Martta came to live with me in June 2000. She was bred by Heather and Peter Whitcomb from Thetford Mines, Canada (Heathers Bloodhounds). Martta's dam was Can Ch. Heathers Truly Raising Cain aka Candy. Martta's sire was BISS/BIS Int Am & Can Ch. Heathers Nimrod Stew Unplugged aka Stewie.

She left us and went to the Rainbow Bridge too soon at the age of 10,5 yrs old. Martta died of cancer.

Martta was the puppy I had waited for a long time, a true dream come true when she finally arrived from Canada at 9 wks old. She then grew up to fulfill all expectations and beyond, except that she never had puppies.

But in the ring, on the trail and at home – she did more I could have ever asked for. She became a multichampion, a multigroup placer (including one Group 1), she was my first search and rescue dog (TSE ry.) with whom I went to several searches of missing persons, but most of all, she was my best friend who loved to be as close to me as she could get.

Martta was very gentle and loved to be petted. She loved to sleep on the couch next to me, her head on my lap, while I was watching TV. The last year after the diagnosis until the end she shared my bed as well.

Martta was outgoing, playful and happy in temperament. Even a few days before she left us, she still played like a young puppy with her favorite rubber toy. She was the queen of the pack and set the pace for the pack when playing.

Martta won the following trophies of the Finnish Bloodhound Association: "The Bloodhound of the Year 2002" and "St Hubertus 2007". In 2007 Martta placed 66th on the top show dog list of the Finnish Kennel Club, with only four shows. She was number eight hound when calculated from the same list.

Martta also worked her way into the winners class in mantrailing.

We miss you so much dear Turre-Elina!

© Tuula Granström

© Tuula Granström