'An inspiration of a puppy'

Ireland’s most loved annual pet competition, the Nose of Tralee, is back for its 11th year, with nationwide entries open until June 25. One pet will be chosen to represent each county, with the ultimate winner being announced on August 20. Niko, who turned one recently, is one of the pups hoping to be the Westmeath Nose.

Niko's owner, Cassie Francis, said “when I came across the competition online, straight away it just screamed Niko at me. He is just the most amazing, loving and wonderful dog. He helped me through a really tough time in life due to being ill and things that I had faced even prior to that which had just beaten me down mentally and physically.”

“Everyone that sees him out and about just falls in love with him and he loves to stop to say hello, especially with kids, so I think he would make a super Nose for Westmeath and Nose of Tralee too.”

Cassie revealed that her partner gifted Niko, a Rottweiler puppy, to her last August when she was going through “a really tough time in life” during recovery from surgery and chemotherapy.

“I was home alone all the time very sick while I was recovering and I had slipped a lot mentally. [My partner] thought that having a puppy would bring a routine and meaning back to my days and he really couldn't have been more right.”

“Niko is the best thing that ever happened to me. Not only did he stay by my side every time I was unwell but he made me fight through all of that so that I could be there for him and give him what he needed.”

“To me Niko is just a huge symbol of strength and all things wonderful in the world and so I think entering him to represent his county is a no brainer as he really would just be the best ambassador”

Cassie posted Niko's entry on her Facebook, saying: “Everyone please welcome Niko of the 'Fianna Paws' party ready for The Pet Sitters Ireland Nose of Tralee Competition! Niko is an inspiration of a puppy and I'm really hoping all of Athlone and Westmeath and anywhere else that fancies can get behind him and vote to make him the #NoseofWestmeath. He won't promise you the sun, moon and stars like most politicians do but he certainly will deliver them anyways. So, in earning your votes keep your eye out for some of the tricks he's got up his sleeve to prove he deserves to win. Niko really is Nose quality so let's get Westmeath to the top.”

When asked what it would mean to have Niko selected as Westmeath Nose, Cassie said “It would mean so much to me in so many ways. Niko is the embodiment of everything we think people should be - Kindness, loyalty, love, understanding, compassion, and courage.”

“He lives life like he stole it and because of that he has let me do the same. Niko has this special quality to him that just brings out the shine in the world, he is a true beautiful soul and it would make me so happy to see that being appreciated by as many people as possible. He is an inspiration and I would love other people to get to share in that.”

“I really want to do everything I can to get Niko to be the Westmeath Nose and show people that see him as 'just a dog' what he is really made of. I would really appreciate people getting behind him when the voting opens June 26 and backing our boy to the end.”