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President Michael D Higgins has been spotted with a new dog six months after the death of his beloved dog Síoda.
President Michael D Higgins has been spotted with a new dog in Phoenix Park, six months after the death of his beloved dog Síoda.
His new five-month-old Bernese Mountain dog has been named “Misneach” – the Irish word for courage.
A spokesperson for President Higgins confirmed that he “had a five-month-old puppy in training” and “given the times we are in, the President has given him the name Misneach, meaning courage.”
Previously one of a pair of Bernese mountain dogs, Síoda (a female) with Bród (a male) had been a popular double act at Áras an Uachtaráin welcoming dignitaries and members of the public to the President’s residence.
No matter the occasion, one or both dogs could be seen frequently pottering up to Higgins (sometimes mid-speech) for a trusty rub or cuddle. They were synonymous with happy occasions; a sign of more normal times and we are thrilled Bród will be a part of a twosome once again.
“The dogs are not merely ice-breakers, they’re also a great source of wisdom, and they must be protected from the stresses of the Anthropocene,” Higgins said of the dogs previously.