Laika [1954-1957]

The pioneering mongrel/terrier wonderdog that was Russian Cosmonaut and canine Laika [1954-1957] who travelled aboard Sputnik 2, the first animal and female to orbit the Earth.  For more on the brief life of Laika and this fascinating yet heartbreaking moment in space exploration be sure to check out Lost In Space, Season One, Episode 13, One Of Our Dogs Is Missing.

Here is a snippet from the wonderfully influential film from my own childhood, My Life As A Dog [1985] by Swedish director Lasse Hallstrom [Abba music videos, What's Eating Gilbert Grape?, Cider House Rules, The Shiping News, and ironically Hachi: A Dog's Tale]. For whatever reason, this film really had an impact on me.  It's part of the Criterion Collection.  The film was also the first time I had ever heard of Laika.