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M.P. Fitzgerald's avatar

Okay, I know Laika was the first dog in space, but her name means 'barker' in russian (I believe). Woof... if this wasn't intentional, please just say it was because that is a great layer that I really liked.

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Thaddeus Thomas's avatar

It’s been a while since I wrote this. (There’s a great benefit in coming to Substack with drawers of material no one has ever read.) I remember looking up the name, so I must have known but completely forgotten. I can’t claim that I chose one because of the other, however. I brought the cover to Twitter and asked my followers for title suggestions. One of them came up with the perfect title, and a writer friend on Twitter suggested on the dog’s name. I can’t remember if they provided any other details. Thank you for the reminder. It’s a wonderful connection.

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M.P. Fitzgerald's avatar

That's an interesting way this came about. Yeah, Laika was onboard Sputnick 2, I think, she was a stray, she was fed 'gelatin' in the ship, and because the craft had no radiation shielding...

Sorry, my microwave just dinged, I gotta go

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Nick Winney's avatar

This is a beautiful read and I desperately want more. the dog is a superb touch. i feel extremely wistful now. all due to the emotive writing and delicately placed and balanced contextual tags.

very nice

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Thaddeus Thomas's avatar

That's very kind! Thank you

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Lyndsey Resnick's avatar

I wasn't ready for that. Amazing beginning.

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Thaddeus Thomas's avatar

Thank you!

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Joseph L. Wiess's avatar

Very poignant.

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Thaddeus Thomas's avatar

I appreciate that

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Ashley Dyer's avatar

I’m glad I found this while searching substack for sci fi. Your a great writer

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