After receiving hundreds of truly heartwarming nominations from across the country, the Irish Kennel Club is thrilled to announce the seven category winners for the Golden Paw Hero Dog Awards 2026.
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.
A local dog took home the title for the Companion Dog Award 4 year old English Bullterrier Monty from Cavan collected the award.
Monty has been a life-changing source of comfort, loyalty and strength for his owner, Anna Baranowicz.
Brought home almost four years ago, he quickly became far more than a pet, helping her overcome long-held fears and navigate an extremely difficult period in her life. When she struggled with depression and felt lost and alone,
Ronan Gargan has been speaking to Monty's owner Anna about the lifechanging edition he has brought to Anna's life.
