Niko needs your vote for Nose of Tralee

Voting for the 2024 Nose of Tralee is set to close on Monday at midnight, and the competition is heating up!

Representing Westmeath is Niko, a one-year-old Rottweiler. His owner Cassie revealed that her partner gifted Niko to her last August when she was going through “a really tough time in life” during recovery from surgery and chemotherapy.

On why people should vote for Niko, Cassie said: “He is a special dog, one you don't come by very often and one you definitely don't underestimate when you do. He is a gentle giant with a heart of gold and he has shown that to many people during his campaign.

“They all deserve it and I wouldn't take that from any of them, but Niko has proven that he is worth his weight in gold and more throughout all of this and I think going forward he can show people the same things he has shown me, that life is to be lived. To be brave and even when you are scared, do it anyway and most importantly to put yourself out there regardless of what people think of you because if we don't fight, we can't win.

“I think Niko is the perfect pet to take the title home to Westmeath for the first time but he needs every vote he can get to do that and, once again, show everybody who thinks he is 'just a dog' what he is really made of.”

The winner of the 2024 Nose of Tralee will be announced on Tuesday, August 20, the day after voting closes.

The public can cast their votes and support their favourite pet here.