Balto
Perhaps no other state has a history that relied as heavily on working dogs as has Alaska. A century ago, sled dogs were often the only means of transporting food, medicine, goods and news during the cold winter months. While sled dogs are no longer vital to the economy of Alaska, dog sledding is still a popular past time.
Above and beyond their place as working dogs, family companions and in traditional service occupations, dogs in Alaska serve in an ever-widening spectrum of therapeutic roles. The physical and emotional benefits to humans that come from relationships with dogs are now recognized and utilized by psychiatric facilities, assisted living centers, hospitals, schools and even prisons.
While historically Alaska has had a higher rate of dog bite injuries than many other parts of the country, the good new is that, consistent with a trend in many other parts of the country, dog bite-related injuries in the state have decreased considerably over the past 3 decades.
A tribute to Balto in New York City
National Canine Research Countil