Ruff justice for Kilkenny’s top dog Hank
A KILKENNY rescue dog called Hank has become a local internet sensation after he made it into the final stages of a nationwide canine modelling competition.
Hank, who lives with his owner Kerry Dermody in Old Leighlin, was shortlisted by the judging panel of the ‘2018 Ireland’s Next Top Madra’ for his “fierce beauty, fabulous coast, fresh look and a fantastic bark”.
The competition was run by RSVP magazine, in association with Dacia, and offered the lucky winning dog a two-night stay and evening meal in the stunning Harvey’s Point hotel – along with a special photo shoot to be featured in RSVP magazine.
Sadly, Hank lost out by a few hairs, to a pampered-looking poodle called Monte. But his owner Kerry still said it was “a great experience”
Hank made the top 20 despite competing with over 650 four-legged wannabes from across the country. He has become a huge hit on social media and has appeared on the Ray D’Arcy show along with some of his fellow finalists.
It’s been a meteoric rise for brave Hank, who along with his brother and sister were dumped in a Paulstown pound as puppies because their breeder saw little financial value in them.
Kerry told competition organisers: “Hank came to us as a foster dog who had been dumped in the pound at 12 weeks old. We fell head over heels in love with his larger than life personality and couldn’t let him go, so he found his forever home with us. He never fails to make us smile and he knows how to lower stress levels – he’s a keeper.”
Hank was unavailable to comment directly last night.
