President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina have expressed sadness following the death of one of their dogs.
Bród, a Bernese mountain dog, has charmed world leaders among the scores of visitors over his decade living at Áras An Uachtaráin.
Last week Bród, and the President’s other dog Misneach, appeared reluctant to greet US president Joe Biden during his historic visit to Ireland.
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, the President’s office said he and his wife Sabina are sad to confirm Bród has passed away at the age of 11.
They said Bród was 11 years and two months at Áras an Uachtaráin, having arrived as an eight-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 Aras an Uachtarain over the years and he was probably one of the most photographed dogs in Ireland,” they said.
The spokesperson said Bród will be missed by the President, Sabina and all at the Áras, particularly Misneach.
They said the two-and-a-half years old has “shared his space with Bród over recent months and was his constant companion, aware of Bród’s situation and very attentive to him”.
Tributes
People have been paying tributes online since the news broke at the weekend, including An Garda Síochána.
Throughout Bród’s time at Áras an Uachtaráin he brought joy to many including our own mounts that reside there too, and will all miss him around the grounds.
Thanks for all the fun, Bród. From all of us in An Garda Síochána.
🐾 pic.twitter.com/Jb1J1wbXli— Garda Info (@gardainfo) April 22, 2023
One person took to twitter saying: "Condolences to President and Mrs Higgins on the passing of Bród. The passing of a loved one is never easy and we know Bród was a very loved family member. You served your country well Bród and will be missed!".
Another added: "RIP to sweet Bród (seen here with Síoda). It was a highlight of my summer in Ireland meeting Bród and Síoda, I loved it so so much. They were the sweetest dogs, and I just loved how they roamed the grounds.".
Author: Rebecca Black, PA & Beat News
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