Name: Gordon

Age: 14 human years

Gender: Male

Species: Dog (Canis Lupus Familiaris)

Breed: Rough Collie

Appearance: Gordon stands at 27 inches tall and weighs 70 pounds, typical for his breed. His coat is long and is mainly sable in color, with white and black as well. His face and ears are also sable, with a white neck, chest, underbelly and half of the tail. His paws are also white. While his body is built well, Gordon is too old to have an active life as he did in his youth, and his back and legs show it. On his front left leg is a scar from a bullet wound from the war. He wears a clan scarf sewn in the Gordon Modern tartan, and has a 92nd Highland Regiment crest pinned to the scarf. Also pinned to the scarf below the crest are two medals given to Gordon during his time as company mascot. His eyes are grey in color.

Personality: Gordon is an older dog who has seen it all, and has no problem letting others know. He often voices his opinions when it comes to issues and debates, but only after he hears both sides. Consequently, he is known for being outspoken but reserved. Gordon fears none, and will not be intimidated; while he prefers to stay out of trouble, Gordon will stand up and fight if someone is in danger. He is wise and methodical, always planning his next move before he makes it. Gordon has a very proactive devotion to everyone close to him, whom he refers to as family. He also shows much Scottish influence in his personal tastes and behavior.

Likes: Silence; rest; family

Dislikes: running; loud noises; interrupted sleep

History: Gordon was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in 1914. Originally, he was a stray until a young lad found him alone and cold on the street, and brought him home. Though the father initially was not fond of having him around, he grew to like Gordon after the dog drove out the rats and guarded the sheep. Gordon enjoyed the peaceful life in the village, walking the boy to school and bonding with his new family.

Things changed in 1916, when the men in the village were called to fight in France. The father, who was a Sergeant in the 92nd Gordon Highlander Regiment, pulled some strings and brought him along as the company's mascot. At first the dog was scared of the unfamiliar and violent life in the trenches, and stayed close to his owner. He soon saw the demoralized men struggling to keep spirits up, and was moved by the motivation of the unit's piper, who played tunes to keep the men going. Gordon began to do his own part, comforting the men when they felt lonely and gave them company. The men loved him, and Gordon even ran into battle alongside them. The piper took a scarf made in the regimental tartan and put it around Gordon's neck, who would wear it proudly every day since then.

During a fateful battle, the company charged into No Man's Land, but was forced to retreat under heavy fire. His owner was wounded and could not make it to the trench, and Gordon refused to abandon him. After repeated attempts to drag his owner back had failed, Gordon hunkered down against his owner in despair, staying by his side through the night as the sound of weapons fire raged. The next morning, the British as well as the Germans were amazed at the loyalty of the dog, and each made attempts to retrieve him and the wounded Sergeant. After a truce was made, a German surgeon went to treat the owner's wound while one of the Highlanders came to retrieve the man. The German took a medal out of his pocket, one he earned sometime previously, and pinned a to Gordon's scarf, and let the dog go to the Highlanders, so moved by Gordon's loyalty that he refused to separate the two.

Gordon would remain in the regiment until the Great War ended in 1918, when Gordon finally returned to the village with his owner, who now had a permanent limp. Gordon himself was changed by the war, more so on the inside than the outside. The family was unable to keep their land, and by the father's wishes sailed to Alaska for fur-trapping prospects. The family arrived in Anchorage, then moved North before settling in Nome in 1920. This was perfect for Gordon, who didn't mind seasonal changes and loved the quiet nature of the town. Gordon made a living carrying his owner's catches. After all attempts to breed him failed (as Gordon just didnt have the heart for love), the family adopted an Australian Shepherd puppy to be a companion, and ever since has been like a troublesome daughter for him. Gordon is present during town meetings, and often conveys advice to younger dogs in matters regarding survival. Gordon also makes a decent babysitter, usually because he is such an enthusiastic storyteller to the young puppies (for Balto and Jenna's pups, and that of other characters fan-made and otherwise). Whenever Boris was unable to babysit Aleu and her siblings when they were puppies, Gordon stepped in and had some trouble handling the energetic kiddos, but had a hand in inspiring an adventurous curiosity in the puppies, and taught them a few things as well. While certainly not as close to Aleu and Koda as Boris, Balto or Jenna, Gordon was certainly a dog whom the pups affectionately referred to as uncle.

Living Relatives: Aurora (adopted daughter)

Connection to Balto: friend to local dogs in town; babysitter and storyteller to the pups in Nome.

Other: despite his age and weakened state, his time in the war has left him surprisingly tolerant to weather and physical pain. Has been known to tell stories and recall events in detail.

Voice Actor: Kris Kristofferson