For cultural references, in my opinion you can't beat Hallstrom/Jonsson's "My Life as a Dog", whose main character ponders the fate of Laika while his own life undergoes traumatic changes.

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/my_life_as_a_dog/

Ha, I always think about this song when I read about Laika. :) A sad but wonderful tune and tribute to her.