love Marmaduke. Thank you Brad for giving us all this amazing gift of laughter and love,” concluded Goodell.

Anderson won the National Cartoonists Society's Reuben Award for Newspaper Panel Cartoon in 1978, and was honored with the George Arents Pioneer Medal for Syracuse University alumni in 1999.

The series now runs daily in newspapers in more than 20 countries.

For more information on this event or any other community issue, please contact Assemblyman Goodell’s office at 716-664-7773.