Born at the turn of the 20th century in France, he became an international star. Appearing in more than 25 Hollywood films, he was an immediate box-office sensation. As his popularity grew, so did profits at Warner Bros. Studios, which helped propel the now well-acclaimed Darryl F. Zanuck, from screenwriter to producer to executive!
She, was actually a he, who starred in seven Metro-Goldwyn-Meyer films from 1943 to 1951. He then toured the fair and rodeo circuit all across America. Using his trademarked name, his descendants were featured in a long-running television series. Not only that, but his “character” appeared in comic books, novels and other media, and still does today.
And his career, took a completely different path. While not in the entertainment business, his contribution had a huge impact on Americans. He rose quickly to fame when he led a team of sled dogs on the last leg of a run from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska in the winter of 1925 carrying a serum that would help prevent an epidemic. Saving the day and many lives in turn.
Such fine accomplishments for anyone, but maybe even more extraordinary as these achievements are not those of men, but rather of man’s best friends! Rescued from a battlefield by a WWI American soldier named Lee Duncan, Rin Tin Tin is still one of the most well-known dogs of all time. Duncan trained him and found work for him in silent films. This German Shepherd’s roles were not only good for the movies, but his fame was also responsible for families adopting this breed as pets.
Now the she, that was really a he, was a Collie that you may know as Lassie. A fictional female dog, Lassie was first featured in a short story by Eric Knight. Two years later, his story became a novel, and in 1943 it was made into a film by MGM studios called Lassie Come Home. Lassie whose real name was Pal was owned and trained by Rudd Weatherwax. In 1954, the TV series Lassie debuted and ran for almost two decades!
And the heroic canine who led the pack on a life-saving mission? That was Balto, an Alaskan Husky. When doctors realized a deadly diphtheria epidemic was knocking at the door of people in Nome, they knew the only antidote for this disease was a serum located in Anchorage. Flying was the best option for transport, but the only aircraft suitable was frozen. So, the diphtheria antitoxin was moved by train to Nenana, then sent via dog sleds to Nome. With the help of 20 mushers and teams, it was Gunnar Kaasen with Balto and team who handed off the serum intact. News coverage of this amazing feat was seen worldwide.
Since their domestication, some 25,000 years ago or thereabouts, dogs have played a variety of roles in our lives, communities, and country. Some provide services, like those working with military and police personnel. Others aid in search and rescue, are therapy and guide dogs, and some even help with disease detection. There are dog actors like Rin Tin Tin and Pal, aka Lassie. Sled dogs like Balto are still working today, but more so in sport. Then of course, there are our companion dogs. The ones who may not have performed magnificent feats, or are known the world over, but are nonetheless special to us.
From my journal: February 23, 2023, Newbury Park, California
“…walked in after lunch and little Kippers’ tail was wagging & he ran up to greet me…made me smile!”
Every year on August 26th National Dog Day is celebrated by dog owners and those who love them. Established in 2004 by Colleen Paige, the same Animal Welfare Advocate and Pet Lifestyle Expert who put National Pet Day on our calendars, this day is to honor our four-legged canine friends and all the roles they play in our lives. Whether providing us with entertainment, service, or friendship…life just wouldn’t be the same without them.
A Journal Journey 