11 of the bravest dogs in history
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Balto
Balto was the lead sled dog on the last leg of a famous, life-saving medical delivery to Nome, Alaska, in 1925. There was a serious outbreak of diphtheria in the city, and medical officials needed antitoxins to prevent the upper respiratory tract infection from spreading. The nearest doses were in Anchorage. Officials were forced to rely on dogsleds to deliver the antitoxins because the extreme cold made other modes of transport impossible. The run took seven days.
By the time Balto and his team were on the road with their cargo, sled driver Gunnar Kaasen (with Balto at left) could barely see in front of him and was forced to rely on the dogs to reach Nome without his direction. Balto was celebrated as a hero upon their arrival in Nome and later with a media tour. A statue was dedicated to him in Central Park in New York City.
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Comments
Absolutely, all the dogs and mushers in the historic serum run were heroes. However, Balto got the movie deals, but in alot of people's opinions, Togo was the real hero. http://www.baltostruestory.com/togo.htm
I wish I had a dog, but I can't. They're really sweet what they do for people, why can't everyone see that? Even though they might not all be heroes, they make people's lives better.
I always wondered what Balto actually looked like. What a handsome dog! His story makes me love dogs all the more.
What a great story and feature! I can't wait to show my kids all of these stories of exemplary behavior FROM A DOG! What great role models they are! If a dog can be great and be a hero - why can't we?! We are getting a dog soon and I will encourage Cooper (age 11) and Jackie (age 8) to look at these dog names as to whom to name it after. : )
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