Carlow pup wins special award and shortlisted for national Golden Paw Award

After receiving hundreds of heartwarming nominations from across Ireland, The Irish Kennel Club is thrilled to announce the seven category winners for the Golden Paw Hero Dog Awards 2025, including a pup from County Carlow!

The awards aim to find and reward Ireland’s most courageous, brave and life changing canines in order to honour the love, companionship and service they give us on a day-to-day basis.
Our esteemed panel of judges include Neil Kenna (barman from RTE’s First Dates Ireland), Andrea Smith (journalist and devoted dog lover), Pat O’Boyle (President, Irish Kennel Club) and Bernard O’Sullivan (Managing Director of Agria).

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They now have the incredibly ‘ruff’ job of choosing an overall winner which will be announced at a glittering award ceremony at The Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge on the 22nd
of February. The ceremony will be attended by our judges, the canine winners themselves and their humans.

Category winners will receive a category trophy and a cash prize with the overall winner receiving the coveted overall trophy and an additional cash prize.

Carlow's Award Winner:

Rescue/Rehomed Dog – Larry - Lurcher/Whippet – 1 Year Old Male – Co. Carlow

Larry arrived at Haven Rescue with his siblings, who had all been abandoned. It quickly became clear that Larry faced some unique challenges, as he was missing an eye and completely deaf. At just 12 weeks old, he was rescued by a loving family and he has thrived ever since. Larry is an incredibly friendly and social dog, getting along with both people and animals alike. He has even learned sign language commands, demonstrating his remarkable adaptability and intelligence. Larry’s resilience and joyful spirit make him a true hero and an inspiration to all!