tory had an even bigger role in mind for Walden and Chinook. Walden was appointed to head the Dog Department for Admiral Richard Byrd’s fi rst Antarctic Expedition in 1927. Walden and his sixteen Chinook dogs were described by Admiral Byrd as the backbone of the expedition transport. In fact, in 1931, Walden received the Con- gressional Medal for his part in Byrd’s Antarctic Expeditions. But more than a sled dog, Chinook’s gentle temperament allowed Byrd to take him to lectures and fund-raising events. Chinook became the signature dog of Byrd’s expeditions. Chinook made news around the world when he was 12 and was lost during an expediton. At Walden’s request, Route 113A from Tamworth to Wonalancet, New Hampshire, now bears the name “Chinook Trail” to honor his famous lead dog. Th e Depression forced Walden to sell his beloved Chinooks, but their imprint on American life continued. For a time, 4 )08 4 *()5 . "(";*/& 0 $50#&3 t
well if regularly left alone for long periods. Th ey are not good kennel dogs, not terri- torial and therefore, not good guard dogs. Chinooks are intelligent, sensitive, and catch on quickly to consistent train- ing. Th ey gravitate toward children and are gregarious with other dogs. Chinook Club of America attends many of the AKC Meet the Breeds. We’re the booth where children are “hand” holding a Chinook and Chinook kisses are always available! An amazing family dog coupled with work
ethic and versatility gave the Chinook a proud and historical past and o ff ers it a bright future! Arthur T. Walden, Chinook’s owner, was an explorer, author, innkeeper, and most importantly, a sled dog driver. Walden and his dog sled team, with Chi- nook in lead, were credited with bring- ing the sport of sled dog racing to New England and founded the New England Sled Dog Club in 1924; the oldest club of its kind still in operation. But his-
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