Dogs getting a sniff of the action

Nose of Tralee into the final stages

- Emily McPhillips -

While the Roses are ironing their sashes ahead of the Tralee event, local dogs are getting a sniff of the action. Pet Sitters Ireland are running the 13th edition of the ‘Nose of Tralee’ - an annual competition to find the cutest and most deserving pet.

Two dogs representing Cavan and Monaghan have made the cut for the final 32. Not surprisingly, both of their owners believe their pets are the most deserving’ and they told the Celt why.

“Lucy Lou has literally changed my life and has opened up a new world,” explains Lauren McGeown, owner of the three-year-old Golden Retriever mix from Monaghan.

She decided to enter her dog into the competition to “show the impact a dog can have”.

Lauren shared how she previously had a massive fear of dogs: “Simple everyday activities people may take for granted like going to the forest or to a beach, was filled with the fear of meeting a dog and the fear I had of dogs.”

After coming home from a summer in America in 2023, she was greeted at the door by Lucy Lou - the new family addition. “She was a little energetic puppy and it wasn’t easy at first for me to get used to.”

Thanks to Lucy Lou’s personality however, that fear disappeared. “Lucy was so gentle, kind, friendly and has now not only became my best friend but my whole family’s best friend too.”

Meanwhile, Waffle from Co Cavan is also proudly wearing a ‘Nose of Tralee’ finalist sash. Owner Pamela Morgan is infatuated with the seven-month-old Maltipoo.

“Waffle is a huge part of my life and helps to take stress out of our day.”

Since having the dog, she herself has been a lot more active: “Waffle is helping me get out and about a lot more.”

Pamela describes Waffle as “friendly, relaxed and joyful”.

When asked what makes Waffle special, his human talks about “the love Waffle has to give” and the way Waffle senses “if something is going on through checking in and her true companionship”.

Pamela believes that Waffle is a worthy winner because of “joy and positivity Waffle has brought to her and my family’s life”.

Votes for Waffle and Lucy Lou and all the other pets can be cast on www.petsittersireland.com/nose-2026 by Monday, August 17.

The Nose of Tralee winner will be announced the very next day.