Meet your Wicklow celebrity – the 2024 Wicklow Nose of Tralee, Suki.
Name: Suki
County: Wicklow
Age: 7
Breed: Not sure, but definitely have Jack Russell in my blood.
Special Skill: stealing my human’s seats
Favourite Food: my night time biscuit and claiming the cheese tax from my humans
Favourite Toy: Any of my teddies, my Visa card or my Puppacino are probably my favourite ones though
Favourite Place to Sleep: My bed with my memory foam mattress.
Favourite Activity: Going for a walk, especially if it’s somewhere I’ve never been before
Favourite Place To Go For A Walk/Hangout: The Vartry Reservoir or the farm walk in Kilruddery
Most Mischievous Thing You Have Ever Done? Well I’m not proud of this, but when I lived with my previous humans who were a bit older and sometimes forgetful, I once stole a block of cheese from their lunch and hid it under their pillow for later. My human blamed her husband for eating all the cheese and she didn’t seem happy. I would’ve owned up to it but I really wanted the cheese.
How Did You Come Into Your Owners Life? My owners adopted me from the shelter and then a few (dog) years later they got sick and never came back home. So I had a few sleepovers at different houses of humans that had previously come to visit me. My current humans were minding me at the time and I really liked staying with them as they gave me a lot of attention. So I was on my best behaviour and would give them my best puppy dog eyes and lots of cuddles so they’d keep me and it worked!
What Makes You The Most Pawtastic Pet Ever? I’m frequently told that I’m VERY good and actually the best dog in the world.
Why Did You Decide To Enter The Nose Of Tralee? To help inspire all the other rescue dogs with my rags to riches story
How Did You Prepare For The Contest And Get Votes? My human did a photoshoot with me and she said everyone wanted an exclusive interview with me. I then made my debuts in The Independent and The Bray People. I did a radio interview with East Coast FM. My human told everyone she could to keep voting for me.
What Did You Enjoy Most About The Nose Of Tralee? Wearing my sash and the lovely treats
What Advice Would You Give To The Next Nose Of Your County? Watch out for all the pupparazzi
How Are You Handling Your New-Found Fame? I’m taking it in my stride, I’m used to all this attention
If You Could Be Any Super Hero Who Would You Be? Wonder (full) Woman
Where Can Your Fans Follow You Online? @lilsuki33 on Instagram
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.
