Meet Dumpling - this year's Donegal entrant at the Nose of Tralee

Dumpling, a two-year-old Staffie-Springer cross living her best life in Ballyshannon, will represent Donegal at this year’s Nose of Tralee.

To enter the Nose of Tralee, pet owners had to upload a photo of their pet and share as to why they deserve to be the next Nose of Tralee. After a public vote and evaluation by a judging panel, 32 finalists have been chosen to represent each county in Ireland.

The grand winner of the Nose of Tralee will be announced on August 20 following an online public vote, which gets underway on August 1.

Dumpling’s human parents, Selina Perng and Andrew Sharkey, have a love story that spans continents. Selina, originally from Taiwan, married Andrew, a local from Ballyshannon, three years ago. They had always dreamed of getting a pup while living in Taiwan, but the timing never seemed right.

When they moved to Donegal, it felt like the perfect place to have a dog. After searching through shelters and breeders, they stumbled upon an ad for an accidental litter. They drove four hours to meet the puppies, and Dumpling chose them with her loving cuddles. It was love at first sight.

Andrew, a lifelong dog lover, grew up with dogs in Donegal. Selina, a first-time dog owner, educated herself about positive dog training and earned a canine nutrition certificate. While in Portugal for the holidays, they volunteered at Ericeira’s dog shelter to walk the dogs.

“Her breed was a surprise, discovered through a DNA test. She came from an accidental litter on a farm in Northern Ireland,” Selina says of Dumpling.

“Since she was just four months old, Dumpling has been a brand ambassador for small Irish businesses, promoting dog harnesses, accessories, and food companies. Her Instagram page highlights pet-friendly businesses and walks.

“She absolutely loves people, especially kids, and her favourite game is making new friends on the street. Dumpling is always up for playtime with balls and teddies, but nothing excites her more than car adventures. She has travelled to Portugal, Spain, and the UK by car and ferry, always eager for the next great adventure.”

“We entered Dumpling in the Nose of Tralee to show that with love and care, a mutt can be just as cute as any designer breed. We also hope to challenge stereotypes about bull terrier breeds. Dumpling’s friendly and well-behaved nature shines through wherever she goes. She has been a beloved guest in shops, restaurants, and hotels across different countries.”