Togo

I read it with Akiak by the same author, another lovely book about the bravery and skill of the sled dogs, beautifully illustrated and written, a true story. Another book to be kept for the grandchildrens library.

brilliant story and lovely picture of Togo so brave and such a shame he did not receive the credit he so rightly deserved

Such a GREAT book!!! Exceptionally well written and illustrated.

Here, a real Hero Dog has his story told. Togo was a brave dog. He ran the Serum Run when he was 12 years old and lost a toe in the process. He was retired to Connecticut and became the ancestor of almost every AKC-registered Siberian Husky in America today. For years his taxidermied remains were at Yale University. We can't forget Balto, either. Sepala thought Togo was his great dog, and that Balto was inferior stock, so he neutered him. Ballot's trainer had faith in him, though, and when he should have passed the serum off to Sepala and Togo, he passed them by. Balto did finish the run and deliver the serum. Here is where shame comes in. Sepala was angry, and eventually sold Balto. While Togo was retired to be a stud in Connecticut, poor Balto was used as a road-side attraction. He eventually ended his life at the Cleveland Zoo, where his Taxidermied remains are kept. Togo is a real dog hero, and did not bear Balto any ill-will (as was depicted in the Spielberg animated film), but the rivalry of the humans involved caused a lot of pain for an innocent animal. Ultimately, Balto became the more famous of these two hero dogs because his statue was erected in Central Park. More people need to know about Togo because his contributions were great, and he ran more of the Serum Run as a lead dog than any other dog, over terrain so rough he lost a toe, and he was 12-years-old, which is quite elderly as far as dogs go. Togo deserved his retirement in cushy, upperclass style and his status as progenitor of almost every AKC Siberian Husky alive today.

I so wanted to like this book! The illustration style was it's only saving grace. The story line was an utter disappointment!!! There was so much room on the pages to tell the reader what was going on & how harsh the conditions were & how dangerous things were! If I had not just finished "The Cruelest Miles" I would have just thought this way a little more than a walk in the park & children deserve way more than that! The book should make sure that the adult reading the book to their child know the subject matter , so they can explain what is going on. I would give the wrighting a one star at best considering how it should have covered to the reader how treacherous the terrain & how close to the fatal edge of dander they were. The reader could have learned so much more!! There was so much room for the text, I can't figure out why the author just couldn't enrich the readers mind with the lovely pictures.