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Fifty years ago this Saturday, Laika -- a sweet-tempered stray plucked off the streets of Moscow -- was thrust into the global spotlight when she became the first living creature sent into space.
When Sputnik 2's canine passenger (nicknamed "Muttnik" by the media) hit orbit, the Soviet Union grabbed the edge over the U.S. in the space race, a crux of competition during the Cold War.
Sadly, Laika's history-making voyage ended prematurely: In their rush to be first, Soviet scientists had made no provisions for her safe return.
Sadly, Laika's history-making voyage ended prematurely: In their rush to be first, Soviet scientists had made no provisions for her safe return.
It was hardly "their rush to be first" that was responsible. Knowing Soviet history and the mindset, this is typical. They do not value life - be it animal or human. They had no intention of bringing Laika back. She was used - she was the means to an end.
Great link! Thanks for posting it! Like usual though, I noticed nothing was said about any "pit bulls"? There have been several amazing "pit bulls" throughout history, but I'm not sure if any of them have actually changed history, so I guess that's why none of them are on there? When I think of dogs and history I automatically think of the fact that the WWI Poster dog was a "pit bull", also, Staffordshire Terrier, Sergeant Stubby was decorated WWII war hero. He sought out wounded soldiers and caught enemy snipers. During the 20's, 40's and 50's the American Pit Bull Terrier was the number 1 family dog. The APBT is an American hero, it was once the quintessential icon of American family life. But, like I said, even though there have been many amazing "pit bulls" throughout history, I don't think any of them have actually changed history?
I belive there were 2 Laikas to go into space. Their names were Belka and Strelka. Being born and raised in Russia, i remember the story, it was taught in schools )
I didn't check the link, i can't get there from here, but i will from home
I belive there were 2 Laikas to go into space. Their names were Belka and Strelka. Being born and raised in Russia, i remember the story, it was taught in schools )
I didn't check the link, i can't get there from here, but i will from home
My husband's from Russia! Well, he was born in Lviv Ukraine, but he lived in Russia for a while as well. I was so excited to have his last name, Kozlov, when we got married! lol!
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Shows how greatly they were. 
Like usual though, I noticed nothing was said about any "pit bulls"? There have been several amazing "pit bulls" throughout history, but I'm not sure if any of them have actually changed history, so I guess that's why none of them are on there? 
When I think of dogs and history I automatically think of the fact that the WWI Poster dog was a "pit bull", also, Staffordshire Terrier, Sergeant Stubby was decorated WWII war hero. He sought out wounded soldiers and caught enemy snipers. During the 20's, 40's and 50's the American Pit Bull Terrier was the number 1 family dog. The APBT is an American hero, it was once the quintessential icon of American family life. 
