A bronze statue commemorating New Hampshire's official state dog was unveiled Saturday at the Tamworth History Center, celebrating the remarkable legacy of a breed that originated in the Granite State. The ceremony honored the heroic history of the Chinook breed and its namesake, a legendary sled dog that made history in the early 20th century.
The Chinook became New Hampshire's official state dog in 2010 and holds the distinction of being one of only a few officially designated state dogs in the United States. The breed takes its name from an extraordinary dog owned by author and explorer Arthur Walden, who lived in the area and made significant contributions to sled dog racing in New England.
According to state historical records, Walden owned property in Wonalancet when the original Chinook was born in 1917. The Chinook Owners Association reports that Walden and his remarkable dog became the first sled dog team to successfully summit Mount Washington, a feat that helped establish their legendary status. The pair also introduced sled dog racing to New England for the first time, bringing this exciting winter sport to the region.
The most famous chapter in Chinook's story occurred in 1929, when Walden and his faithful companion were enlisted for an Antarctic supply expedition. During this dangerous and challenging journey to the bottom of the world, tragedy struck when Chinook wandered away from the camp and was never seen again, disappearing forever into the harsh Antarctic landscape.
Over the decades following Chinook's disappearance, the breed he helped establish faced serious challenges. The Chinook Owners Association explains that the breed reached endangered status at various points in its history, with registration numbers dropping to only hundreds of dogs nationwide. However, in recent decades, Chinooks have experienced a remarkable resurgence across the country, gaining recognition as exceptional dogs known for their high energy levels, remarkable intelligence, and gentle, kind temperament.
The bronze sculpture unveiled Saturday afternoon represents the culmination of extensive planning and craftsmanship. Created by sculptors Peter Dransfield and Andrea Kennett, the statue was carefully modeled after surviving historical photographs of Walden's original Chinook. The ambitious project required a year and a half to design and construct, involving meticulous attention to historical accuracy and artistic detail.
"It's beyond flattering," said sculptor Peter Dransfield during the ceremony. "I think, like a lot of bronze sculptures you see around town, it's going to be here forever." His colleague Andrea Kennett added an emotional perspective to the unveiling, stating, "Ninety-six years later, we're having the unique opportunity to bring Chinook home – if not in body, certainly in spirit."
The unveiling ceremony drew Chinook owners from across the United States, with enthusiasts traveling from as far away as Virginia and Washington state to participate in this historic moment. The gathering featured the barks and excited energy of numerous Chinooks, creating a fitting soundtrack for the commemoration of their breed's most famous ancestor.
Tyler Sweeney, who traveled from Alexandria, Virginia, but originally hails from Weare, New Hampshire, expressed the deep connection many feel to the breed. "It's the New Hampshire state dog for a reason – born and bred here. To me, it's family," Sweeney explained, capturing the emotional significance of the day for Chinook enthusiasts.
The Tamworth History Center successfully funded the statue creation through local fundraising efforts, with board members reporting that this project achieved one of the fastest fundraising goals in the organization's history. This enthusiastic community support demonstrates the lasting impact and importance of Chinook's story to local residents and dog lovers alike.
The permanent bronze memorial now stands as a testament to both the individual dog that captured hearts and imaginations, and to the entire breed that continues his legacy. As one observer noted during the ceremony, "This dog means something to the state. It means something to this area. And having it in bronze is the testament that they were looking for – a testament to history and to those who never truly leave us."
