Elbereth Tuukka of TabanyaRuu 26/04/00 - 15/10/11
Tuukka in 2007. Photo by Matt Cooke.
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My fabulous boy, so deeply missed. Tuukka was born in the first ever Pet Passport Litter when his dam Sulyka Mischa at Elbereth (Echo) was flown to Finland to be mated with Fin Ch Lumiturpa Nörri. A litter of 8 was the result and what a fantastic bunch they were, all those shown enjoying top honours and having a very positive effect on the breed in the UK. I shall always be grateful to Toni Jackson of the renowned Elbereth Kennel for entrusting us with this special gentle boy. Tuukka was an incredible show man, never putting a paw wrong. TabanyaRuu dogs are known for having excellent movement and I'm sure they owe it all to this boy, who moved like a dream and always stood naturally absolutely four square.
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BORN 26th APRIL 2000 HIPS 7/13 SIRE : CH LUMITURPA NORRI DAM : SULYKA MISCHA AT ELBERETH LOVED : BEING HIMSELF, TOTALLY CHILLED, ALWAYS LOVING. FAVOURITE ACTIVITY : EATING! FAVOURITE FOOD : CAKE! BISCUITS! ANYTHING HE COULD STEAL FROM THE TABLE OR CUPBOARD.... FAVOURITE PLACE : UNDER THE ISLAND IN THE KITCHEN, UNDER OUR FEET WHEN TRYING TO COOK, ANYWHERE COOL. GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT : WINNING BEST OF BREED AT CRUFTS 2004 UNDER JEFF LUSCOTT, MULTIPLE BEST DOG AWARDS AT CHAMPIONSHIP & OPEN SHOWS. TWO FANTASTIC LITTERS.
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A montage of Tuukka in the big ring at Crufts with Toni Jackson, March 2004
Big Brave Tuukka
Unfortunately when Tuukka was six month's old he injured his shoulder jumping off a rock on the beach. He seemed to make a full recovery, but shortly after winning Best of Breed at Crufts I noticed that he would limp after a walk. He was retired from the show ring at this point. In May 2008 Tuukka underwent major surgery at Fitzpatrick Referrals (www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk) by Noel Fitzpatrick, a pioneer in orthopaedics. Tuukka had shoulder arthrodesis, whereby his shoulder joint was fused together using three metal plates. Arthritis had set into his injured shoulder and he ended up with no cartilage left in the joint and was in a lot of pain. He did undergo surgery the year before at Davies White Referrals to relocate his bicep, but this procedure proved unsuccessful as his arthritis at his injury site was too severe. The fusing of the shoulder joint gave my beloved Tuukka another 3.5 years of quality life, where he was able to enjoy his walks once more completely pain free.
When we lost Kallis, who was Carelle's dog, it was decided that she become Tuukka's Mummy instead.
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The framework holding Tuukka's shoulder in place - skilled work by Noel FItzpatrick.
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The final photo. Tuukka had a super last day. He got to eat a great big bone, had a beautiful walk in the sunshine and then had cuddles and kisses from us all as he was given sleep and the opportunity to run and be young and fit once more at The Rainbow Bridge.
