Balto in New York

      First class passengers

     It was the early July 1925. In Nome harbour, Gunner Kassen[1], Balto and the team stood on the deck of a magnificent steam ship The S.S Victoria.[2]  A statue commemorating the team’s incredible journey was due to be unveiled in New York City; team had been invited to attend the unveiling as the guests of honour.  The telegram had come as quite a shock; Kassen had never travelled to New York and the farthest some of dogs had been was the Canadian Border.    

     Standing on the deck near the team were Rosie and Jenna, along with Rosie’s parents Violet and Arthur. Rosie and her family were going to represent the residents of Nome.  Arthur had travelled to New York a few times, and his brother Alfred had lived there for a few years and still travelled to the city on business. 

     A large cheering crowd had gathered in the harbour, among them was Balto’s father Cathán, and Arthur’s parents Wilfred and Hilda North, who would be taking care of Alue. In Hilda’s arms was Alue looked up at her parents with pride, her fluffy tail wagging in delight.  

        With a blast of a horn the ship left port, on deck the team barked their goodbyes, excitement running through their veins.

“Can you believe this guys we are going to New York?” Kaltag said, as they sailed into the open ocean.

“Sure is amazing,” Star replied wagging his tail.

“I’d never even heard of New York!” Balto replied grinning. “I had to ask Rosie show me where it was in her atlas.”

“Did you see Steel’s face as he watched us leave?” asked Nikki slyly.

“That was priceless,” Star grinned.

      Laughing together the team turned to look at the boat they were standing on.  In recognition for their actions the party had been allocated First Class status to the delight of all. 

   “Hi Dad are you ready for a tour?”

    Turning around Balto saw his son Seward standing behind him, the name meant victorious sea guard, so was fitting for a ship’s dog. Seward had the same markings as Alue,[3] around his neck was a small chain link collar with a copper anchor handing from it. As ship’s dog his duties involved anything from deliver messages between crew to ensuring there were no stowaways.

“Of course we are son,” Balto replied, as Seward’s owner Captain Isaac Dover spoke to the humans.

       Humans and dogs happily followed Seward and Captain Dover below deck to begin their tour.  Other passengers greeted them, many carrying luggage while the crew guided them to their rooms.

 “This ship beautiful,” Jenna said, as they looked around the first class dining room.  

“Only the best for the Victoria,” Seward replied proudly.

     Leaving the dining room Seward and Captain Dover led the group down to their cabins. As they went, Captain Dover and Seward told tales of the ship’s history and illustrious passengers.

    Watching their son Balto and Jenna’s heart filled with joy at how happy he was. Unlike his brothers and sister, Seward was on his third home.[4]  The boy who had adopted Seward (then called Dingo) had done so with his parent’s permission, however his mother discovered she was pregnant soon afterwards. Despite the boy’s protests for Dingo’s good character, a week later Dingo had been dumped at harbour late one night by the boy’s father.

      Alone, cold, and terrified Dingo had wondered aimlessly until soft singing had drawn him onto the S.S Victoria.  There he had found Captain Dover singing. With gentle words Isaac had drawn the scared pup to him. That night the sea captain and the young husky had sat side by side, each drawing comfort from the other’s company. When the First Mate arrived the following morning he had been shocked to see a smile on Isaac’s face, the first one since Isaac’s wife had passed away. By midday Dingo had been renamed Seward and accepted as ship’s dog.  

“Welcome to your cabin,” Seward said as he, Balto, Jenna and Rosie entered a beautiful room with three porthole, chest of draws, mirror and comfortable looking double bed above which hung a painting of a narwhal and a mermaid.

“Is this room really mine?” Rosie asked, her eyes sparkling.[5]

“Yep, I made sure you had a nice room,” Seward replied grinning at Rosie. “Mom Dad you are sharing with Rosie.”

“I’m glad of that Dingo,” Jenna replied licking her son’s ear.

“Its Seward or First Canine Mate Mom,” Seward replied rolling his eyes.

“I know but I cannot help calling you by your old name,” Jenna smiled softly.

“She’ll grow used to your new name soon,” Balto whispered as Jenna looked around the room.

    Then the ship rolled causing all baring Seward to lose their balance. Picking himself up Balto saw his son laughing with a grin spread from ear to ear.

“Oh I don’t think I have my sea legs yet,” Balto groaned.

“Not yet Dad,” Seward laughed. “But if you are a sailor you soon will have.”

        Settling down to sleep that night Rosie snuggled down under the soft duvet, allowing the motion of the ship to lull her into a deep sleep. In her dreams Rosie saw a beautiful mermaid with a long white tail and silver hair swimming underneath and through icebergs. Turning over a smile danced over her sleeping face as the ship sailed silently through the icy waters.  

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     Over the next few weeks some of the dogs and humans did indeed prove to sailors while others proved not, Gunner Kassen being one of the latter. The weather proved fine, allowing dogs and humans to spend much of their time outside on deck mingling with the other passengers.  The crew often joined them, Isaac quickly taking a liking to Rosie and was shocked when she explained Seward’s parentage.

“Well I would never have guessed it,” Isaac said looking at Seward. “I did notice the similarity in colouring to Jenna but I presumed he was a nephew.”

“Seward is her son, I was there when he was born,” Rosie replied politely.

“Well I call him Seward, what did you name him?” Isaac asked as sitting down on a box.

“Daddy named him Dingo but I like Seward better. I’m glad you have given him a home Mr Dover.”

“It was my pleasure Rosie he has been a fine addition to the crew,” Isaac laughed stroking Seward.    

      At times other ships passed them resulting in pleasant shouted exchanges of news.  Each night the team and their humans dined with the captain and other guests, sharing stories and travel tips. 

        One day, as they sailed near Juneau, Balto Jenna, Rosie and Seward stood looking out at the scenery, watching as icebergs of varying sizes drifted past. Suddenly out of the water burst a pod of Orcas.

“Look Dad, Orcas,” Seward said wagging his tail.

“I’ve never them lose up before, they are magnificent animals,” Balto replied watching the Orcas swim leisurely.

“I am glad I’ve seen them again,” Rosie replied smiling widely.

   As if hearing the words three of the Orcas swam up the boat looking up with curiosity. Then with a flick of their tails they were gone, down into the depths of the sea.

“That was amazing,” Balto said watching them swim away.

  “That was strange normally they avoid boats,” Seward replied cocking his head to one side.

   Suddenly a whistle sounded followed by a cry of “land ho”, looking ahead all saw Juneau looming ahead of them. The crew burst into a flurry of action as the ship docked. Arthur joined the group to watch the activity from the deck. Juneau’s port was a hive of furious activity and noise. Ocean going steam ships sat next to small local fishing vessels and sailing ships. Hammering, shouting, yelling, the sound of engine and barking filtered through the air. The smells of fish, engine oil, rope, spices, wood and a dozen others mingled. On the key carts and vans waited to collect cargo, their drivers exchanging shouts with the men on the boats.

    The group watched as passengers disembarked from the S.S Victoria, each shaking Isaac’s hand as they stepped ashore. From the hold cargo was lifted out under the direction of the crew, sleds, tables, machine parts and ion gates flew through the air, with a young able seaman taking a ride on the top of a piano. Swinging through the air the piano was placed gently onto the back of a waiting lorry. With a wide grin the able seaman jumped down, walking back onto the ship with a whistle.

“Piano is all secure Captain,” he said handing Isaac the paperwork.

“I can see that, you gave some of our guest quite a fright,” Isaac chuckled pointing to Balto, Jenna, Rosie and Arthur.

“Sorry about that, all part of the job,” the man called up.

     By the time evening arrived all the unloading was