The Street Dog Who Touched the Stars

A Storybook Inspired by Laika the space dog.

Dear Laika,

I don't know if you ever understood what was happening around you-why people suddenly began treating you kindly after a life of cold streets and hunger. Maybe you thought you'd finally found safety, that the hands feeding you and stroking your fur meant love and home. I hope, even for a little while, you felt that comfort. I hope there were moments of peace.

But my heart aches for what came next.

You didn't ask to be part of history. You didn't ask to be a symbol of progress. You were just a little dog trying to survive, and yet you were chosen-not for your dreams, but for ours. We made you a pioneer, but we never gave you a choice. We sent you to the stars, but left no path to bring you home.

I wish we had done better. I wish your name was remembered for your spirit, not just your sacrifice. You were not just "the first dog in space." You were a soul who mattered. And even though you couldn't understand why it happened, please know there are people-now, even decades later -who still carry your memory with gentleness and sorrow in their hearts.

You are not forgotten, Laika.

Run free now, little one. Among the stars where we sent you, may you finally find the love and peace you always deserved.

With all my heart, Someone who will never stop remembering.