Dog Baltic passed away
On October 28, 2017 our dog Baltic passed away. He was a small mongrel with a big heart, the Honorary Dog Citizen of Gdynia city and the Member of the R/V Baltica Crew. His health had deteriorated recently. Baltic was about fifteen years old and experienced much in his life.
Let us briefly recall his story…
On January 25, 2010, at around 3:40 pm, the crew of Baltica research vessel rescued a dog drifting on an ice floe – 15 nautical miles from the shore (near Wisłoujście). The dog spent many hours on the ice floe, slid into the water and climbed back on it. He was thoroughly exhausted and yet bravely struggled for his life.
Baltic, the dog rescued by the R/V Baltica, on January 28, 2010 was appointed by the Director of the Sea Fisheries Institute in Gdynia a member of the crew.
The interest in the dog and his rescuers was enormous. During this time, dozens of journalists visited the ship and wanted to have pictures of Baltic, full information about him, and about the crew. News was published by the European, Australian and American media – NBC, CNN and the USA Today. Baltic’s fan clubs and internet fan pages were created.
What is more, the authorities became interested in Baltic. The President of the Republic of Poland, Mr. Lech Kaczynski, sent his congratulations; the President of Gdynia gave Baltic the title of the Honorary Dog Citizen of Gdynia city. The brave crew received hundreds of letters, congratulatory cards, and drawings from all over the world. There was also a thank-you letter from Brigitte Bardot. Mr. Adam Buczyński received this letter together with the award “Heart for Animals” granted by Psy.pl portal.
It turned out that a small, inconspicuous mongrel sank deep into the hearts of people around the world.
The book entitled “Baltic. The Dog that floated on an ice floe” by Barbara Gawryluk was published. It inspired the director Romuald Wicza-Pokojski from the Miniatura City Theatre to adapt it for the stage as a documentary performance for children. “Baltic. The Dog on an ice floe” is meant to be a Gdansk version of “A Christmas Carol” reminding us that virtues such as kindness, sympathy and care for the weak are important for us all the time.
Finally, Mr. Adam Buczyński retired and since then he lived together with Baltic in his hometown. Baltic was able to rest there from the role of a celebrity. He ran across the forest unrestrained…
At some point Baltic became ill. Once it was better, once worse, finally came this day … and Mr. Adam said goodbye to his friend.
We will all remember the story of the great friendship between a small, brave dog and a brave sailor who saved him.
