A legislation designating the Seppala Siberian Sleddog as the official state dog of Maine has been enacted into law.
The legislation was approved by the Maine House of Representatives on April 10 and subsequently passed in the Maine Senate five days after that. The bill was enacted on Sunday, without the governor’s signature.
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The Seppala Siberian Sleddog is a lineage that traces back to Togo, one of the most renowned sled dogs in history.
Togo was under the ownership of renowned musher Leonhard Seppala, who had a crucial part in
the Great Serum Run
To transport crucial medicine to the Alaskan gold rush community of Nome over a century back.
In total, 20 teams of sled dogs completed the 674-mile trek, yet Togo, at 12 years old, emerged as the lead dog with the longest route, covering an impressive 264 miles during severe blizzards.
In just two years after that famous journey, Togo was taken to Maine by Seppala. He teamed up with Elizabeth Riker from Poland Spring to establish a nearby kennel. During the final four years of his life, Togo resided at the Ricker Kennel located in Poland Spring. It was here that he initiated what would become known as the Seppala Siberian Sleddog lineage.
Inside the small museum located within the Maine State Building in Poland Springs, Togo’s achievements are honored along with his later days spent in Maine. This was recognized in 2011.
Time Magazine
called Togo the most heroic creature of all time. Walt Disney Pictures put out
The movie “Togo” was released in 2019.
, featuring Willem Dafoe as Leonhard Seppala. Three years afterward,
A new statue was unveiled.
At the resort to commemorate Togo.
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The Seppala Siberian Sleddog is named Maine’s official state dog.
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