Nome Meets Snob Hill, Part 2

by Earl J. Aversano

This story was inspired by the movies Balto (1995, © Universal Pictures and Amblimation/Amblin Entertainment), Balto 2: Wolf Quest (2002, © Universal Cartoon Studios), Balto 3: Wings of Change (2004, © Universal Cartoon Studios), Lady and the Tramp (1955, © Walt Disney Productions), and Lady and the Tramp 2: Scamp’s Adventure (2001, © Walt Disney Television Animation, Walt Disney Pictures), as well as the real history of the Great Serum Run of 1925.

The original Balto cartoon characters which appear, or are referred to, in this story: Jenna, Nikki, Kaltag, Star, Rosy (and Rosy’s father), Boris, and the cartoon version of Balto are copyrighted property of Universal Pictures, Universal Cartoon Studios, and Amblimation/Amblin Entertainment, respectively. The original Lady and the Tramp characters which appear, or are referred to, in this story: Tramp, Lady, Jim Dear, Darling, Junior, Aunt Sara, Jock, Trusty, Reggie, Tony, Joe, Scamp, Annette, Collette, Danielle, Buster, the Dogcatcher (the version from L&T 2), Mrs. Mahoney, Mooch, Sparky, François, and Ruby, and location names: Snob Hill and Tony’s Restaurant, are copyrighted property of Walt Disney Productions, Walt Disney Television Animation, and Walt Disney Pictures.

Neither this story, nor any part of it, may be reproduced in print, or posted on a web blog, message board, or other electronic medium, without the permission of the author.


NOTES:
This is the second half of my Balto/Lady and the Tramp crossover story. It picks up directly from where Part 1 left off. I highly recommend reading Nome Meets Snob Hill, Part 1 before continuing here.

This is the wrap-up of that story, and it promises to be more exciting than the opening half! I have also included the wording of a speech from the real Balto’s history. It was given by a man with the same name as the one giving the speech in this story – Judge James B. Ruhl. In the real history, this person was the chairman of a committee from Cleveland, Ohio which was responsible for organizing the efforts to bring Balto and his team to Cleveland, following the call by Cleveland businessman George Kimble to rescue them from a “dime-a-look museum” in Los Angeles. It’s a beautiful speech, and I just had to include it here because, in the cartoon history, Balto doesn’t go to Cleveland! And I wanted to give him the nod anyway! The character’s name is also Judge James B. Ruhl, and he is still a committee chairman for a Balto celebration. The first half of his speech, below, is the historical element of his namesake’s speech…word-for-word. That speech bears an opening line which became famous in of itself, and forever linked with dogs (“the dog is man’s best friend”).

CHAPTER 1
Balto and Jenna returned to the front of the crowd, and with them walked Lady and Tramp. Tramp stepped out and came up alongside of Balto, while Jenna waited with Lady, back with Darling and Jim Dear.

“I guess from here, you go on alone, buddy.”

Balto stared up at the platform, and up at the podium, from which the mayor was giving a rather long-winded speech. “Yeah…I guess so.”

Tramp noticed how uncomfortable Balto looked, and he tried to set his mind at ease. “Hey, don’t let it get to ya. They make a big scene here, but it’s not so bad. We’ll talk later, huh?” Tramp winked at Balto, and then turned and rejoined the others.

Balto walked back over to the team, who were now all back at the harness, and listening to the closing comments of the mayor’s long speech. A round of guarded applause went up from the crowd as he finished and once again took his seat with the rest of the dignitaries.

Once again, the bearded man who had opened the ceremonies stepped up to the podium. “Ladies and gentlemen, we thank you for your kind indulgence during our remarks. And now, I’d like to present our final speaker, the honorable Judge James Ruhl, chairman of the “Paw-rade of Heroes” committee, who will present Balto and his team, and their driver, Mister Gunnar Kaasen, with medals of appreciation for their heroism.

There was a round of applause, and a short fanfare played by the band. A distinguished-looking gentleman, wearing a tall top hat and a committee ribbon, stepped up to the podium, along with a young woman bearing a silver tray.

As the applause subsided, his speech began. “The dog”, the judge said, very solemnly, “is man’s best friend. A dog’s love is akin to a mother’s love. He is man’s last friend when the cloud of misfortune hangs over him. And he is to be found watching at his master’s grave when the last friend has departed.”

The judge stopped for a moment, to allow his opening comments to sink in. Many people dabbed tear-stricken eyes with handkerchiefs. Clearing his throat, he continued. “We are honored to have enjoyed this visit from some fantastic canine heroes, and their stalwart driver. But most of all, we are grateful for Balto, the Wonder Dog, whose courage and leadership brought his team through blinding blizzard, and across treacherous ice, to the relief of a town locked in the throes of a crippling illness. His gallantry knows no equal.” 

A thunderous applause went up from the crowd. The judge raised his arms to quiet them. “In recognition of such unparalleled bravery and determination, we present these tokens of our respect and gratitude!”

The judge nodded to the young woman standing next to him, and they both descended the platform, and walked up to the team where, one by one, from Gunnar Kaasen forward, they placed embossed gold medals (strung on blue ribbons) around their necks. Balto’s, however, was strung on a red, white and blue ribbon, and was especially eye-catching.

Another round of applause broke forth, and lasted for more than a minute. Finally, as it died down, the bearded man returned to the podium to announce that the ceremonies had ended, and that the “Paw-rade of Heroes” committee had set up a grand picnic near the lake, and that everyone was welcome!

CHAPTER 2
As the crowd began to mingle, Gunnar Kaasen went along the line of dogs collecting their medals. In his own sing-songey Norwegian accent, he said to the dogs “vell boys, ve’d better collect dese medals and keep dem safe, ya?”

Rosy’s father walked over to Gunnar Kaasen, followed closely by Jenna. He opened a decorative wooden box, which had been given to him by the judge as a place to keep the medals. “So”, he said, “the formalities are out of the way. You and I have been invited to join Judge Ruhl and his committee members at the mayor’s table for the picnic. Why don’t you gather up the sled and store it here by the stage.”

Kaasen nodded. “Vat about de dogs?”

Rosy’s father noticed that Jenna had rejoined Balto, and he smiled at them. “I think they’ll be okay, so long as they remain in the park. We can call them back together when it’s time to pack up and go.”

Jenna nuzzled Balto tenderly. “Shall we go find Lady and Tramp?”

Balto smiled. “That sounds like a good idea, Jenna! Let me just see what the boys want to do in the meanwhile.” He turned around and stepped over to Nikki, Kaltag, Star, and the three other team members, Nulato, Koyuk, and Pete.

“Well, fellas, we’ve got a big, beautiful park to explore, and lots of people and dogs to meet. Why don’t you all have a look around, while Jenna and I seek out a couple of friends we made a little while ago?”

“Sure t’ing dere, Balto”, Nikki replied. “Come on, boys. I ain’t restin’ until I figure out where dat beautiful smell came from before!”

Star nodded enthusiastically, his tongue hanging out the side of his mouth. “Yeah yeah! Something other than salmon! WOO HOO! Haha!”

Kaltag pulled his paw up, clenched it tight, and, in a very calm, nonchalant manner, gave Star a sharp knock on his head. This sent him tumbling to the ground with a whoop, giggle and a grunt. Kaltag then exchanged a bemused glance with Nikki, while the other team members laughed.

Balto and Jenna started to wander into the crowd, when they caught the sounds of several humans muttering and grumbling. Once again, old Trusty, the bloodhound, came pushing through, and caught sight of Balto. Jock, the Scottish terrier, came trotting along behind.

“Weeeeeeeeell now, there’s the ol’ rascal! Didn’t I tell you I’d smell him out?”

Jock just rolled his eyes. “Ach…”

Trusty sat right down next to Balto and Jenna. “Trusty’, I says, ‘Trusty, you gonna have to put the ol’ nose to work if’n you gonna find Balto!” Gleefully, he added “and gol’ darned if I didn’t!” He smiled and nodded confidently.

Jock trotted over to Balto and Jenna. “How are ye, lad…lassie. The name’s ‘Heather Lad of Glen Cairn’. But Jock wi’ do. T’is a pleasure t’ meet ye.”

Jenna giggled, and gave a courteous nod to Jock. “Thank you, Jock. I’m Jenna.”

Balto nodded too. “Hey Jock! I’m Balto.” He then turned his attention to the blood hound. “And Trusty, is it? That’s some sniffer!”

Trusty was pleased to be the center of attention again. “Why, you noticed that, did you?” He leaned in close to Balto and Jenna, to emphasize his point. “Runs in the family, you know!” He paused for a moment to let that sink in, watching for some reaction. Getting none, he continued. “Got it from my grandpappy, Ooool’ Reliable. Uh…” He paused a second time, and then began shaking his head. “Don’t recollect if I’ve ever mentioned Ol’ Reliable before?”

Jock was about to remind Trusty that he had – frequently – when Balto, not realizing what he was getting them into, replied “No, I don’t think so.”

Trusty perked up even more. “I haven’t? Weeeeeeell now!”

Jock raised a paw up to his face, and sighed. “No’ again.” Jock leaned in close to Balto and Jenna. “Now’s yer chance. Jes’ step away while he’s gibberin’…he wi’ na even realize it. Go on now! Off with ye. Take care now!”

Balto and Jenna took the hint, and carefully slipped away.

Trusty, oblivious to their cautious departure, cleared his throat, and sat back down, eyes shut as he reminisced. “My grandpappy had the best nose in the bayou.