Pirkko-Liisa Marttinen has been passionate about greyhounds since 1975. Their enthusiasm is evident both in dog shows and in their everyday activities with the dogs. For over 15 years, Nutrolin® omega supplements have supported her journey—this is the story of why her trust in quality and science remains unshaken.
The Speedsters of Tuomarinkylä
Two striking greyhounds race across the grass at the famous Tuomarinkylä Greyhound Center located in Helsinki. Their owner, Pirkko-Liisa, strolls around the track. “It’s so good for the dogs to run free, and this soft surface is gentle on my legs too,” she says.
It’s a crisp November morning, with the low sun casting long shadows. The frosty ground hints at the approaching winter. The pawprints of six-year-old Ollie-Oliver, or Ollie, and one-year-old Lorena, or Lore, mark the field, while Ermes, lovingly called Erkku, awaits his turn. Today, the pack consists of three dogs. “I think there’s still room for one more,” Pirkko-Liisa smiles.
Pirkko-Liisa Marttinen with Ermes
There’s something special about her pack besides its size. “Lore has brought a new energy to this group of boys. I call her ‘Miss Cutie Pie’,” Pirkko-Liisa laughs, adding, “This is a wonderful pack! Each dog has such a unique personality, and they’re all so dear to me.”
As Ollie and Lorena wrestle playfully, Pirkko-Liisa observes, “Ollie tries to teach Lore the greyhound way of playing, which is all about running, but she prefers tugging at his coat. I’ve noticed that the play style is different between males and females in our pack.”
Pirkko-Liisa’s love affair with greyhounds began decades ago. “A friend of mine had a magnificent greyhound, and that was it—I was hooked. I fell in love with the breed, and here we are,” she recalls. For her, greyhounds represent the perfect package of size, personality, and elegance. Over the years, this passion has also brought friendships and responsibilities within the greyhound community.
Nutrolin®: A Trusted Companion for Life
Fittingly, Ollie and Lore’s green coats match the theme of the day: Nutrolin.
Pirkko-Liisa has been using Nutrolin® omega supplements for her dogs for over 15 years. “I first discovered the Hip & Joint product in 2008 when my dog Renzo joined a test group. Renzo had injured his leg and was in rehab. HIP & JOINT worked so well to support his recovery” Pirkko-Liisa recalls. “Since then, I’ve always given my dogs one Nutrolin® product or another.”
What keeps her coming back to Nutrolin® is that she can see the results with her own eyes. “We participate in dog shows, and success wouldn’t be possible if the dogs’ joints, skin, or coats were in poor condition,” she says.
It’s now Erkku’s turn to run.
“Ermes is ranked 34th on the Finnish Kennel Club’s Show Dog of the Year 2024 list and fourth among sighthounds,” Pirkko-Liisa shares. Ermes is a stunning dog with dark brown fur and a mischievous gleam in his eyes. And when he runs, his speed is truly breathtaking. “Erkku loves running at full tilt, and it’s such a joy to watch him move,” she says.
As Erkku sprints along the fence, a car drives by on the adjacent dirt road. “He loves racing cars,” Pirkko-Liisa laughs. “It’s like he’s taunting the driver, saying, ‘That’s all you’ve got? Watch me go faster even in low gear.’”
Naturally, Erkku wins the race, then circles back. His breath clouds the frosty morning air as the sunlight catches his powerful stride.
A Commitment to Science
It’s clear that Pirkko-Liisa adores her dogs and her hobby. It’s easy to understand why she prioritizes their well-being. One vivid example is from 2012, when she sent a bottle of Nutrolin® oil to her dog’s breeder in Germany.
“I asked the breeder to give Nutrolin® PUPPY & MOM oil to my future puppy. She was so impressed with the product that all her breeding females and their puppies have been using it ever since,” Pirkko-Liisa recalls. A recommendation like that speaks louder than words about her trust in the product.
Nutrolin® remains a staple in her routine, thanks to her belief in science and trust in Dr. Mikko Griinari, one of the world’s leading experts on fatty acids. “I trust Mikko. I don’t think anyone understands fatty acids better than he does,” she says.
Indeed, all Nutrolin® products are based on Dr. Griinari’s lifelong research. For example, the PUPPY & MOM nutritional oil contains high levels of DHA, a fatty acid essential for a puppy’s learning ability and sensory development.
As the morning walk comes to an end, it’s time for a few photographs. With Erkku’s portrait captured, Ollie and Lore circle back to their owner for one last moment of attention.
In 2025, Pirkko-Liisa’s greyhound hobby will celebrate a milestone anniversary. Whether she’ll throw a big party remains a mystery, but one thing is certain: her dogs’ meals will continue to be enriched with Nutrolin® omega supplements, carefully chosen to meet their needs.