What country sent a dog to the moon?

In the realm of cryptocurrency and finance, we often delve into the depths of technology and its applications. However, this particular question seems to be a divergence from our usual domain, taking us into the world of outer space exploration and pop culture. With that, I must ask: what country, amidst the vast array of nations across the globe, had the audacity, the vision, and the technological prowess to send a canine companion to the moon? Was it a nation renowned for its space exploration capabilities? Or perhaps, a surprise entrant that shocked the world with this unprecedented feat? The answer, I believe, holds a unique place in history and serves as a testament to the boundless possibilities of human ingenuity.