In this follow-up to my previous episode on World War dog heroes, we dive into another incredible story of canine courage — the epic 1925 Race of Mercy, the sled dog relay that saved the remote Alaskan town of Nome from a deadly diphtheria outbreak.

I’ll spotlight two of the most legendary sled dogs in history: Balto, the lead dog who carried the lifesaving serum into Nome on the final leg of the relay, and Togo, the often-unsung hero who covered the greatest distance and tackled the toughest conditions along the trail.

We’ll explore:

• What the Race of Mercy was and why it was one of the most extraordinary dog-led treks in history;

• How 20 mushers and about 150 sled dogs braved blizzards, sub-zero temperatures, and treacherous ice to deliver life-saving diphtheria serum across nearly 700 miles of Alaskan wilderness;

• The controversy over who deserves the title of true hero — Balto, whose final run made headlines and earned him lasting fame, or Togo, whose remarkable endurance and leadership under brutal conditions arguably saved the mission.

Whether you know Balto from statues and films, or you’ve heard recent champions of Togo’s legacy, this episode unpacks the myths, history, and heroism behind one of the greatest animal stories of all time.