Laika

Laika is a Russian word meaning barker or one who barks, derived from the verb layat (to bark). The name became immortalized in 1957 when Laika the dog became the first living creature launched into Earth orbit aboard the Soviet spacecraft Sputnik 2 — a small, stray mixed-breed from the streets of Moscow who became one of the most famous animals in history. For a pet, Laika carries the extraordinary weight of genuine space-age heroism.

Laika is a name that carries one of the most poignant stories in the relationship between humans and their companions — the story of a small stray who traveled farther than any animal before her and is remembered with enduring tenderness. To name a companion Laika is to honor that legacy and to acknowledge the profound bond between people and the animals they love. The name suits a companion with a quiet bravery and a wandering spirit, one who has found their place after a journey and whose loyalty and trust are not things to be taken lightly.