Meet your Waterford celebrity – the 2024 Waterford Nose of Tralee Izzy Bear.
Name: Izzy bear
County: Waterford
Age: 2 years old
Breed: Mummut Bulldog
Special Skill: flirting ,making people laugh
Favourite Food: mandarin oranges
Favourite Toy: my O’ Neills Gaelic football
Favourite Place to Sleep: I have two beds,my pink bed and my white toddler bed
Favourite Activity: swimming in the sea ,I am a seal/dog
Favourite Place To Go For A Walk/Hangout: Benvoy Beach, Waterford
Most Mischievous Thing You Have Ever Done? I sneaked into my humans room and stole her new slippers and may have shredded them,oops
How Did You Come Into Your Owners Life? Through Dog Angels Ireland rescue,I was abandoned in a field in February 2023 and adopted by my human in April 2023
What Makes You The Most Pawtastic Pet Ever! Everyone loves my eyes and my floofy fluffy fur,they say I look like Falkor,the flying dog in the Never Ending Story,I love to meet new people especially men(I’m very flirtatious) and I love cats and old dogs ,of I feel someone is feeling down,I gravitate towards them and try cheer them up with cuddles or my antics
Why Did You Decide To Enter The Nose Of Tralee? Because my human wants to spread the word about rescue dogs and bull breeds and my Uncle Seamie won Waterford Nose in 2022 and was on tv and had so much fun
How Did You Prepare For The Contest And Get Votes? Social Media ,videos and pictures posted each day with links Tiktok, Instagram and Facebook, contacted local radio stations and newspapers ,went canvassing with my sash attached to my harness around Waterford and obviously I flirted my way to get some votes 🤫
What Did You Enjoy Most About The Nose Of Tralee? Seeing all the amazing furries on social media,all the pictures and videos and so much support from people,it was heartwarming
What Advice Would You Give To The Next Nose Of Your County? Put pressure on the local radios and newspapers to do a piece on you,canvass your little legs off,flirt(it helps) post daily on social media
How Are You Handling Your New-Found Fame? Handling fame as a dog involves staying true to your playful and loving nature while embracing the attention. Keep a consistent routine to manage changes in your life, engage in fun activities with my human and my doggy day care friends , have a quiet space to relax, and enjoying your favourite treats and playtime regardless of your fame.
If You Could Be Any Super Hero Who Would You Be? I think I would like to be “Aqua-dog ” swimming around in the underwater kingdom with Aquaman of course,protecting our oceanic friends
Where Can Your Fans Follow You Online? My humans page on Tiktok/Instagram @nieceyhoban /Denise Hoban
Kate McQuillan is the co-founder of Pet Sitters Ireland, an award-winning pet sitting and dog walking company established in 2010 with her husband, Michael. Together, they support thousands of pet owners across Ireland with trusted, in-home pet care. With over 14 years of experience, Kate shares practical advice to help pet owners feel confident and prepared when it comes to their pet’s care.
