Cockapoo Amber to represent Louth in the Nose of Tralee 2025

Public voting has opened for the Nose of Tralee 2025 winner.  

The competition hosted by Pet Sitters Ireland is now in its 12th year. Described as a “nationwide celebration” of Irish pets, 32 finalists have been selected out of thousands of entries. 

Finalists this year include a mix of dogs, cats, and even a goat called Baaaanjo. 

Louth is being represented in the Nose of Tralee by a three-year-old Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel and Poodle mix) named Amber. 

Amber's owners are Jacqueline and Seamus Doherty, they adopted her following the death of their beloved family dog.  

Jaqueline heard of Amber when the local vet rang her to let her know of a surrendered Cockapoo, a bred which Amber’s late mother always wanted, due to her previous owner describing her as being “hard work”. 

When Amber joined her new family, she had a brother to teach her the reins of her new home, an 11-year-old cocker spaniel named Peppy, however her passed away when she was just a year old. 

Her personality can best be described as a “loyal, protective, loving affectionate companion”. 

Amber, while not trained as a service dog, has taken up the role in her household of helping Jaqueline, who is deaf. 

On her submission for the Nose of Tralee, regarding her aiding of Jaqueline: “As my mother is deaf when I hear the alarm I now wake her up”. 

Winning a number of prizes in amateur dog shows last year, Amber hopes to add the Nose of Tralee to her trophy shelf. 

Amber has her own Facebook page dedicated to her campaign for top prize. 

Speaking on the competition, Kate McQuillan, organiser of The Nose of Tralee and owner of Pet Sitters Ireland said: "The Nose of Tralee is always such a special event for us. The support from every corner of the country this year has been incredible – people are so proud of their local finalists.” 

You are able to vote once a day, and voting for Louth finalist, Amber, can be done here. 

Voting is currently open on the Pet Sitter Ireland Nose of Tralee webpage with the vote closing at 5 pm Monday August 18. 

With the winner will be announced the following day, Tuesday August 19. 

The winner of the Nose of Tralee 2025 will win a hotel stay, a photo shoot, pet sitting vouchers, and a range of gifts from small Irish pet brands.