NEVER MIND the ‘roses’, here in Fermanagh all eyes will be on this year’s ‘Nose of Tralee’ competition, with the county well represented by the wonderful little Harley.
Now in its 11th year, the pet-equivalent of the world-famous pageant attracts thousands of entries from all 32 counties. This year seven-year-old dachshund Harely will be hoping his inspiring story will win the public’s heart and see him taking the crown home to Fermanagh. (Scroll on to see for yourself just how adorable the little guy is!)
Harley was born in Australia, but ended up in Fermanagh after his owner took ill and returned home to the county. Sadly, Harley’s owner passed away and he ended up with the team at Husky Salvation in Irvinestown. He had also suffered an injury somewhere along the way, which has left him with severe mobility issues.
Luckily for Harley, he quickly found a new loving home, after being adopted by Tamlaght woman Lynn Bussell, who is smitten with his adorable character.
“I’ve Harley over a year now, and it took him a year to settle with my other dachshund,” Lynn told the Herald. “He’s the boss now!”
“He’s paralysed from the shoulders back, but for some reason his tail works,” she added. “Harley does everything my other dog does, except for jumping up beside me.”
Lynn said Harley was even invited to local schools “to show the children that just because you have a disability, you can still live a full life.”
Hugely popular due to his adorable personality, Lynn has trouble walking down the street with Harley, not because of his nippy wheels – which were gifted to him by the charity Dedicated to Dachshunds who came across his Instagram page – but because everyone wants to stop and speak with him.
“He’s absolutely full of energy,” said Lynn, who explained Harley had come a long way since she first adopted him.
A life-long dachshund owner, Lynn said while it can be hard work she would thoroughly recommend rescuing.
“I would never buy another dog again,” she said, adding she now tries to support Husky Salvation when she can through fundraising.
As for the big competition, Harley is up against 31 other much-loved pets in this year’s Nose of Tralee, which is run by Pet Sitters Ireland.
The vote is open to the public. To vote for Harley and Fermanagh click here!
You can also visit Harley on Instagram by searching herbie.onwheels, or check him out of the Fermanagh Herald YouTube channel here:
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