An Aghagallon Great Dane has been selected by the public to represent Armagh in this year’s ‘Nose of Tralee’ competition.
Two-year-old Jethro, who is deaf, will be going up against pets from all the rest of Ireland’s counties in a bid to be crowned as the island’s loveliest and fairest pet.
His owner, Deborah Dunlop, describes him as a “gentle giant” and hopes that he will be able to win over the public vote.
The ‘Nose of Tralee’ is an annual competition organised by Pet Sitters Ireland that is now in its tenth year. It brings pets together from all across the 32 counties of the island of Ireland to compete for the title.
Jethro passed through the initial public vote, being one of the three pets with the most votes in the County. He then made it through the Judges’ panel to confirm his selection as County Armagh’s nose.
Among the pets that Jethro is competing with are; Antrim-based Shih Tzu, Freddie ‘the Floof’ and Lexi, the Cocker Spaniel and Beagle cross from Tyrone.
The public vote runs until August 21, with Ireland’s ‘Nose of Tralee’ for 2023 being announced on August 22. You can vote once every 24 hours and there will only be one winner among the 32 finalists.
According to Deborah, Jethro is somewhat of a “local celebrity” around Aghagallon.
“Everybody loves to see him walking around the village,” she said. “He has very striking looks and you just can’t miss him!”
Deborah says that because Jethro is deaf, “we maybe pamper him a bit more than all the rest of the doggies” adding, “he really is a big baby. He’s just a big softie.”
She explained: “We have four dogs but Jethro holds a really special place in our hearts because he’s a big cuddle bug. He loves every human and every animal and just wants to be everyone’s friend.
“He’s so special to us and to see he’s got so much support from other people too and how he’s got so far in the competition, we’re just delighted for him.”
The pet that comes out on top will not only claim the much-coveted title of ‘Nose of Tralee 2023’ but will also win a €250 Pet Sitting and Dog Walking voucher, a €500 Tesco voucher and a photo shoot with David MaCauley Photography.
Second place will receive a €100 Pet Sitting and Dog Walking voucher and a €150 Tesco voucher.
2022’s winner was Sadie the Golden Labrador from Tyrone. She was rescued with “lots of broken bones” from the streets of Serbia, having been found by her foster mum who was there volunteering.
You can vote for Jethro as this year’s ‘Nose of Tralee’ here.
