The original next-day delivery service could be called The Furry Express, led by a team of courageous dogs. These four-legged dog heroes saved a town from certain doom despite a blizzard and risky conditions.
Dog Heroes Quest
The date was 1925 in Nome, Alaska. A catastrophic and deadly outbreak of diphtheria had hit the small town like an avalanche. As if that weren’t enough, a snow blizzard had closed the roads and grounded planes. Hope of delivering a miracle in the form of life-saving serum over the 674 treacherous miles and saving Nome’s existence rested on the paws of a relay team of sled dogs.
As preparations were made for what was later dubbed The Great Serum Run, over 150 sled dogs and 30 mushers were selected. The run took place over five horrific days. These dog teams and mushers faced whiteout blizzards, howling winds, and deadly subzero temperatures. It was an exhausting and frightening journey across Alaska to deliver the life-saving medication.
The Real Nome Dog Heroes Revealed
You may have heard of Balto, the brave Siberian Husky who guided The Great Serum sleigh on the final 55 miles of this life-saving journey. Balto arrived in Nome with frostbite, but was an immediate hero.
While Balto was the final sprinter of the race, Togo was the champion of the race’s marathon leg. Togo was a mix of Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute. He was a young 12-year-old when he ventured on this treacherous race. Togo led his team over 250 miles across what is largely considered the toughest leg of the race. He withstood whiteouts in the North Sound region of Alaska and even swam through frigid ice to save his team and musher.
Balto was showered with fame, movies, books, and even a statue in New York’s Central Park. But truly, the true heroes were Togo, the more than 150 dogs, and 30 mushers who ventured on this heroic journey. Balto and his team would never have crossed the last 55 miles were it not for the endurance of those who went before him. In the end, a town was saved thanks to a pack of dogs who never gave up despite the conditions.
🐾 Fun Dog Fact: In 2019, Disney gave Togo his just due in a movie named after him. A book and movie title Icebound documents the brave 1925 Great Serum Run. Togo now has his own statue in New York City’s Seward Park. Today, many consider Togo the greatest dog who ever lived.
Source: Wikipedia photo of the Balto statue in New York City Central Park
Source: By Eden, Janine, and Jim via Flickr. Togo statue in Seward Park, New York City.
As we give thanks this November, let’s add dog heroes to our list of blessings. Not just Balto, Togo, and all The Great Serum Run teams, but for your own dog as well. Who else would cross your family room in a heartbeat to shower you with love? I know I’m grateful for my dog, Henry.
