A sad day.
News was released late Saturday evening that President Michael D. Higgin‘s Bernese Mountain Dog, Bród, had passed away aged 11.
The large dog was a prominent pet alongside Higgins throughout his time in Áras an Uachtaráin, regularly spotted at events by the President’s side and greeting guests from all over the world.
The president said that their beloved dog would be missed, particularly by two-and-a-half year old Misneach, his other dog. Over the last few months, Misneach was “constant companion, aware of Bród’s situation and very attentive to him.”
President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina are sad to confirm that Bród, one of their two Bernese Mountain Dogs, has passed away at just past the age of 11. Bród was 11 years and two months at Áras an Uachtaráin, having come to the Áras as a 8 week old puppy. pic.twitter.com/rKK930FEY5
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) April 23, 2023
In a statement, President Higgins and his wife Sabina said:
President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina are sad to confirm that Bród, one of their two Bernese Mountain Dogs, has passed away at just past the age of 11. Bród was 11 years and two months at Áras an Uachtaráin, having come to the Áras as a 8 week old puppy.
Bród was a very much loved dog by all that met him and he enjoyed meeting with the thousands of members of the public who came to Áras an Uachtaráin over the years and he was probably one of the most photographed dogs in Ireland.
He will be missed by the President, Sabina and all at the Áras, particularly Misneach, the President’s remaining two and a half year old dog, who has shared his space with Bród over recent months and was his constant companion, aware of Bród’s situation and very attentive to him.
RIP to Bród, the greatest presidential dog to ever do it pic.twitter.com/RpByJvgMXI
— Wayne Farry (@waynefarry) April 22, 2023
Before Misneach arrived, Bród had been kept company by Síoda, another Bernese Mountain Dog. She died following a short illness in September 2020.
The two dogs gained worldwide attention last week during U.S President Joe Biden’s visit to Aras, where they ‘snubbed’ the 80-year-old leader.
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