Name: Hi, my name is Murph, AKA “The Grunt.”
County: I proudly represent Laois!
Age: I just turned 1 on August 23rd! I will take all the belated happy birthday wishes!
Breed: Puggle (Pug x Beagle)
Special Skill: I have perfected the art of communicating through grunts, snorts and facial expressions.
Favourite food:I love my fruits and veggies. Carrots, bell pepper, broccoli, cucumbers, apples, blueberries…you get the idea. Anything dog friendly, I will crunch on.
Favourite Toy: Peony the Pig. My mom has had to order 6 so far since I joined the family. I know to go and look for it and bring it back when asked ‘Where’s your pig?’
Favourite Place to Sleep: Wedged in between mom and dad in their bed. It’s a real inconvenience for them, but they survive until the morning every single time.
Favourite Activity: Playing with my cat brother. He is only a few months older than me, so we are OBSESSED with each other. We can only play in small increments, though, because Mom says it’s unhealthy how hyper we both get. It’s not my fault that when I run away, he chases me and tackles me. I have to play-fight back. It’s the rules.
Favourite Place to go for a Walk/Hangout: Walking wherever my older sister is going. I am her little shadow. She may be old and getting grumpier, and she may not always like my energy, but I know she loves me. She has finally started to initiate play with me! It only took her 10 months!
Most mischievous thing you have ever done: When I was just a little baby and had only been home for a little over a week, I taught myself how to climb the puppy pen wall. Mom came to check on me in the middle of the night and she walked into a bunch of little potties all over the sitting room. Oh, and I also chewed on the armchair leg. Whoops.
How did you come into your owner’s life? I was actually completely unplanned. One day, Dad came home and mentioned puppies. Mom was iffy because it had been 10 years since she’d had a puppy with my sister, and she was worried about just how much work a puppy is. But after some talking, they decided, what harm could it do to at least go and see them? Then, a week later (after Mom had to buy absolutely everything), I came home. They said I just melted into their hands when they rubbed my ears when they first met me, and that’s how they decided I was the one.
What makes you the most pawtastic pet ever? I bring a lot of happiness and laughter to my family. I’ve always had something to say and a face to go with it. When my parents start laughing, I get even more excited.
Why did you decide to enter the Nose of Tralee? Mom did not know it was as big as it is. She randomly came across a post to enter your pet and small story, and she wanted to share me with the world. Little did she know…
How did you prepare for the contest and get votes? We tried our best! Mom is from the US and doesn’t have a huge network of connections here in Ireland yet, so it was a lot of asking coworkers, friends and family to help spread the word. And A LOT of social media! Mom even bought a printer and laminator so she could make my very own flyers. I had so much support from my family back in the US, and Mom even had friends in Australia and Japan voting for me every day! It really became a worldwide effort to get me votes.
What did you enjoy most about the Nose of Tralee? I loved making people I know, and even complete strangers, smile with my silly videos and funny faces. I also really enjoyed getting to see all the other contestants and their lives. It was so much fun getting to know everyone and seeing all the different personalities, stories and adventures.
What advice would you give to the next Nose of your County? Just have fun! Make some silly videos, get lots of treats and enjoy it!
How are you handling your newfound fame? I’m handling it just fine! I’m still spending my days doing all the same things I always have, grunting, eating, sleeping and annoying my sister. Mom says I haven’t changed a bit.
If you could be any superhero who would you be? Groot, because I’d probably communicate mostly through grunts anyway.
Where can your fans follow you online? You can catch me and my siblings on my moms Instagram @samboonii
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.
