Musher Jonathan Hayes of Poland Spring Seppala Kennels in Fort Kent leads his team of Seppala Siberian sled dogs. The Maine Legislature has moved forward a bill making the breed the official state dog. Caleb Gringas photo

If lawmakers had tails, they’d surely be wagging them.

The famed Seppala Siberian sled dog, with its historic connection to Poland Spring, is on its way to becoming Maine’s first official state dog.

Legislation behind the effort passed the House and Senate and has gone to Gov. Janet Mills for her signature to become law.

State Rep. David Boyer, R-Poland, lead sponsor of the legislation, said on Thursday he’s “cautiously optimistic” that Mills will sign it and the Seppala Siberian will soon be deemed the official state dog.

How the husky came to be headed for the lofty position is a bit of a story that, from the Maine perspective, started in Poland Spring and is now centered in northern Maine.

But let’s start at the beginning.

The Seppala Siberian is descended from a heroic dog named Togo, who became famous a century ago when he led a team through the Alaskan wilderness to deliver diphtheria serum to the children of Nome.

Described by the New York Times as the “hero of a thousand frozen trails,” Togo became renowned after his heroic dash across the frozen Alaskan landscape caught the attention of the world. Disney would even make a movie about the dog and his incredible journey.

What’s all this got to do with The Pine Tree State?

Musher Jonathan Hayes adjusts the harness on his sled dog, Druid, a member of his team of Seppala Siberian sled dogs. The Maine Legislature has moved forward a bill making the breed the official state dog. Jason Frank photo

In spite of all the global fame, Togo isn’t entirely “from away.” After achieving these heroics, the husky became a Maine dog, spending his declining years in Poland Spring. His owner, Leonhard Seppala, opened a kennel with Poland Spring Resort owner Elizabeth Ricker, who cared for Togo in his final years.

And now the great Togo’s descendants will likely come to represent the state of Maine, one of only 14 U.S. states to name official state dogs.

“I am thankful for the support of my colleagues in the Maine House and Senate for backing this bill,” said Boyer. “The Seppala Siberian sled dog is a remarkable breed that embodies the finest qualities of Mainers — hard work, self-sacrifice, and perseverance. The inspiring story of Togo deserves recognition, and Maine students should have the opportunity to learn about the history of our soon-to-be state dog.”

Rep. Joseph Underwood of Presque Isle and state Sen. Bruce Bickford of Auburn also got behind the move, as did Poland Spring Resort owner Cyndi Robbins and dog breeder Jonathan Hayes, who has been working to preserve the genetic line of Seppala Siberian sled dogs at his Poland Spring Seppala Kennels in Fort Kent.

“This breed saved the town of Nome, Alaska, and is the only breed that began right here at Poland Spring,” said Robbins.

Hayes, who leads a team of the sled dogs, said the designation of the Seppalas as the state dog will help keep the breed going. There are about five kennels left preserving the breed.

Two of musher Jonathan Hayes’ sled dogs, both Seppala Siberians. Caleb Gringas photo

It’s good for the breed, proponents say, and it’s good for the people of Maine — those who pushed for the designation say that proclaiming the sled dog breed as Maine’s official dog will help promote tourism while spreading the word about the state’s reliance on both teamwork and toughness.

There are about 100 Seppala Siberan sled dogs, the experts say, many of them in Maine. Each can trace its ancestry directly, on both sides, to Togo.

“Actually, we are at the centennial of the (diphtheria) Serum Run to save the children of Nome and there are sadly only about 100 Seppalas left,” said Hayes, who is also the president of the International Seppala Siberian Sleddog Club. “Becoming the state dog will go a long way in reviving this heritage breed.”

After the bill passed in the Senate earlier in the week, Mills has 10 days to act on the matter. If she takes no action, the bill automatically becomes law and the Seppala is in as Maine’s dog.

Poland Spring Resort owner Cyndi Robbins, left, Laura Brown, director of operations for the Poland Spring Preservation Society, and Maine state Rep. David Boyer of Poland gather last fall around a sculpture of Togo, the legendary lead dog of a team that delivered a crucial vaccine across the Alaskan wilderness a century ago to international acclaim before spending his final years at Poland Spring Resort in Poland. The trio is behind a proposal to make the Seppala Siberian sled dog the Maine state dog. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal file