The par-fect puppy: Golf star Tom McKibbin adopts abandoned dog with his name

The Newtownabbey sports pro has taken home one of six pups found dumped in a carrier bag, underweight and hungry, earlier this year.

Thanks to the Dogs Trust Ballymena, all of the abandoned dogs now have their forever homes with loving families.

But it’s their ties to the biggest golfing event Northern Ireland ever saw that scored a special connection with 22-year-old Tom.

The crossbreed puppies were rescued in June, at the same time as the Open tournament gripped the sports world from Royal Portrush Golf Club.

Wanting to give the six inspiring names, the Dogs Trust team named them after golfers then going into battle on the fairway.

That meant pups Rory McIIroy, Padraig Harrington, Shane Lowry, Justin Rose and Darren Clarke were all new additions – but it was little Tom McKibbin that caught a couple of special people’s eyes.

The plight of the dogs hit the headlines; as the Newtownabbey man competed against the top names in his sport, his girlfriend and mum spotted that one of the pups shared his name. He was eager to adopt his namesake, now called Tom McKibbin Jnr.

“He is a fantastic little guy and has settled in so well,” says Tom. “He is so smart, is getting bigger every day and is loving life. It feels like he has been with us forever and it is going to be great to watch him grow up happy, especially considering what could have happened had he not been found.

“Dogs Trust has been so supportive throughout the entire adoption process, including aftercare, and I know they are there if I have any questions or issues. Everyone should be aware of Dogs Trust, as they have many dogs waiting to find a forever home.”

And one of Tom Jnr’s fellow adoptees has a place nearby – though after a slight name change.

“My cousin adopted one of the other pups,” says Tom. “Rory, now named Arnie after Arnie Palmer; he and Junior meet regularly for playtime. It is fantastic to see them living their best lives.”