Latest news with #PetSittersIreland
Irish Independent
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Roscommon bichon among finalists in Nose of Tralee competition
Bailey, owned by Roscommon native Ciara Kelly, is among 31 cats and dogs to feature in twelfth annual Nose of Tralee. 'Even on our toughest days, Bailey always brings a smile to our face. He is the most friendly and lovable dog,' said his owner, who works as a pharmacy technician. The winner of the 2025 Nose of Tralee will be announced online on Tuesday, August 19 and will receive a hotel stay, a Pet Sitters Ireland voucher, a photo shoot and many other prizes. Voting begins online on Thursday, July 24 and ends on Monday, August 18 at 5pm.
Belfast Telegraph
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
‘He never fails to turn heads': Co Armagh golden retriever makes final of Nose of Tralee
A therapy dog with an 'infectious personality' is sniffing out glory as he represents Co Armagh in this year's Nose of Tralee. Three-year-old golden retriever Binx has been selected from over 1,550 entries as one of 32 finalists in the competition, run by Pet Sitters Ireland. Now in its 12th year, the annual contest is a play on the Rose of Tralee international festival. People are invited to submit pictures and stories of their dogs, with the end goal of being crowned the Nose of Tralee. Binx's owner, Ruth Parkes, said the duo are 'ecstatic' to be representing their home county. 'We entered it for a bit of fun and never thought we would get so far,' she said. "Armagh has never won it. It would be great to bring it home.' In 2022, Sadie the Labrador, rescued from Serbia by a Co Tyrone charity, won the competition. Ruth said Binx, who recently qualified as a therapy dog with the charity Therapy Dogs Nationwide (TDN), 'never fails to turn heads' when out and about. He is also training in gundog classes. She added: 'He has an infectious personality and is always smiling and wanting cuddles. He never fails to get attention when we are out for our walks, so he has plenty of dog and human friends. Now trained to offer emotional support and companionship, Binx and Ruth are looking forward to giving back to their community. 'This is something that has been on my heart for a while,' she added. "Seeing the love Binx has for people, and them for him, I thought it would be a great opportunity to give something back to the people of Co Armagh and help people who may be feeling lonely and struggling with their mental health. "It would be great to make someone's day with our visit.' The Open at Royal Portrush: What happened in 2019 Ruth said they are hoping to get involved in TDN's 'Bark and Read' programme – an initiative funded by the Kennel Club that brings therapy dogs into schools to help children build confidence in reading. Reading to dogs has been proven to help children improve literacy and build confidence, as dogs listen without judgment or criticism. 'As someone who loves reading, this is a big passion of mine to help develop a love of reading among the younger generations and to spend time at their local library. We hope to volunteer in local nursing homes, schools, and hospitals,' said Ruth. 'He is a special boy and hopefully we can make a difference in our community, no matter how small.' The 2025 Nose of Tralee winner will be crowned on August 19, following an island-wide vote to determine who will take home the title. Voting for the final opens on July 24 and closes on August 18 at 5pm. The winner will receive a hotel stay, a photoshoot, pet sitting vouchers and a range of gifts from small Irish pet brands.
Irish Independent
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Meet the pygmy goat selected as Clare's Nose of Tralee 2025
Today at 12:00 The final 32 pets of the 2025 Nose of Tralee competition have been selected, with an unusual animal representing Clare on the list. The Nose of Tralee is a pet version of the iconic Rose of Tralee competition, which takes place in August each year and is organised by Pet Sitters Ireland.
Irish Independent
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Cockapoo Milo is Sligo's entry for Nose of Tralee contest
Organised by Pet Sitters Ireland, voting starts on July 24 with the winner revealed on August 17. An array of cute pets from around the country have been shortlisted, including Sligo's Milo. His proud owners, Arianna and Kian said: 'Meet Milo, our 3-year-old Cockapoo who isn't just a pet he's a furry miracle wrapped in love and a little mischief. 'He lives with us in the scenic beauty of Sligo, but his tail practically wags off whenever he hears the word Galway because that's where Grandma Bob and Grandad live, and visits to them are filled with cuddles, treats, and endless love. 'What makes Milo truly extraordinary is something you can't teach, his innate emotional intuition. 'In any crowd, busy street, or overwhelming moment, he instinctively knows how to bring calm to the storm. 'With just a nuzzle or a gentle look, he grounds me in ways I never imagined possible. 'No training, no cues just love and understanding that flows straight from his heart. 'Our journey together hasn't always been smooth. 'Finding a dog-friendly home felt like an impossible dream at times. ADVERTISEMENT 'We faced rejection after rejection, heartbreak after heartbreak but we never gave up. 'Today, we are finally in our forever home, built with love and 'importantly' paws in mind. Watching him stretch out comfortably in a space that is truly his is a joy that words can barely contain. And oh, the tricks! Milo is a little Einstein with fur. From high-fives and rollovers to praying and waving to people, he keeps us laughing and amazed every single day. But his greatest trick? His unmatched kindness. Children adore him whether it's a toddler tugging at his ear or a shy child needing a friend, he responds with only gentleness and joy. Milo isn't just brilliant he's soulful, funny, endlessly loving, and the heart of our family. He's more than deserving of this recognition not because of what he's learned, but because of who he is. Our best friend. Our silent comfort. Our joy on four legs.'
