Belka and Strelka - space dogs

Belka("Squirrel")and Strelka("Little Arrow") were launched into space on board Sputnik 5 on August 19, 1960. They were accompanied on their historic flight by 40 mice, 2 rats and a number of plants. Belka and Strelka were safely recovered after spending a day in orbit. Strelka eventually gave birth to a litter of 6 healthy puppies, one of which was given to President Kennedy as a gift.