THE age-old saying ‘a dog is a man’s best friend’ fits perfectly with Belcoo teen, Liam Rafferty and his crossbred Yorkshire terrier, Coco.

From the day and hour she was introduced into the family home, the two have enjoyed a special connection.

Living with Aspergers Syndrome, Liam’s friendship with Coco has a calming influence over him on a daily basis.

“She is more than just your ordinary dog,” insists Liam’s mum, Catherine, “Her bond with Liam is special.

“If he is in really bad form she is always by his side. Coco has never had any kind of training, she just has this natural way with him.

“During the times when he felt everybody else was against him, she has been there -- her love is unconditional.” It’s no surprise then that Coco’s talents have been recognised in a new dog competition, the ‘Nose of Tralee’.

Organised by Pet Sitters Ireland, the competition is based around the famous Rose of Tralee.

Coco has been selected as the ‘Fermanagh Nose’, and will now go forward to compete with pets from the 31 other counties of Ireland North and South.

In the first round of the community event pet owners were asked to enter their pet’s picture with a short writtenpiece explaining why their beloved animal deserved to be a winner.

In the second round, finalists will go forward to a public vote with the overall winner being announced next Tuesday, August 19.

“We have had a few dogs over the years but Coco is now three-years-old and has a brilliant relationship with all the family,” says Catherine.

“She is only happy when she is with people, and even though she has her own bed, she never sleeps there, preferring to sleep in a proper bed with some of the family.” But it’s when she is with Liam, that Coco’s little character truly shines through.

Studies have repeatedly pointed to the positive benefits that a family dog can have on children with autism.

One recent study, published in the Journal of Paediatric Nursing, highlights that the advantages of having a dog include companionship, stress relief and giving children with autism opportunities to learn responsibility.

Catherine says she sees the outworkings of these findings each and every day through Coco and Liam.

“First thing in the morning she sits on his knee before he goes to school.

“This has a very calming and de-stressing influence on Liam and is a great start for the day.

“Then it is as if she can tell when Liam’s taxi is due home at 4pm as she sits at the front of the house waiting for him.

“No matter what mood he is in she will go to him. During homework she is lying on his bed ‘supervising’! And when he is playing the playstation, she is lying across his legs.

“She even gets on with the cat – Whiskers!

“The two of them play together regularly, and Whiskers frequently gets into Coco’s bed!” Catherine is hoping the people of Fermanagh will get behind their family pooch by voting for her in the Nose of Tralee competition.

The Nose with the most votes by 8pm on Tuesday will be crowned the 2014 Nose of Tralee and win a photo shoot with pet photographer, David McAuley. The finalist with the second highest number of votes will win a hamper of pet treats worth 250 euro.

To vote for Coco go to www.noseoftralee.com.