Soviet space dogs after their rocket exploded 28.5 seconds into the launch on 28 July 1960. Bars was also known as Chayka (Чайка, "Seagull"). Other dogs that flew on sub-orbital flights include Dymka (Дымка, "Smoky"), Modnitsa (Модница, "Fashionable") and Kozyavka (Козявка, "Little Gnat"). At least four other dogs flew in September 1951, and two or more were lost. Laika (Лайка, "Barker") became the first living Earth-born creature (other than microbes) in orbit, aboard Sputnik 2 on November 3rd, 1957. Some call her the first living passenger to go into space, but many sub-orbital flights with animal passengers passed the edge of space first.
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home determined to create lasting changes for animals in society. In 1862, Charles Dickens published an article about the home for the magazine "All the Year Round". He called it an "extraordinary monument of the remarkable affection with which the English people regard the race of dogs". In 1967, Dodie Smith referred to the home in her novel "The Starlight Barking". Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has featured on many television programmes and documentaries. The Channel 4 programme "Pet Rescue" which aired in 1997 featured Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. BBC One programme "Animal Rescue Live" was broadcast live for a