#Balto the sled dog

[catpartyletsgo]

Balto the Sled Dog Hero

In 1925 a potentially deadly diphtheria epidemic was poised to sweep through the people of Nome, Alaska. The only serum that could stop the outbreak was in Anchorage, Alaska. With the one airplane they had frozen solid, officials decided their only choice was to use sled dogs to transport the antitoxin. It was COLD! The mushers were facing a blizzard with below freezing temperatures and insanely…

[marysmirages]

Northern Lights (2024)

Leonard Seppala's dog team, led by the dog Togo, carries anti-diphtheria serum across the frozen bay to disease-stricken town (Nome).

[mudwerks]

(via Scientists sequenced the genome of Balto, famous sled dog of 1925 “Serum Run” | Ars Technica)

In 1925, a sled dog named Balto led his plucky canine team on the last leg of a grueling 127-hour dogsled relay across Alaska to bring lifesaving medicine to the people of Nome—the famous "Serum Run." Balto was lionized for the feat, even inspiring a 1995 animated film and two sequels. Now scientists have sequenced the dog's genome for the first time and compared it to modern dog breeds, shedding light on why Balto and similar sled dogs from that period proved well-suited to thrive in the harsh winter environment.

It turns out Balto was just part Siberian husky, and, contrary to popular legend, he was not part wolf. The authors even used the sequenced genome to reconstruct Balto's physical appearance. These and other findings appear in a new paper published in the journal Science. It's one of several featured in a special issue reporting on results from the Zoonomia Project, an international collaboration to sequence and compare the genomes of 240 mammals in order to discover the genomic basis of traits essential for all animals, as well as changes that underlie the unique traits of individual species.

[animatejournal]

Balto Director: Simon Wells | Studio: Amblin USA, 1995

[diabloindigo]

Model sheets for character Nikki from Balto

[darkwood-sleddog]

To my malamute inclined brain I love the way the dog of the Balto statue looks, but I always think it doesn’t really look like Balto…

They make him a lot bulkier than he actually is (even though he’s kinda odd and broad for a sibe) which is why it has this malamute look to me I think. Even Balto isn’t free from being yassified in portraits.

[rabbitcruiser]

National Sled Dog Day

High-energy, furry athletes powering through snow and ice — a testament to teamwork and nature's endurance champs.

Running through snow all day, every day, pulling a sled that can weigh hundreds if not thousands of pounds—that’s a sled dog’s job. Don’t you think they might deserve a little recognition? February 2nd is the official holiday of the sled dog that we can safely say man would not have managed very well at all without.

The History of National Sled Dog Day

Sled dogs are thought to have evolved in the mountainous regions of Northern Asia over 35,000 years ago, but are thought to have started actually pulling sleds for people about 3,000 years ago, when hunting and fishing communities were forced to move further up north to Siberia. From there, they made their way to Lapland, Alaska, Canada and even Greenland. Historical references to actual dog harnesses far outdate the first European contact with the native peoples of Alaska and Canada.

In fact, it was the Alaskan gold rush that really got the American population interested in the use of sled dogs as a form of transportation, as most gold camps were only accessible by dogsled in the winter months. In fact, for a long while, dogsleds were the only relatively dependable way of transporting anything in the harsh Alaska and Yukon weather conditions, until airplanes finally took over in the 1930s. Dogsleds were also used to patrol western Alaska as late as World War II. After that, mushing became largely recreational. One of sled dogs’ most impressive achievements was the 1925 serum run from Nome to Nenana. With a diptheria threatening the lives of people in Nome and the serum needed being 1,100 kilometers (700 miles) away in the town of Nenana, hundreds of people may have died if not for the 20 dogsled teams that worked together to relay the serum to Nome. In the end, the serum reached Nome in only 6 days, saving the lives of many. Also, the first Arctic explorers were men with sled dogs.

How to celebrate National Sled Dog Day

Sled dogs are also celebrated for their role in polar expeditions, and a number of famous dog races are organised each year. National Sled Dog Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of the animals’ dedication to the human race. It can also be a time to raise money for dog charities taking care of homeless, or sick dogs, and those that have been cruelly abandoned by their owners. There are also numerous opportunities to volunteer at your local animal shelter to spend time with some of the dogs living there, play with them, or take them out for walks.

Dogs are generally social, friendly creatures that love physical activity and playing games, so even the smallest gesture on your part to celebrate National Sled Dog Day will definitely be greatly appreciated by a dog that has nothing to do but sit in a cage or pen all day, every day.

Who knows, maybe you’ll become friends and you’ll decide to adopt the dog? That would be the ultimate gesture of respect towards the sled dogs that sacrificed their health and sometimes their lives, for the good of men.

Organizations like PETA take the opportunity to point out how many dogs are being abused and mistreated in the world and encourage people to take action if they happen to witness any kind of abuse being perpetrated on man’s best friend.

PETA is also strongly opposed to the runs that take place in Alaska every year, saying they exhaust the animals for no good reason, and implore of Alaskan tourists not to patronize the Iditarod annual commemorative race, or any tourist attractions that include dogsled rides.

Source

[unibat]

Balto: “Steele, just leave him outta this!”

Steele: “Oh, Balto, I got a message for your mother.” (proceeds to howl)

I love this movie. :P

Today I was finally able to finish this piece. I got sidetracked and just ended up finishing this off instead.

Made in Sai/ Csp (8 hours)

[cannibalcoyote]

Balto's Sister Ch.3: Concerned

Ch.2 Ch.4

As I walk through the snow covered streets of the town I hear the paw steps of Steele as he follows behind me, still in a slight daze of what I revealed to him not too many seconds ago. Looking forward past where the buildings end and into the horizon, I see the place where Balto resides, and a feeling of guilt washed over me. I realize that Balto needs me right now, and even though I may be conflicted over what to do with my predicament, I need to be there for my brother.

I slowed down gradually to a halt, Steele looking up and stopping next to me, looking down at me slightly due to his taller stature, but I was happy to see annoyance wasn't his expression, instead his eyes glistened with curiosity as to why I stopped walking.

Looking down at my black paws coated in powdery snow I attempt to quickly find a way to tell Steele I need to check on my brother without angering him. I know he's supposed to be my enemy, but I rather enjoy his company, when it's just us since he acts much more civil and not like a brainless brute.

"What is it princess?" Steele's question rings sharp through the crisp, cold air of winter. My ears fold down slightly as I look up at Steele.

"I do enjoy your company Steele, and I hope that we continue to get along, but I should be on my way to check on Balto." I state hesitantly, my voice softer than normal.

His eyes show in jealousy, he features hardening slightly as he hears Balto's name.

"Why are you always hanging around that mongrel? Does he have something I don't!" He quickly voices, a growl emitting from his throat as he glares at me slightly, awaiting an answer.

"No, no, there's nothing like that going on between me and Balto, I'm just really good friends with him is all. I know you and him don't get along at all, but I really must be checking on him, a lot of things have happened to him today, and being the friend I am, I should be there for him!" I state in exasperation, not wanting to argue with Steele over this.

Steele still doesn't seem very happy, he's growling at me slightly. "Fine then! Go to your mongrel and comfort him, but remember Princess, you are mine." His tone lowers intimidatingly as his words are final, but me being me, I always challenge authority.

"You'll have to prove yourself worthy before I become yours, now if you don't mind, I have a friend to console." I state promptly, walking away, not forgetting to lightly trace my fluffy tail against his jaw as I leave.

I hear him growl slightly, not aggressively, but more in the sense of a purr, causing me to form a slight smirk.

———————

Once out of the town, I bound over to the boat where Balto and Borris have decided to be their residence. As I hop up to the deck seeing Balto and Borris conversing, Borris mopping the floor as Balto does most of the talking.

"Ah Luko how nice of you to finally arrive." Borris states sarcastically as he finally noticed my presence.

"Well you know me, I'm always fashionably late" I stated as I let out a slight crackle, gearing Balto slightly chuckle as well.

"We were talking about the bird migration." Balto states, a smirk withholding itself upon his face. I soon smirk as well, as I realize what he is hinting at. I decided to humor him, lifting my nose and sniffing the air lightly.

"Hmm, I smell herring." I smirk at Balto. Him smirking back.

"Say, it must be Muk and Luk." Balto voices as he walks over to Borris, a smile on his face as he watches the goose continue to mop. Borris begins to say something until a high pitch yell is heard.

"Uncle Borris!! Uncle Borris!!!"

"Oh no." Is all Borris says, holding the mop in his hands as if it will make him invisible.

I love these guys, but I really can't deal with Muk and Luk right now. My confusing conversation with Steele has my mind all jumbled up, and I really just want to rest.

I say my goodbyes to Borris and Balto before pouncing out of the boat, walking back to the town to find a place to sleep for the night.

———————

As I arrive in the town I notice immediately that the doctor is quite busy, but what really got my attention was Jenna. She was standing outside the building, concern etched into her facial features and body language as she helplessly looked through the window, even releasing a bark in the hopes of gaining the people's attention.

I slowly walk up to her, concern evident in my eyes.

"Jenna? What are you doing outside the hospital." I question, concern dripping from my words as I hope the answer isn't what I think it is. I am soon confirmed however when I see Rosie bounding out of the hospital to see Jenna, attempting to play and run around with her, but immediately having to stop to release a coughing fit of the sort.

Jenna looks concerned and nudges Rosie slightly in the hopes she'll be alright. Rosie's father soon rushes outside calling her name, ushering her back into the building and out of the cold snow.

Jenna and I didn't talk about it, but I understood now why she was looking into the building.

"Jenna, I'm going to go now, but if you want to talk about it or anything, just bark my name." I say slowly, Jenna only nodding in response as her eyes never leave the window. I let out a slight sigh before going to find a place to sleep, walking around the building in hopes of finding a place close to where I am.

I happen to be in luck, I forgot all about the boiler room here. It hasn't been locked yet, so I pick the dirt open slightly before shutting it to trap the warmth. I curl up on the opposite side of the room, blending in with the shadows, slowly allowing myself to drift away into a tense slumber.

Ch.2 Ch.4

[jaideepkhanduja]

The Serum Run of 1925: A Heroic Feat of Endurance and Determination

The winter of 1925 was one of the harshest on record in Alaska, with temperatures plunging to as low as -62°F (-52°C) and fierce winds whipping the snow into blizzards that could last for days. In the isolated town of Nome, a deadly epidemic of diphtheria was raging, threatening the lives of the entire population, especially the children. With no antitoxin available in Nome, a desperate race…

[riftwingdesigns]

More evidence that inbreeding / purebred dogs are bad:

New study reveals genes that powered the famous Balto the sled dog were not those of wolves, but diversity no longer in modern sled dogs. Comparing Balto's DNA to other dogs and mammals, researchers found the Siberian Husky's more diverse genes helped him survive the harsh journey better than his descendants would have.

[marysmirages]

Great Race of Mercy (Balto) 2023

The last part of the route in the Great Race of Mercy was covered by a dog sled led by Balto.

[teesummer75]

(via The More People I Meet The More I Love My Siberian Husky funny Design for dog lovers V-Neck T-Shirt by Teesummer75)

[world-of-advice]

[darkwood-sleddog]

Polygon actually just recently released a youtube video all about animal (mostly horse) animation that you might be interested in

I watched that the other day! A really good look at what I’m talking about re: movement and overall “vibes” of people just making the animal vs being passionate about it either from a story perspective or animal obsessive perspective!

[the1920sinpictures]

1925 Balto and his sled driver Gunnar Kasson at the unveiling of Central Park's Balto statue. (Balto, Gunnar and their sled dog team brought life-saving diptheria medicine across Alaska during an outbreak.) From New York City Images: 1850-1980, FB.