Significant Pet Events of the 20th Century

The 20th century was a remarkable time for human achievement, and our furry friends were right there with us, making history in their own unique ways. From brave space explorers to heroic rescuers, let's take a look at four unforgettable pet events that marked the century. 

These tales of courage, loyalty, and intelligence among 20th century dogs and cats will warm your heart and remind you why we celebrate the love for our pets every day.

1. Togo: Nome Serum Run Dog (1925)

In 1925, the small town of Nome, Alaska, faced a deadly diphtheria outbreak. With the harsh winter making transportation nearly impossible, the only hope was to deliver the life-saving serum via a relay of sled dogs. Among these heroic dogs was Togo, a Siberian Husky who led his team through the most treacherous part of the journey.

Togo and his musher, Leonhard Seppala, covered over 260 miles in freezing -30 degree temperatures, battling blizzards and exhaustion to ensure the serum reached Nome quickly and safely. Togo’s story was even the inspiration for a Disney movie! Their incredible feat is a testament to the endurance and determination of sled dogs. 

2. Robot: The Archeological Canine (1940)

In 1940, a small dog named Robot made one of the most significant archeological discoveries of the 20th century. While exploring the countryside in Lascaux, France, Robot and his young owner stumbled upon a cave entrance. Inside, they found an astonishing array of prehistoric cave paintings that had remained hidden for thousands of years.

The Lascaux Cave paintings, dating back to around 17,000 years ago, include some of the best-preserved examples of Upper Paleolithic art. Robot's keen sense of adventure led to a discovery that has provided invaluable insights into early human history and culture.

3. Dog and Cat Heroes of World War I and II (1914-1945)

During World War I and II, dogs and cats played critical roles in various capacities. One of the most famous war dogs was Sergeant Stubby, an American pit bull mix who served in the trenches of World War I. Stubby participated in 17 battles, saved his regiment from gas attacks, and even captured a German spy, earning numerous medals for his bravery.

During World War II, in the heart of London during the Blitz, several remarkable dogs became heroes by locating people and animals trapped under debris after air raids. Rip, a stray, found over 100 victims, while Jet, a black German Shepherd, was credited with saving 150 lives. Their unwavering dedication and keen senses made a profound impact on rescue efforts during the war.

Cats also played their part in the war effort during World War II. Mourka, a cat from Stalingrad, was known for delivering messages between Soviet soldiers during the Battle of Stalingrad, navigating the dangerous war zone with remarkable agility. Pooli, a ship's cat born in Pearl Harbor, served aboard a U.S. Navy attack transport during the war. She survived numerous battles and was awarded three service ribbons and four battle stars. Another notable World War II cat, Bomber, was a British mascot who helped sniff out bombs and could tell the difference between German and British aircraft. 

4. First Dogs and Cat in Space (1957-1963)

The Space Race wasn't just a human endeavor; our four-legged companions also took part in these extraordinary journeys. The first notable pet astronaut was Laika, a Soviet space dog who became the first animal to orbit Earth in 1957. Although Laika's journey aboard Sputnik 2 was a one-way trip, her legacy paved the way for future space explorations.

In 1960, the Soviet Union launched two more brave canines, Strelka and Belka, aboard Sputnik 5. These courageous dogs (along with 42 mice, a gray rabbit, two rats, flies, and several plants and fungi!) were the first to travel to space and return safely, proving that living beings could survive the journey. Their successful mission was a significant milestone in space exploration and paved the way for humans to be able to go to space.

Not to be outdone, our feline friends also made their mark. In 1963, France sent Félicette, a black and white cat, into space. Nicknamed "Astrocat," Félicette became the only cat to have been to space, and she returned safely, contributing valuable data for space missions.

Conclusion

These incredible stories of 20th century pets remind us of the profound bond between humans and their pets. From space missions to wartime heroics and groundbreaking discoveries, our furry companions have played crucial roles in shaping history. 

At PugMug, we celebrate historical pet heroes with our 20th century-themed style pack. The style pack features custom pet art in five amazing styles, from 1960s hippies to the moon landing, allowing you to honor your pets with a touch of historical flair.

For more inspiring stories about what our canine friends can achieve, take a look at our blog post on 10 Amazing Career Paths for Dogs.