Thumbs up for Polaris!

Placing first in County Cavan in the Nose of Tralee competition is pure bred Collie Polaris.

The seven-month-old was adopted by doting owner Sandra Gandy from Galway SPCA in March of this year.

The excitable and buoyant young dog is often called the White Tornado, with her habit of doing what Sandra calls “zoomies” around the house or the back garden.

Polaris, formerly Polar when she was adopted, was named after the daughter of Magneto from X Men, representing her owner’s interest in film. The name also means North Star, fitting, as she is the star of Sandra’s eye.

Polaris jumps up to greet visitors, gently licking and nudging for their attention. Sandra places her hand above Polaris’ head and in front of her eyes and moves it forward, as she does so, she explained that Polaris is deaf, and this is how she asks here to sit. It was her disability that urged Sandra to adopt her.

Sandra really wants to highlight dogs with disabilities, adding that they “shouldn’t be overlooked” because they may not be able to hear or see.

“There is that amazing bond with those kind of pets because of their disability.”

Since the dog’s arrival to Bailieborough, she has gained the recognition of people in the town, especially the local school children. Due to her uniqueness, soft white fur and friendly manner, Sandra explained that she gets a lot of attention. “She loves to be the centre of attention,” Sandra laughed.

“Because she’s unusual looking, kids, adults, everyone comes flocking over to her,” she said, explaining that pure white collie dogs are very rare.

To call Polaris a ‘good girl’ Sandra puts her thumbs up, which is met with a relaxing of the ears and a tail wag. She is teaching the local children this symbol to praise Polaris when they meet her during her walks.

“It’s hilarious now,” Sandra laughed, explaining that all the children give Polaris a thumbs up when passing in the street.

“It’s great to teach kids about diversity.

“She’s a bit different but everybody just loves her.”

The young dog has a harness for walking which says ‘I am Deaf’ which her owner said was needed as Polaris often gets a fright if people pet her from behind.

“She needs to see you,” Sandra explained.

The collie’s other senses surely make up for her loss of hearing, to ask her to stop you raise your hand vertically in front of her, while telling her no is point one finger, to ask her to come back, Sandra waved her hand in the air and waves. Each time Polaris obeys, she receives a treat.

“She watches us like a hawk,” said Sandra, who can’t leave the room without Polaris on her shadow.

“We have an amazing bond.”

Polaris’ parents were both farm dogs. She was born into a litter of four however the mother rejected the puppies, which is how they came into the care of Galway SPCA. Sandra’s beloved collie Trinity, named after the Matrix character, was also deaf, had died last June.

“We had the experience of working with deaf dogs and training them,” Sandra said.

Upon seeing the post Sandra applied to be his owner and received a call the next day from the organisation who said, “you’re the person for this dog.”

Sandra wouldn’t be without her white collie, explaining that the house has completely changed “a lot” since her arrival; the biggest of which being flashing toys scattered all over the house.

To vote for Polaris as this year’s Nose of Tralee, visit: https://www.petsittersireland.com/nose-of-tralee/