Solidifying the breed’s legacy in Maine’s history in 2025 - the year of the Centennial Celebration of the Great Race of Mercy
Seppala and Togo circa 1929 - Photo Courtesy of Poland Spring Preservation Society
POLAND SPRING, MAINE: (May 15, 2025) – Poland Spring Resort celebrates the Seppala Siberian Sleddog official designation as the official state dog of Maine. The legislation passed in both the House and Senate and became law, without the governor's signature, on April 27, 2025. This recognition highlights the breed’s historical significance, particularly its connection to Maine and the legacy of the legendary sled dog, Togo.
The Seppala Siberian Sleddog is renowned for its vital role in delivering life-saving medicine to Nome, Alaska, during the 1925 diphtheria outbreak. Togo, the lead dog of Leonhard Seppala’s team, played a crucial role in this heroic mission. Togo spent his final years at Poland Spring Resort, solidifying the breed’s connection to Maine. Togo's descendants, the Seppala Siberians Sleddogs, are known for their strength, resilience, hard work and courage, and for their deeply intertwined history with Maine.
The Poland Spring Preservation Society, Poland Spring Resort and Poland Spring Kennel collaborated with David Boyer from the Maine House of Representatives, representing Mechanic Falls and parts of Poland, introducing LD 80, “An Act to Designate the Seppala Siberian Sleddog as the Maine State Dog” after the vote, David said, “I am thankful for the support of my colleagues in the Maine House and Senate backing this bill. The Seppala Siberian Sleddog is a remarkable breed that embodies the finest qualities of Mainers - hard work, self-sacrifice, perseverance. The inspiring story of Togo deserves recognition, and thankfully Maine Students will have the opportunity to learn about the history of our State Dog”.
Celebrating the achievement of the Seppala Siberian Sleddog designation as the Official Maine State Dog, Cyndi Robbins, Innkeeper of Poland Spring Resort and Vice President of the Board of Poland Spring Preservation Society said, “I am elated with the news.” Cyndi went on to share, “Over Fifty years ago, my husband Mel Robbins shared the story of Togo with me. It is fulfilling to honor Mel, who is no longer with us, by seeing LD 80 through with David Boyer and Jonathan Hayes making Togo’s breed, the Seppala Siberian Sleddog, the Official Maine State Dog. Mel would be proud to know we will continue to share the history of Togo with all Mainers and our state guests.”
Cyndi went on to say that, “Poland Spring Resort is proud to have been the home of Togo, a true hero, and we are proud to hold his enduring legacy and to help recognize this remarkable breed.”
Cyndi also noted that when she spoke in Augusta, on behalf of LD 80, “Sawyer” was by her side and greeted the legislature at the hearings. Sawyer is a direct descendent of Togo whom Cyndi adopted after his days as a sled dog with Jonathan Hayes. Sawyer, like Togo, is spending his days of retirement at Poland Spring Resort.
VISIT TOGO STATUE AT POLAND SPRING RESORT
In 2022, the efforts of Cyndi Robbins and the Poland Spring Preservation Society to memorialize Togo, and to continue to share the history of Togo, were solidified with a bronze statue of Togo erected in front of the Maine State Building at Poland Spring Resort. Many community members and supporters contributed, including sculptor David Smus, who meticulously researched Togo for the statue. notable supporters include Jonathan Hayes, Roopers Beverage and Baxter Brewing.
Today, everyone is invited to visit the Togo Statue at Poland Spring Resort. In fact, this year, DownEast Magazine has featured the Togo Statue, as a landmark to visit and take a selfie with, in it’s “The Great Maine Scavenger Hunt”.
THE STORYBOOK TRAIL
On Heritage Day in 2022, The Poland Recreation Department, the museums of Poland Spring Preservation Society, Poland Spring Resort and Poland Spring Water, officially opened the Togo Storybook Trail. The trail begins at the Poland Spring Bottling Museum, and ends at the Togo Statue in front of the Maine State Building. People of all ages will enjoy this walk while learning the history of Togo. The Storybook Trail at Poland Spring is open to everyone to get to know the story of Togo and his importance within the community, our state and beyond.
SEPPALA ROLE IN THE “GREAT RACE OF MERCY” OF 1925
A diphtheria outbreak struck Seppala's town of Nome, Alaska in the winter of 1925. Previously unexposed children as well as adults were at risk of dying from the infection. Seppala's only child —an eight-year-old daughter named Sigrid—was also at risk. The only treatment available in 1925 was diphtheria antitoxin serum.
The town's antitoxin supply for a diphtheria outbreak was insufficient and expired, risking a mortality rate of 75% to 99.99%. To deliver more serum during a harsh winter, dog sled teams were organized. Seppala, with his lead dog Togo, was selected to traverse the treacherous 400-mile route from Nome to Nulato, including a risky shortcut across Norton Sound, known for dangerous ice conditions and severe winds.
Starting on January 28, Seppala crossed Norton Sound safely, while diphtheria cases in Nome escalated. Additional mushers joined the relay, but Seppala was unaware of the change in meeting plans. After 170 miles, he encountered relay musher Henry Ivanoff, who passed the serum to him. Faced with an approaching storm, Seppala decided to cross Norton Sound again in the dark, risking dangerous conditions to expedite the serum delivery. He reached the roadhouse at Isaac's Point after covering 84 miles against fierce winds, with his dogs exhausted but needing to continue shortly after resting.
The following day, a severe blizzard with 65 mph winds struck as Seppala and his team traversed Norton Sound, facing dangerous icy conditions. After crossing the Sound, they climbed an 8-mile ridge to reach Golovin, despite the dogs being exhausted from their 260-mile trek over 4.5 days. At 3 P.M., they delivered the serum, which was then only 78 miles from Nome. It arrived on February 2 at 5:30 A.M. and was ready for use by 11 A.M. This emergency delivery, known as the "Great Race of Mercy," is honored each year during the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
Togo was the lead sled dog of Leonhard Seppala, a Norwegian breeder and racer of Siberian Huskies. Initially a troublesome puppy with a strong bond to Seppala, Togo demonstrated remarkable endurance, running over 75 miles on his first day in harness. He gained fame for his crucial role in delivering diphtheria serum across Alaskan wilderness, becoming known as the “hero of a thousand frozen trails.” Although overshadowed by another dog, Balto, Togo's contributions have been recognized over time, including his ranking as one of the Top 10 Heroic Animals by Time magazine. He has been featured in media, including a 2019 Disney movie, and is remembered for his extraordinary achievements and loyalty to Seppala.
Togo’s connection to Poland Springs began after he and Seppala visited Madison Square Garden in New York City, where he received a gold medal for bravery. During their trip in New York, Leonhard met Arthur Walden, another famous musher from New Hampshire. Walden had a team of sled dogs larger than Seppala’s team and challenged Seppala and Togo to a sled dog race in Poland Springs, Maine. The race took place in 1927 on Middle Range Pond, where Seppala would then meet Elizabeth Ricker, whose family has owned the resort since the 1794’s. Elizabeth was so impressed with Seppala and Togo, that she proposed a business partnership with Seppala and they formed Poland Spring Kennels.
For the next decade, Seppala and Ricker bred, trained and raced these dogs here in Maine and dominated the race circuit throughout New England and eastern Canada. Including an exhibition race at the 1932 Olympics in Lake Placid, New York.
In 2011, Time Magazine named Togo - the wellspring of the Seppala Siberian breed- “the most heroic animal of all time.” Thirteen states have official state dogs. Our neighbor to the west, New Hampshire has honored their legacy by making the Chinook Sled Dog their official state dog. Alaska chose the “Alaskan Malamute” as their state dog.
MORE INFORMATION & LINKS
Dog Magazine: Honoring Togo: https://www.dogmagazine.net/togo-disney
Time Magazine : Top 10 Heroic Animals / Togo is #1
Togo: History’s most heroic dog spent his final years at Poland Spring Maine : https:// www.sunjournal.com/2021/01/31/historys-most-heroic-dog-spent-his-final-years-at-poland-spring/
Poland Spring Seppala Kennels incl. 7-Day Blog of the “Togo 261 Memorial Solo Dogsled Expedition”: Https://mushmaine.com
ABOUT POLAND SPRING RESORT:
Poland Spring Resort is a historic resort in Poland, Maine, known for its beautiful scenery, natural spring water, and rich history. The resort has been a popular destination for over two centuries, offering three inns, twelve cottages, two restaurants and pubs, plus a variety of activities on its 500 acre playground that includes The Links at Poland Spring - an 18 Hole Donald Ross Championship Golf Course, grass tennis courts, pickleball, swimming, shuffleboard, bocce and horseshoes, along with Fenn Park which offers ice cream, mini golf, a driving range and disc golf.