Following the success of Westminster’s, Holyrood’s and Senedd’s favourite canine events, we are delighted to announce that the inaugural Stormont Dog of the Year competition will be held in October 2025, taking place at Stormont Estate.
The Kennel Club and Dogs Trust are pleased to jointly host this unique competition. The event is open to all MLAs and their dogs, or a dog they have a bond with, regardless of breed or ‘pawlitical’ persuasion and aims to showcase dogs as an important member of the family.
Celebrating a unique bond
Dogs play a vital role in many households and are considered a member of the family. Everyone should be able to benefit from the human-animal bond and the happiness that dog ownership can bring.
The competition celebrates the unique bond between dogs and their owners and aims to highlight important welfare issues. All parliamentarians’ dogs are able to enter.
Message from Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust
Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, explains: "I am delighted that this year we are bringing our Dog of the Year competition to Stormont for the first time. Stormont Dog of the Year will be a fantastic celebration of our canine companions and their role as members of the family. It gives MLAs the opportunity to show off their beloved pets and discuss important dog related policy issues. We award, not on performance or political affiliation, but on owners and dogs’ dedication to one another, and to all thing’s canine welfare. We cannot wait to welcome MLAs and their dogs on the day.”
Message from Jannie Edgar, Chief Executive of The Kennel Club
Jannine Edgar, Chief Executive of The Kennel Club said: “Stormont Dog of the Year celebrates the strong bond between politicians and their dogs and highlights the vital role that our four-legged-friends play within the family, offering companionship and unconditional love. While the competition is a fun and light-hearted event, it also provides an important platform to raise awareness of the actions that need to be taken to promote responsible dog ownership.”
More about why we run this event
The media are invited to watch the politicians show their dogs and raise awareness of key issues which affect canine welfare. Past issues raised in our other events include the effects of fireworks on dogs and the importance of dogs training and socialisation.
The Pawblic Vote Award
In a bid to win the ‘pawblic’ vote, MLAs will call for their supporters to vote for their four-legged friends. In conjunction with the public vote, judges also assess the pooches based on their heroic deeds and winning personalities to crown the overall winner.
Find out more about each finalist
Daniel McCrossan MLA
Peter Martin MLA
Find out more about Daniel McCrossan MLA and Hudson
MLA Name: Daniel McCrossan MLA
Constituency: West Tyrone
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Dog’s name: |
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Hudson McCrossan
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Breed: |
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English Bulldog
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Sex: |
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Male
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Age: |
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1 year 5 months
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Colour: |
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Blue/Grey – with blonde markings
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Anything you think we should know about your dog? |
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Friendly – good company. |
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What are your favourite characteristics of your dog? |
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My favourite characteristics of my bulldog are his big personality and his gentle, loving nature. He has a great wee sense of humour, always getting up to a bit of mischief, but he balances that with being incredibly affectionate and loyal. I love how he’ll happily flop on the sofa to watch TV, give a cheeky high five when he wants a snack, or roll over with all four paws in the air when he knows he’s done something wrong. Most of all, I value the joy and companionship he brings every single day – he really is part of the family.
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What are some of the ways you ensure your dog feels loved and valued as a family member? |
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I make sure my dog knows he’s truly part of the family by giving him plenty of love and attention every day. He’s a 17-month-old bulldog who loves his home comforts, so I always make time for the things that matter most to him – like lying on the sofa together while he watches TV, giving him belly rubs, and making sure he feels relaxed and secure at home. He also really enjoys his walks and being out in company, so I keep that as part of our daily routine. For me, showing him he’s valued is about consistency, affection, and making sure he’s included in family life – whether it’s getting out for a walk, having people around, or just spending quiet time together.
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Why should your dog be crowned Stormont Dog of the Year 2025? |
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My bulldog is only 17 months old but already has the heart and personality of a true winner. He’s the definition of a family dog – happiest when he’s surrounded by people, whether that’s out on his daily walks or curled up on the sofa watching TV with us. He has a great wee personality and loves getting up to mischief, whether it’s giving you a high five when he wants a snack or rolling over with all four paws in the air when he knows he’s done something wrong. He brings a huge amount of joy and laughter to everyone he meets. For us, he’s not just a pet – he’s a much-loved member of the family. That’s why I believe he would be a perfect Stormont Dog of the Year 2025. |
Find out more about Peter Martin MLA and Maxwell
MLA Name: Peter Martin MLA
Constituency: North Down
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Dog’s name: |
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Maxwell Martin
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Breed: |
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Cockapoo
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Sex: |
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Male
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Age: |
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1
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Colour: |
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Fox red
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Anything you think we should know about their dog? |
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Max became part of our family at 8 weeks old and there were tears of joy (from the children) as we drove home with him. Our daughter had looked after her cousin’s cockapoo while they were on holiday several times in recent years and it had led to a 2yr campaign to get our own! |
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What are your favourite characteristics of your dog? |
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Max is very inquisitive and friendly. No-one gets passed him without a sniff and a lick. We have no need for a doorbell with Max in the house. We are working hard at training him to let visitors in the door before overwhelming them with his puppy energy and love! He loves to be the centre of attention for about 5 minutes and then takes himself off to lie down and snooze! He can sleep anywhere, totally oblivious to all the noise around him. He will bark at strangers at the door. He loves the beach and sea and brings home plenty of sand every time, he fits in very well with the children in that regard.
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What dog welfare issues do you think need tackling? |
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One of the core issues that I believe is very current is Puppy Farming, A comprehensive Dog data base which is centrally owned by DAERA. I am also very concerned about dog neglect and owners not realising the responsibility of having a dog.
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What are some of the ways you ensure your dog feels loved and valued as a family member? |
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Max is never short of attention and gets lots of fresh air and sniffing time on our daily walks. It is impossible to walk past him without giving him an ear rub. He loves going on the school pick ups and is so excited when he sees one of the children coming his way. He is praised and celebrated daily. |
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Why should your dog be crowned Stormont Dog of the Year 2025? |
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I think Max should be crowned Stormont Dog of the Year 2025, because of his friendly personality and the joy he brings to everyone he meets. |
Andrew McMurray MLA
Peter McReynolds MLA
Find out more about Andrew McMurray MLA and Rey
MLA Name: Andrew McMurrary MLA
Constituency: South Down
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Dog’s name: |
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Rey
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Breed: |
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Borderenese (Bernese Mountain Dog – Sire, Collie – Dam)
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Sex: |
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Female
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Age: |
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6
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Colour: |
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Black and white
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Anything you think we should know about your dog? |
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She is more comfortable in human company. Tends to ignore other dogs! |
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What are your favourite characteristics of your dog? |
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Rey is a great dog. The Bernese keeps her half sensible, the Collie intelligence means you only have to tell her once. |
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What dog welfare issues do you think need tackling? |
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The Alliance Party remains dedicated to enhancing animal welfare standards in Northern Ireland. The Alliance AERA Minister, Andrew Muir MLA, has recently launched his Animal Welfare Pathway, which includes reforms to improve the welfare and protection of dogs, such as prohibiting third-party sales, reviewing dog breeding laws, promoting responsible dog ownership, and more. I hope the Minister will receive sufficient support from the Northern Ireland Assembly, stakeholders, and beyond as he progresses with this Pathway. We also need to see ongoing backing for my colleague John Blair MLA’s Private Member’s Bill, which aims to ban hunting with dogs in Northern Ireland. Not only would this ban protect wild mammals like foxes, but it would also safeguard the dogs used for hunting, which often get injured and mistreated in this so-called sport.
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What are some of the ways you ensure your dog feels loved and valued as a family member? |
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She loves running with the pack when we’re on our bikes. Generally lies with her head on one of our laps, or her paw in our hand when we are in the living room. Comes everywhere with us, part of the family. |
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Why should your dog be crowned Stormont Dog of the Year 2025? |
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She is just a great dog. Part of the family. Relatively obedient, but still enough craic. She is also a great companion for my wife while the children are at school. |
Find out more about Peter McReynolds MLA and Gizmo
MLA Name: Peter McReynolds MLA
Constituency: East Belfast
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Dog’s name: |
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Gizmo McReynolds
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Breed: |
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Chihuahua
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Sex: |
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Male
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Age: |
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2-3
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Colour: |
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Black and tan |
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Anything you think we should know about your dog? |
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Rescue dog from The Barn Rescue at Newtownards. We’ve put 2-3 as age as we are unsure of approximate age when we adopted him. |
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What are your favourite characteristics of your dog? |
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Gizmo has a very pleasant nature and is a very curious dog! While he doesn’t enjoy going for walks very much, he enjoys people watching immensely and one of his favourite things is to see what people are up to while sitting on one of our knees!
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What dog welfare issues do you think need tackling? |
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Before we selected Gizmo, as a household we knew we would only look for a rescue dog. I want to see changes to banning 3rd party pet sales and better regulation of dog breeding laws. Both are a major issue with some owners, sadly, not treating a dog as they should – only for money and puppies. Heartbreaking.
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What are some of the ways you ensure your dog feels loved and valued as a family member? |
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We make sure we involved Gizmo as much as we can in daily activities. He’s a familiar face at my Constituency, is a regular on the Glider and local dog-friendly eateries in East Belfast. It was important for us to have a dog that would be able to fit in with our busy lifestyle and we would be able to bring him with us, not only as a family, but with my work. We didn’t want to rescue a dog just to leave him at home all day. Given his size and easy personality, he slots right in and couldn’t be a better fit for the family. |
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Why should your dog be crowned Stormont Dog of the Year 2025? |
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My politics are welcoming, positive and inclusive of all and I think that sums up what dog of the year should be given how much joy dogs bring to our lives. Gizmo had a hard start in life and has some health issues, but he really is living his best life now, takes life in his stride and spreads happiness wherever we go. E.g. People regularly exclaim ‘Oh wow, look at that wee dog! Can I touch him!?’ I think the title of Stormont DOTY 2025 is more than fitting and is a crown I know he’ll be ready to compete with other MLAs for lol. |
Emma Little-Pengelly MLA
Matthew O'Toole MLA
Find out more about Emma Little-Pengelly MLA and Ruby
MLA Name: Emma Little-Pengelly MLA
Constituency: Lagan Valley
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Dog’s name: |
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Ruby Pengelly
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Breed: |
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Tibetan Terrier
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Sex: |
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Female
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Age: |
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2 years on 19th Oct
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Colour: |
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Cream
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What are your favourite characteristics of your dog? |
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She is loving and goofy. |
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What dog welfare issues do you think need tackling? |
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Tackling puppy farms and strong sentences for those who abuse or neglect animals. I would like to see a public register of those who are convicted of abuse and their addresses should be on a flag list to ensure no animals are held in that place. |
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What are some of the ways you ensure your dog feels loved and valued as a family member? |
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She is much loved and is very much the centre of our home!
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Why should your dog be crowned Stormont Dog of the Year 2025? |
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Ruby is a wonderful, loving and fun-loving dog. She brings a huge amount of joy to our lives. |
Find out more about Matthew O'Toole and Arnie
MLA Name: Matthew O'Toole
Constituency: South Belfact
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Dog’s name: |
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Arnie
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Breed: |
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Mixed - part
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Sex: |
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Male
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Age: |
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2
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Colour: |
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Ginger
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Anything you think we should know about your dog? |
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Arnie belongs to my office manager Doire Finn |
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What are your favourite characteristics of your dog? |
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Arnie is a mixed breed dog, not a pedigree and came to us through a family friend. I first met him when he was a tiny puppy and knew immediately that he was a fun boisterous little man. Arnie is full of love, and every morning he is excited to start a new day. The fun is infectious and it is nearly impossible not to feel ready to go and be full of life around him. Lots of people ask what breed he is, and I love how unique he is. Arnie is proof that you can be small but mighty.
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What dog welfare issues do you think need tackling? |
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When I decided to get a dog, I was determined that it was not going to be from a puppy farm. It is vitally important that we tackle this issue. Dogs become part of a family, and the practice of puppy farming not only means that they may be born with health issues, but devalues the mother of puppies. It is wrong that any animal should be allowed to be used in this way and the welfare of dogs is vitally important
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What are some of the ways you ensure your dog feels loved and valued as a family member? |
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Arnie loves to spend time in the outdoors, and he often comes out hiking and walking with his family. He loves meeting new people and after a busy days snuggles on the sofa with all of the people who love him, and his little gingerbread friend. |
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Why should your dog be crowned Stormont Dog of the Year 2025? |
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Arnie is a great companion, source of joy and friend to everyone. He loves playing in Stormont dog park with buddies that are often bigger than him but his spirit of determination and fun reflect how important it is to work together. |
Gerry Carroll MLA
Brain Kingston MLA
Find out more about Gerry Carroll MLA and Laoise
MLA Name: Gerry Carroll MLA
Constituency: West Belfast
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Dog’s name: |
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Laoise
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Breed: |
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Border Collie (mix)
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Sex: |
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Female
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Age: |
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6
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Colour: |
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Black and white with brown paws
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Anything you think we should know about your dog? |
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We adopted Laoise from Dogs Trust Ballymena in 2019, see photo attached. Laoise made our house a home and made us into a family. We often joke that she was our first baby. |
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What are your favourite characteristics of your dog? |
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Laoise is much more than a pet, she is an unofficial therapy dog, she seems to know exactly which child or adult needs her attention and is always delighted to receive belly rubs. Like most Border Collies, Laoise is a highly intelligent dog, albeit we are biased, she can even open and close doors by herself.
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What dog welfare issues do you think need tackling? |
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One of the main issues concerning constituents in my area is the cost of living crisis and the importance of mental health. We are very aware of the serious constraints that many people find themselves in due to ever rising costs of basic necessities including rent, food and heating. A serious concern is that a beloved pet becomes a luxury that families can no longer afford. This should not be the case. Anyone who has owned a pet can attest to the mental health benefits that they can bring, including companionship, especially when we are living in a ever increasing lonely society.
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What are some of the ways you ensure your dog feels loved and valued as a family member? |
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Gerry’s number one priority with Laoise is to ensure that she receives good quality walks. No matter the weather, or time of day, he always makes sure she has a good walk. |
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Why should your dog be crowned Stormont Dog of the Year 2025? |
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Every dog is wonderful. We are biased because we love our dog so much. She is incredibly popular. There is nothing overly special about Laoise, but to us, she is everything. A wonderful family dog, who started off at the Dogs Trust. |
Find out more about Brain Kingston MLA and Rosie
MLA Name: Brain Kingston MLA
Constituency: North Belfast
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Dog’s name: |
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Rosie
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Breed: |
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Mixed – Maltese / Bichon Frisé / Chihuahua
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Sex: |
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Female
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Age: |
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11 months
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Colour: |
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White
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Anything you think we should know about your dog? |
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Confirming that Rosie is our dog and that she is very cute, friendly and well behaved. |
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What are your favourite characteristics of your dog? |
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Rosie is very cute, a nice small size for a house dog, friendly including with strangers and children, well behaved and is loved by everyone.
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What dog welfare issues do you think need tackling? |
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Ensuring that dogs get out enough and get enough exercise
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What are some of the ways you ensure your dog feels loved and valued as a family member? |
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Plenty of physical company when we are in, talking to her, petting her, allowing her to sleep (in her own bed) in our bedroom! |
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Why should your dog be crowned Stormont Dog of the Year 2025? |
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Because Rosie is such a cute, friendly dog, well-behaved, loved by everyone who meets her including children |