 We all tried our hardest, but when the nation became excited about the serum run driver, I was offended by Balto's statue, since, if any dog deserved special treatment, it was Togo. The film omits a number of specifics regarding Togo's passing. By January 1927, Sopolo was commuting between Maine and Alaska and had established a kennel in Poland Springs, Maine, with a socialite by the name of Elizabeth Ricker. In March 1927, he decided to leave Togo behind in Maine because he thought the trip would be too much for the old dog. Although Togo passed away on a Thursday in December, as depicted in the film, Sopolo really decided to put Togo to sleep due to Togo's joint pain and partial eyesight. Sopolo lived to be 89 years old.