My favorite story from the Soviet space dog program is the time a dog that had been training for months mysteriously vanished just before launch, so the dog handlers just caught a stray, cleaned it up, and launched it into space and it was just fine. Korolev only noticed the change upon the dog's return. IIRC, the code name given to the dog after the fact was Backup Researcher Bobik.
Reading Gravity's Rainbow--the depiction of Russian soldier driving around looking for stray dogs reminds me of Pointsmen chasing dogs for his experiments. Given that the book is largely about the early rocket science that would eventually enable us to fly dogs into space it seems appropriate.
This is just brilliant. So informative and well written too. Thank you
My favorite story from the Soviet space dog program is the time a dog that had been training for months mysteriously vanished just before launch, so the dog handlers just caught a stray, cleaned it up, and launched it into space and it was just fine. Korolev only noticed the change upon the dog's return. IIRC, the code name given to the dog after the fact was Backup Researcher Bobik.
Peace is possible just let the dogs out!
Oh, Bailey, this is wonderful!
RIP Laika! What a huge unwitting sacrifice that was.
Reading Gravity's Rainbow--the depiction of Russian soldier driving around looking for stray dogs reminds me of Pointsmen chasing dogs for his experiments. Given that the book is largely about the early rocket science that would eventually enable us to fly dogs into space it seems appropriate.
Excellent read thanks.
I just enjoyed the hell out of this. Great piece. Sharing it.
have you read the Lost Pianos of Siberia? It's quite beautiful and the style may appeal to you.
I have not ! Will look it up
Bailey this whole post is delightful and amazing especially the fact that they were stray street dogs, and the wonderful names at the end.
So envious of your vodka decanter!
Pupniks!
I know. Good on JFK with the wordsmithing, right?
Where do I get my hands on a Belka and Strelka vodka décanter?!?!
You need a friend on the inside! Or... etsy?
😆😆😆 🐕🐕🍸🍸
Fun. Fun. Fun.
I love the "Doggie Détente' story and how the pups were beloved by the gardener.