The Nose of Tralee public vote is open so vote here for Donegal's Dumpling

August has begun and that means the public vote is open for the Nose of Tralee - so let’s get in behind the Donegal representative, Dumping.

A two-year-old Staffie-Springer cross living her best life in Ballyshannon, Dumpling will represent Donegal at this year’s Nose of Tralee as one of the 32 finalists 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, where you can vote for Dumpling here. You can vote once every 24 hours.

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.

"From just four months old, Dumpling has been a proud ambassador for small Irish businesses, promoting dog harnesses, accessories, and food companies," they said. "Her Instagram page (@dumpling_the_stinger) showcases pet-friendly businesses and highlights her adventures. Dumpling has a heart of gold, especially when it comes to people and kids. She loves making new friends on the street and is always ready for playtime with balls and teddies.

"But what really gets Dumpling’s tail wagging is car adventures! She has travelled by car and ferry to Portugal, Spain, and the UK, 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 and special as any designer breed. Dumpling’s friendly, well-behaved nature challenges stereotypes about bull terrier breeds. She’s been a beloved guest in shops, restaurants, and hotels across different countries, winning hearts wherever she goes."