That’s right. It’s a Pigs in Space joke.
Yesterday was the 50th anniversary of the launch of Sputnik 5. Aboard this spacecraft? Two dogs, named Belka and Strelka. The Soviet Union sent these pups (along an odd assortment of traveling companions including mice, rats and flies) into space. This motley (muttley?) crew survived the trip, and proved that living beings could endure space travel. The dogs became national heroes. (Other dogs weren’t so lucky. One of the most famous of these was named Laika.)
While the use of dogs (and other animals) in these sorts of situations is of questionable morality, I won’t delve into that here. (Although I admit, I have been pondering that issue ever since I read the story. Some of the background reading I did for this post just made me sad.)
Anyway, enough with the serious stuff… after all, it’s No Frown Friday. I’ve occasionally posted about space stuff before, but this time it’s all about the pups.
- Punny pet names? Of course. This week, I give you Neil Arf-strong and Fuzz Aldrin.
- I never saw that Space Buddies movie, but I have to admit that the canine stars were pretty cute in their spacesuits.
- Speaking of spacesuits, check out what real-life canine cosmonauts wore.
- Do you remember Snoopy’s stint as an astronaut? (If you’d like to read the week of strips illustrating Snoopy’s trips to the moon, start here.) Snoopy has served as a NASA mascot, and NASA even gives out a Silver Snoopy award. If you’d like to learn more about Snoopy in space, you can find more details and photos in this article.
An animated film about Belka and Strelka was released in Russia earlier this year. When it is released in the U.S., it will be called Space Dogs 3D. I was unable to find out much information about when it will be released or where you might be able to see it. In any event, here’s the trailer:
If you can’t find it in theaters, there’s always the eventual DVD release, right?
Anyway, I hope you and your canine cosmonaut have a weekend that’s out of this world! (I couldn’t resist.)
P.S. Don’t forget to donate to your local shelter or rescue group tomorrow in honor of International Homeless Animals Day.
