In the harsh winter of 1925, the remote Alaskan town of Nome faced a terrifying epidemic of diphtheria. With its port frozen and no other means of access, the town’s only hope lay in a perilous journey across the Iditarod Trail. While Balto is often celebrated, it was the remarkable Siberian Husky, Togo, who truly led the charge, enduring the most treacherous leg of the mission to deliver life-saving antitoxin.
The Diphtheria Epidemic in Nome
Nome, a town situated just two degrees south of the Arctic Circle, was home to a mixed population of Alaskan Natives and European settlers. Between November and July, the Bering Sea’s icebound conditions made steamship access impossible, leaving the 938-mile Iditarod Trail as the sole connection to the outside world. Months before the onset of winter, Dr. Curtis Welch, Nome’s only physician, had ordered a new supply of diphtheria antitoxin. However, the existing stock at the Maynard Columbus Hospital had expired, and the crucial shipment never arrived before the winter closure.
As the last ship departed, Dr. Welch began treating children for what he initially suspected was tonsillitis. Within weeks, the number of cases grew, and tragically, four children died. Dr. Welch’s concern mounted as he realized the potential for a diphtheria outbreak. By mid-January, his fears were confirmed with the first official diagnosis in a three-year-old boy, who succumbed to the illness two weeks after the initial symptoms appeared. The very next day, a seven-year-old girl also died. Facing an imminent epidemic, Dr. Welch convened an emergency meeting with Mayor George Maynard. A quarantine was swiftly implemented, but by the end of the month, over 20 cases were confirmed, with at least 50 more individuals at risk. Without antitoxin, the mortality rate was feared to be nearly 100 percent.
The Race Against Time: A Relay of Sled Dogs
With air and sea travel impossible, the townspeople made the unanimous decision to utilize multiple sled dog teams to transport the vital medicine across the treacherous terrain. While Balto is often credited with the success of this mission, it was Togo, a courageous Siberian Husky, who guided his team through the most perilous section of the journey.
Togo’s Incredible Journey
Named in honor of Japanese Admiral Heihachiro Togo, Togo was the lead sled dog for Leonhard Seppala, a renowned Norwegian breeder and racer of Siberian Huskies. Descended from the Chukchi Inuit stock of Siberia, Togo was a striking dog with dark brown fur marked with cream, black, and grey. He possessed ice-blue eyes and, as an adult, weighed approximately 48 pounds.
Togo’s early life was not without challenges. As a puppy, he suffered from a painful throat disorder, which initially led Seppala to lose interest in him. He was even given up for adoption. However, Togo’s strong bond with Seppala and his teams was undeniable; he later escaped his adoptee’s home by jumping through a window. As a young dog, Togo was known for his mischievous nature, often harassing Seppala’s established teams. To manage his energy, Seppala initially placed Togo in a wheel position, directly in front of the sled. During a journey to transport a miner to Dime Creek, Seppala gradually moved Togo up the line until he was sharing the lead position with Russky, the established lead dog. Remarkably, on his first day in harness, Togo covered over 75 miles, an extraordinary feat for an inexperienced young sled dog.
By the time Togo led his team over 261 miles during the Great Race of Mercy to deliver the diphtheria antitoxin, he was 12 years old. While Balto is remembered for his part in the relay, those familiar with the full story recognize Balto as the backup dog. Balto’s run covered 55 miles, a significant contribution, but Togo’s leg was the longest and fraught with the greatest danger.
Togo’s Legacy
Togo eventually retired to Poland Spring, Maine, where he passed away at the age of 16. Following his death, Seppala had Togo’s remains professionally mounted. This mounted skin was initially displayed at the Shelbourne Museum in Vermont. Today, after a campaign by Alaskan students, Togo’s mounted skin is proudly displayed at the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Headquarters museum in Wasilla, Alaska, a fitting tribute to his bravery. The Peabody Museum of Natural History at Yale University also houses his skeletal remains.
In 1960, Seppala reflected on Togo’s character, stating, “I never had a better dog than Togo. His stamina, loyalty and intelligence could not be improved upon. Togo was the best dog that ever traveled the Alaska trail.” Despite a troublesome start, Togo’s unwavering courage and strength undoubtedly saved the lives of thousands, solidifying his place as a true American hero.
References
- The story of the 1925 serum run to Nome. Iditarod. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14, 2026, from https://iditarod.com/about/history/serum-run/
