Eight Below Inspired Dog Names

The plot about Eight Below is based on a true event. In 1958 a Japanese expedition to the Antarctic had to leave a team of fifteen Sakhalin Husky sled dogs when the expedition team was unable to return to the base. A year later when the team returned to the base, they found two dogs were still alive, another seven were still chained and had perished in the snow, while another five were unaccounted for. The final dog was found dead just outside of Showa Station. Eight Below is about a man called Jerry Shepard who is a guide at the Antarctic Research Base. When Dr. Davis McClaren arrives at the base he enlists the help of Jerry to help him find a rare meteorite from Mercury, which is believed to have crashed into Mount Melbourne. Jerry decides that a dog team is the best way to get to the mountain and back. Eight dogs are procured to take them to the mountain. Maya is the lead dog - she is experienced, wise and strong in character - she is the leader that the other dogs look to. The other dogs are Old Jack, Shorty, Dewey, Shadow, Buck and a younger dog called Max. 

When weather closes in and a ferocious storm brews, the expedition people have to evacuate. Jerry chains the dogs in the snow thinking he will be back in two days. But he was unable to return and although he fought to get support and funding to get back, it was five to six months before he could return. The dogs had waited patiently for Jerry's return, but after two weeks without eating, Maya and the team slipped from their chains. Sadly Old Jack couldn't be freed. The movie follows the hardy dogs as they face the wrath of mother nature and battle to get to a Russian base where they find food. Young Max became separated and was lost, but finally made it to the American Base which was locked. These amazing dogs followed their leader as Maya tried to find food. Battling through deep snow, exhausted and hungry, they fought against all odds. When Jerry made it back, there were six out of the eight left. Thin and exhausted, the dogs welcomed their master back. Then they led him to Maya who lay injured. Weak but still with a strong heart she joined the group. It gives a rare glimpse into the lives of a sled dog. How they cooperate as a team, and how it highlights just how well these dogs are adapted to such bleak conditions. Only a dog would welcome with joy the master who had deserted them. While it is just a story, it does showcase the incredible survival and heart of a dog. They never give up, they just take each moment and live it fully.