Déise pet reaches Puppy of the Year grand final

Waterford puppy Fozzie Ronan reached the Grand Final in the national Petmania Puppy of the Year competition recently. Fozzie was not selected as the overall winner of the award but was named Waterford Pup of the Year at the Grand Final.

The judges noted the Déise dog for her "genuine and engaging personality" and her owner Bryan Ronan, a teacher at Newtown School said: "I already feel in my heart I am lucky have the best puppy in the world but it's been so nice to see so many people try to confirm it officially for me. 

"As for Fozzie she's a people person so absolutely loves the attention she's been getting over the past few weeks."

Mr Ronan said that he had originally laughed off the idea of entering the competition but said that following the "encouragement of family and friends I entered Fozzie into the competition just for a bit of fun (and a lovely gift pack)."

He said it was "amazing to see so many of my family, friends and everyone in Newtown School, where I teach, do everything they could to get Fozzie through the local rounds here in Waterford. I suppose the thing I appreciate the most is the fact that so many people went out of their way every day for the last few weeks just to make Fozzie (and me) happy."

"Between making friends with the wonderful staff in our local Petmania and becoming buddies with some of the other local entrants she's had the best time so far. So thank you everybody for making Fozzie and me so happy. Fozzie promises to do her best to make everyone extra proud this weekend."

The top dogs at the competition were Cavapoo, Harley Alves from Athlone who came first in the competition. He and his proud owners, Jane and Lily Alves, received a prize worth €1,500, including a 12-month grooming care plan with Petmania, a year’s supply of dog food from Beta, a two-night staycation in a dog-friendly hotel courtesy of Blue Book, as well as a professional photoshoot and a brand ambassador contract.

In second place was Corgi, Luna Roberts Higgins from Portlaoise, while in third place was Doberman Pinscher, Quirky Dude from Wexford.

Petmania, which is Irish-owned, held the finale of the Puppy of the Year competition on Saturday, October 26, in their Portlaoise store.