Carlow dog nose ahead in national cuteness contest

Move over, roses, this summer County Carlow’s hopes rest on a nose. Specifically, the button nose of Max the Pomsky, who has sniffed his way into the finals of the Nose of Tralee, the pet competition that crowns the most adorable animal in Ireland.

Run by Pet Sitters Ireland and open to all 32 counties, the Nose of Tralee sets out to find the cutest, funniest and most simply lovable pet in the land. After voting closed at midnight on 29 June, three-year-old Max emerged as Carlow’s standard-bearer, and he will proudly represent the county in the grand final.

Max is no ordinary doggo. A cross between a Husky and a Pomeranian, he cuts a striking figure with his fox-like face, fluffy coat and heterochromia eyes, and, by all accounts, he knows it. His owners describe a cheeky, expressive character full of talk and funny reactions, forever eager to meet new people and somehow leaving everyone smiling. Despite his small size, he carries himself with all the confidence of a full-grown Husky.

Something of a local celebrity, Max documents his adventures - dog shows, playful moments and all - for his followers on TikTok and Instagram at @max_thepomsky_. He is also a keen supporter of Carlow’s dog-friendly cafés, shops and businesses, flying the flag for the growing number of local spots that welcome four-legged customers.

His journey to the final has been very much a community effort. “The support has been absolutely amazing,” said his family, who thanked local businesses including Barrow Brew, Doyle’s Royal Oak and Maxi Zoo for displaying Max’s posters and helping spread the word.

Max belongs to Carol-Ann Fitzpatrick, whose mother Ann passed on the family’s delight at his achievement, and their hope that the whole county will get behind him. As they put it, Max proves that even a small dog can carry a big county spirit.

So Carlow, the nose knows: it’s time to rally behind Max in the final.