The owners of Armagh therapy dog ‘Binx’ have launched an appeal for votes to help make him Armagh’s first ever Nose of Tralee winner!
The 2025 Nose of Tralee will be the competition’s 12th consecutive year and Binx’s owners are “ecstatic” to be representing their county.
Of the three-year-old Golden Retriever, his owner Ruth says he has an “infectious” personality with a “big heart and a very calming presence”.
He’s popular among dogs and humans alike, lapping up all the attention and cuddles he can get!
His personality made him a prime candidate for therapy dog training which he has now completed following assessment with the Therapy Dogs Nationwide charity (TDN).
Said Ruth: “This is something that has been on my heart for a while, as seeing the love Binx has for people, and them 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 etc.
“It would be great to make someone’s day by our visit.”
TDN also offer the Bark and Read programme, funded by the Kennel Club which involves bringing therapy dogs into schools and helping children to read.
Added Ruth: “Reading to dogs has proven to help children develop and further their literacy skills and build confidence, through the presence of a dog, due to the fact that the dog will listen to the children without being critical or judgemental.
“This comforting and calming environment will also encourage an enthusiasm for reading and provide them with confidence.
“As someone, who loves reading, this is a big passion of mine to help develop a love of reading amongst the younger generations and to spend time at their local library. We hope to volunteer in local nursing homes, schools and hospitals too.”
She says Binx is a “special boy and hopefully together we can make a difference in our community, no matter how small.”
Ruth admits, Binx was entered into the competition for “a bit of fun” and says they “never thought we would get so far”.
The competition has been running for 12 years now and Armagh has never won and as Ruth says, “It would be great to bring it home!”
Voting opens on July 24 and runs until 5pm on August 18, with the winner to be announced on August 19.
Place your vote for Binx here.
