Beloved Tipperary dog vying for Nose of Tralee 2026 title
Bonnie from Ballinahow is running in this year’s competition
Every great competition has its underdog, and this year’s Nose of Tralee competition, organised by Petsitters Ireland, has a very special contender in Bonnie from Ballinahow, Co Tipperary, owned by the Regan family.
At 15 years of age, Bonnie is one of the more mature entrants in this year’s coveted competition.
But as every dog lover knows, age is just a number.
What truly matters are the qualities that make a dog extraordinary, and Bonnie has them in abundance.
Her greatest gift is her unconditional love.
Through good days and bad, she has been a constant companion for all of us, especially Rachel who chose her and has grown up with her.
Bonnie has brought comfort, loyalty and joy to all.
More than a pet, Bonnie is very much the fourth member of the Regan family, and they say they simply cannot imagine life without her.
Unlike some canine celebrities, Bonnie has never sought the limelight.
She is happiest spending time with her family, offering a gentle nudge for attention or a wag of encouragement when it is needed most.
However, she does have one notable achievement to her name.
Some years ago, she proudly took home the title of “Waggiest Tail” at the Dualla Show, a fitting accolade for a dog whose happiness is infectious.
Bonnie may not be the loudest or flashiest contestant in this year’s competition, but she represents everything people cherish about their dogs: devotion, kindness, companionship and unwavering love.
To the Regans, Bonnie is already a winner, but they say they would be thrilled to see this wonderful girl receive the recognition she deserves and be crowned Nose of Tralee 2026.
Whatever the outcome, Bonnie will always hold the most important title of all: a beloved member of her family and a treasured friend.
Established in 2014, The Nose of Tralee is Ireland’s largest pet competition that is open to all types of pets.
2026 is the 13th year of the competition and each year more and more people from all over Ireland take part in a bid to win the title of Nose of Tralee.
The competition is open to pet owners in all 32 counties of Ireland and all pets are welcome, from dogs to cats, rabbits, hamsters, horses, etc.
The winning pet in this year’s competition will receive a huge prize package, that includes the title of 2026 Nose of Tralee, a €250 Pet Sitting Voucher From Pet Sitters Ireland, a photo shoot with David McAuley Photography, a pet-friendly hotel stay at Castletroy Park Hotel Limerick, a pastel drawing from Illustrations by Carole, €200 cash from Supermacs Tullamore, €50 cash from Moresure Life & Pensions Ltd, €150 cash from The Plaza Group, €100 cash from Courtney Smiths Online Bits, a GAA jersey and GAA raincoat from Doug’s World, a €30 gift voucher from Noodles & Chig, a bow and bandana from Dave’s Woofly Bandanas, a personalised hamper from Dublin Dog Care, a large pet-friendly cake from Barking Mad Dog Treats, a bow and bandana from Pawssentails, and two tags of choice from Blues Boutique.
If you would like to vote for Bonnie, head over to the Pet Sitters Ireland website and search for Bonnie.