Bród, one of the beloved Bernese Mountain Dogs owned by President Michael D. Higgins, has died.
The 10-year-old had been part of an adorable double act with two-year-old Misneach, winning the hearts of the nation as they welcomed dignitaries and members of the public to Áras an Uachtaráin.
Prior to Misneach’s arrival in March 2021, Bród had been kept company by Síoda, another Bernese Mountain Dog who died following a short illness in September 2020.
Read more: WATCH: Michael D Higgins dog Misneach gets up to mischief behind the scenes
The president’s dogs have become celebrities in their own right during his tenure, with unofficial social media accounts set up in their names attracting thousands of followers.
They were the focus of global attention as recently as last week, when videos of them “snubbing” US President Joe Biden during his visit to the Áras went viral and were reported on around the world.
However, sources at Áras an Uachtaráin confirmed that Bród passed away “very peacefully” earlier today in his 11th year. The president’s office has been contacted for comment.
President Higgins is known to be a dog lover and previously had another Bernese Mountain Dog called Shadow during his early years in the Phoenix Park.
Speaking about his dogs previously, he said they “are not merely ice-breakers, they’re also a great source of wisdom, and they must be protected from the stresses of the Anthropocene.”
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a giant breed that was originally bred in Switzerland as farm dogs or draft dogs, and were used to pull carts. Their average lifespan is between eight and 10 years.
Read next:
Bride celebrates beautiful wedding after long distance relationship works out
Car found buried underneath Dublin home during renovation works
Dublin Fire Brigade pays tribute to officer after three decades of service
Gardai renew appeal as concern grows for missing Thomas Flood
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.
