IN PICTURES: Meet all the cute contestants chasing the 2023 Nose of Tralee crown

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Stitch - Limerick Nose

Stitch is a one-year-old Maltichon from Limerick. He is so proud to be representing Limerick in this year's Nose of Tralee. 

Stitch came into my life August 2022, three months after I was diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkins Lymphoma. I wasn’t coping well with my diagnosis so we decided I needed a new companion in my life! He was my first-ever dog. He was by my side throughout my whole chemotherapy.

I was losing my hair but that didn’t matter to him. He still loved me for me. I ended up shaving my head in October. I was afraid he wouldn’t recognise me or even want to be near me but that didn’t matter to him. He could see how hard it was for me to process and he comforted me through it. 

Stitch is such a happy, outgoing dog. He loves treats and biccies. He loves going to his favourite pet shops in Limerick and getting spoilt rotten. He loves the outdoors. When I leave the room, he is behind the door waiting for me to come back. He is such a character (especially in front of the camera with his tongue out!) 

Stitch is named after my favourite Disney movie/TV show, Lilo and Stitch. Stitch’s Birthday is on the 26th of June. Little did I know that he was born on Stitch day! (626 day) He was destined to be called Stitch.

Stitch saved my life when I was going through my cancer diagnosis. He is my best friend. I would be lost without him. I wouldn’t have gotten through this last year if it wasn’t for Stitch. 

Stitch deserves to win the Nose of Tralee 2023 because he is the most loyal dog I’ve ever met. He is always by my side (with his tail wagging!). He is truly the best. He is the best Limerick supporter around! He was so happy to see Limerick win 4-in-a-row in the All-Ireland Hurling Final! 

Please vote for Stitch. He has done so much for me. He is the best friend anyone could ask for!