Nuka the Samoyed cremated in Lapland after owner’s heartbreaking decision

Along a sandy road stands a wooden fence, with a locked gate. Behind it lies a furnace, a heavy iron structure with a lid that opens by lifting it. The chimney rises about five meters high. Inside the furnace is a white Samoyed named Nuka, who was euthanized yesterday just shy of her 14th birthday. Nuka’s owner has given permission via phone for a picture and for her story to be shared.

Nuka was born in an animal shelter to a stray dog mother. She lived a good life, but mobility issues led her owner to make one of the hardest decisions possible. Nina Rissanen, who operates the animal crematorium, was the first to touch Nuka at birth, having helped the mother during delivery.

Rissanen explains that the owner has placed Nuka in a specially designed plastic bag, making the process easier and cleaner, as it keeps any bodily fluids contained. Rissanen opens the bag for a final photograph before sealing the furnace and setting a timer. Flames ignite, and the temperature begins to rise towards a thousand degrees Celsius. The process takes around three hours.

Operating an animal crematorium since 2010, Rissanen frequently travels across Lapland, picking up deceased pets, dealing mostly with dogs from various circumstances, such as euthanasia or accidents. The crematorium can handle pets of considerable size and is set to receive a new furnace from Sweden soon.

Many pet owners feel profound grief over their loss, sometimes even more intense than the death of a person, according to life coach Minna Järvelä, who offers support for those mourning their pets. In challenging moments, Rissanen provides compassion and understanding to grieving owners, reflecting her experience from her family’s floral and funeral business.