Are Santa’s “reindeer” really Service Dogs?

Santa sleigh dogs-1Have you ever considered the possibility that Santa’s sleigh is actually pulled by . . . service dogs? It makes sense, doesn’t it? After all, what greater service than to help Santa deliver presents to children all over the world!

But, you say, all the cards and cups and ornaments and every other conceivable thing showing Santa in his sleigh always picture him sitting in his chariot flying through the skies with reindeer! But, ask yourself: Who has ever really seen reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh? And doesn’t it make more sense that he would rely on dogs?

Consider the following:

Sled dogs are exceptional for several reasons: They are faster than horses, able to run at up to 12 mph for hundreds of miles and at over 20 mph for shorter periods; they can pull about twice as much weight as horses, pound for pound; they can eat meat readily found in winter, while horses require grains and hay.

Well, you say, that’s horses–not reindeer. It’s true reindeer are faster than horses and stronger, but they are also a lot harder to train than dogs and, frankly, they’re not known for their steadfast loyalty. Ask the people who rely on them for their work and sustenance. They’ll tell you their dogs are happy to help them; the reindeer . . . not so much.

Walt Disney not withstanding (although, “Rudolph,” with his red nose, is pretty darn adorable), there is documented history regarding sled dogs giving the greatest gift of all: Life.

Alaskan Malamute Sled Dogs

Alaskan Malamute Sled Dogs

In 1925, sled dog teams played a crucial role in averting a diphtheria outbreak on the verge of becoming an epidemic. The disease was spreading among the children in the town of Nome, Alaska. Unfortunately, the nearest serum was in Anchorage, nearly 1,200 miles away. Planes could not be used because of the weather and boats could not get into the seaports that were completely iced over.

balto-l

Balto’s Statue in Central Park

Their only hope lay with the possibility of using a relay system of dog teams. Twenty volunteer mushers and their dogs transported the serum to Nome in less than six days—preventing the epidemic and saving hundreds of lives. A statue of Balto, the dog that carried the serum at the end of the chain, stands in Central Park in New York City.

The story of the diphtheria epidemic in Nome was so extraordinary and heroic, it is now commemorated with the longest dog sled race in the world: the Iditarod. It starts on the first Saturday in March every year in Anchorage, Alaska and ends about 1,200 miles away in Nome.

We know and love Santa as someone who brings gifts. That day, in 1925, as the world held its breath, 20 amazing people each became a Santa Claus, overcoming unimaginably harsh, zub-zero temperatures in blizzard-blinding conditions. Yet, despite the odds, they made it because of the stamina, willingness and bravery of the dogs who pulled their sleighs.

Can there be any greater gift than to save lives? Without the serum hundreds of children would have died.  That serum was the town’s only hope–and the dogs delivered it.

May your gifts be just as big and bright and wonderful.

Happy Holidayssatna sleigh dogs-2

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