Lusha Tolstenkoe Schastye: Oldest Dog in Ukraine Dies in Kharkiv

Lusha lived 19 years and 6 months.

In Kharkiv, Lusha — the oldest dog in Ukraine — has died.

This was reported by Lana Vetrova, head of the National Registry of Records.

The pug named Lusha Tolstenkoe Schastye passed away at the age of 19 years and 6 months.

"I believe that such a long life — is a worthy example of human love and care. Therefore, this achievement also belongs to her owner, Anna Garbuz," — Vetrova noted.

Lusha became a record holder in May 2018 — at that time she was 18 years and 2 months old, while for a pug, living 12-15 years is considered normal. According to the owner, the dog was taken from a nursery in Zaporizhzhia — and that is where the name suffix "Tolstenkoe Schastye" came from.

Over her life, Lusha had 2 pregnancies, giving birth to 8 puppies the second time, traveled by train, fought with a shepherd dog, and as she aged, she often became ornery and grumbled.

"Now my main task is to ensure she has a dignified old age, — the dog's owner told the local outlet 057.ua after receiving the record certificate. — She walks poorly and can no longer hear. So when getting a dog, it's important to understand that she is not a piece of furniture; she needs care. When we went traveling, my parents looked after Lusha. They reported on every step: we ate, we walked. She is the favorite of our whole family. Lusha was always by my side during important moments in my life."

Before Lusha, the oldest dog in Ukraine was a bichon named Fantik from Kyiv — at the time the record was set, he was also 18 years and 2 months old.

Earlier, scientists found that dogs can help their owners maintain heart health.