Adorable Laois puppy that helped family after bereavement wins award 

An adorable puppy that helped a Laois family grieve after a bereavement has taken home a top prize at a national awards ceremony.

Toy poodle Teddy Boo, whose owners hail from Errill, has been crowned South Leinster provincial winner in the Petmania Puppy of the Year 2026.

Speaking about the special place Teddy Boo holds in her family and what inspired her to enter the competition, owner Megan Fusco said: “I lost my mother on the 8th of July but had already arranged to collect Teddy the following day. He has been a huge emotional support for my children, myself and my sisters. In this case I believe an angel was sent to us, but just without wings, and that is our Teddy Boo. I thought it might be the wrong timing but he most definitely came to us at the perfect time”.

She added: “For anyone considering a puppy, getting a puppy is a huge commitment, as a puppy deserves a loving home and needs time and attention. So overall, really think about it, if there is enough time and attention to give what they deserve. A dog’s life is what you show them.”

Now in its 11th year, the competition attracted 1,414 puppy entries from across Ireland. Teddy Boo was one of 26 county finalists at the Grand Final, held at Pet Expo at the National Show Centre in Dublin on Saturday, October 17. The event was hosted by Eurovision legend and animal welfare advocate Linda Martin and brought together the finalists, their families and the Petmania team to celebrate the puppies.