Poppy aims for Nose of Tralee title

A Summerhill dog owner is calling on the county to get behind a bid to have her three-year-old cocker spaniel cross, Poppy, crowned the 'Nose of Tralee'. The Pet Sitters Ireland Nose of Tralee competition sponsored by Tesco Ireland, is in its sixth year, each year crowning a new Nose at the same time as the Rose of Tralee. Over 1,000 pets entered the competition - all hoping to become this year’s Nose of Tralee.

Some 32 Noses have been selected to represent their county and a public vote will now decide between 29 dogs and three cats who will take the title of 2019 Nose of Tralee. Roisin Dixon is hoping Poppy will bring the title back to the royal county.

"I entered her into the competition back in June this year where there were over 1,000 entries and she has since made it to the final and been chosen to represent county Meath in the competition which takes place with one finalist from all 32 counties. She’s into the last stage of the completion now and it’s a public vote that will crown the Nose of Tralee 2019!"

Poppy with devoted owner, Roisin Dixon 

Roisin explains why she thinks Poppy is a worthy winner.

"Poppy is a mischievous little pup with bundles of energy. She loves playing fetch, chewing up every sock she get her teeth on and showing her cheeky grin every time I come in the door. She’s really intelligent too and in the past week, I’ve taught her how to give paw, lie down and roll over because some of her competitors all seem to be able to do all sorts of tricks.

"She loves sleeping and her favourite place in the world is to nap on the brown couch with all four paws up in the air. She’s a lovable pup who loves giving kisses and teasing her dog big brother- Bailey by stealing his toys and robbing his treats. She brings so much life to my house and even when she goes to get groomed the house is just so quiet and dull without her- she’s just such a character!"

Poppy and older brother Bailey 

The winner will receive prizes from Sponsors Pet Sitters Ireland, Tesco Ireland, David MaCauley Photography and Pet Connection.

The public vote is open and the winner will be announced live on Facebook and Instagram on 27th August – the same night as the finals of the Rose of Tralee.

To register your vote,  visit www.NoseOfTralee.com