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Waterford Nose Dedicated to Momo Dear everyone, I am Momo, a little brave Maltese. I am delighted to have been honoured with the title of "Waterford Nose of Tralee". However, as you read this, I have already crossed the rainbow bridge and been reunited with my other doggie brothers in heaven. Saying goodbye was never easy, especially after receiving so much love from my family for over 16 years. Although I couldn't walk straight, Mom used to carry me around the neighbourhood and explore the beauty of Ireland together. I know Mom did her best to help me with my heart disease, dementia, and arthritis. She prepared different supplements to make me feel better. Every day, she woke up at 6am to give me my heart medication and stayed awake during my restless nights due to dementia. We experienced countless dark nights and early dawns together. Sometimes, I think she cared for me even more than herself. It was during this time that my mom came up with the idea for a social enterprise called "Senior Paws" to support owners of ageing dogs. A month ago, Social Enterprise Ireland accepted the project as an official participant of The Ideas Academy. Meanwhile, I was also excited to join the "Nose of Tralee" competition. However, my dementia worsened, and I couldn't stand properly during the first voting phase. On my last day, I had a stroke, and it was also the day I found out I made it to the "Waterford Nose." I knew it was time to say goodbye to my beloved family. Each day with them was unique. I remember watching "The Never Ending Story" with Mom, Dad, and my grandmother, who flew all the way from Taiwan to see me. That's precisely what I want to tell my family: even though I'm no longer with them physically, my spirit will always be with them forever. I hope my story touches your heart. I wish all the finalists the best and cherish every moment with their loved ones. A special thank you to Pet Sitters Ireland for giving us the chance to create unforgettable memories :) My parents will donate my goodies to the
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Bina - Westmeath Nose Bina, or Beanie Weanie as we call her, is a 1-year-old standard dachshund. She is the sweetest and most thoughtful little dog. She loves having a lie in each morning and taking up the entire bed in doing so. She loves to play with her cuddly toys and also take the squeaker out of each one! She came all the way from Croatia to be with us here in Ireland. She was driven for 18 hours and then got on a ferry to Dublin where we left the house early that morning to go and get her. So you could say she’s also bilingual! She loves going to the beach and showing off her swimming skills. Her favourite treat is definitely Greek yoghurt. You will often find her spread out on the couch listening to the tv, although she does sometimes watch it and is a big fan of Love Island. She has a ramp to help her get up onto the couch because her little legs can’t reach and she loves to have naps on this ramp, because that’s clearly what it was made for! She deserves the title of Nose of Tralee because she is a loving and energetic dog with a heart full of love. She will always pick you up when you’re feeling down and make you feel loved. She is a little messer and loves attention so this is the perfect way to show everyone who Bina is! She really is the definition of “Man’s Best Friend”. There is no better feeling than when she runs towards you and gives you the biggest hug! Thank you very much to everyone who has gotten her this far!
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Lily - Wexford Nose Lily is a 1-year-old border collie. She’s delighted to be representing Wexford this year. Thank you to everyone who has helped us get this far! Lily is the best dog anyone could ask for! She’s the most lovable dog you can get (especially with her never-ending kisses). When I first met Lily she was a very quiet puppy. But after a while she’d get so excited when I come home even if I was gone for only 10 minutes she would squeal and bark saying hello until I say hello back. You don’t need to set an alarm in the morning with Lily! She runs down the hall and jumps up onto the bed giving you kisses until you’re up. Before she goes to bed she waits for me to give her a hug and kiss goodnight. I’d never had such a special bond with a dog before until I met Lily! She makes me laugh every time I see her. She has this special trick where she sticks the tip of her tongue out making everyone around her laugh and smile. Lily can sense when there’s a camera around, she is the biggest poser I have ever seen! When she’s scared she trusts me to mind her by standing behind me. People always say a ‘dog is a man’s best friend’ and it’s true Lily is my best friend, and I know she’s always got my back & I’ve got hers. It would mean a lot to both Lily and myself if she won the Nose Of Tralee but I think it would also mean a lot to Wexford and that is why we would like everyone to get behind Lily and vote for her when voting opens on August 3rd and to keep voting so we can bring the title back to Wexford. Follow us on Instagram (@bru_no0821)
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Daisy Doo - Wicklow Nose I'm Daisy Doo the Wicklow Nose! I don't have a sad or courageous story to tell, for I'm still a puppy as cute as hell. I entered this competition just for fun you see, and to represent my County in the Nose Of Tralee. I'm the loyal Dachshund of the Kelly family, where I dig in their garden and live life happily. In their home, my heart resides, their loyal companion right by their side. My soul is warm; my spirit is bright, I bring them joy like morning light. With my tiny legs, I walk with might, I race ahead like stars at night. Through fields of green, I love to roam, In Wicklow's beauty, I've found my home. With pride and honour, let my reign begin, for in my heart, I'd love to win. In Wicklow's embrace, I've found my place, a furry ambassador full of grace. Follow Daisy Doo on Instagram @daisydoo_the_hotsausage