Micheal D Higgins dog, Síoda, has passed away. RIP Síoda.

SchrodingersCat wrote: »

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/president-s-dog-s%C3%ADoda-dies-after-short-illness-1.4359524

In fairness, it's one of the toughest days for any family. For a teen, its a line between childhood and adulthood. For a middle-aged person it increases your awareness of 10-15 years back and forward on this brief clock and for an older person it can be truly heartbreaking as there's a lot bound up in it.
Someone with as complex and fine a heart as Michael D would feel that very deeply. From a person to a person, like every suffering and loss we get an insight into, I wish them peace this weekend.

The usual cynicism appearing here... Everything is good for a laugh. It's easier, isn't it?

When people visit a home, which is what the Aras is, among other things, they are usually greeted by a family pet. Many families put their pets at the centre of their affection day to day.
For the thousands who would have visited, the unimportant people in our vicious world like children, old folk, handicapped, the less powerful, they will know who this dog is and they will care.
For people who are civic-minded, and understand the symbolism of Aras an Uachtaráin, say military people and public servants, they will understand how at an official level, a dog as a mascot serves a valuable purpose.
So it would be crass of the Office of the President not to note the passing of this very publicly known pet to the media. Who WILL ask.

Not dystopian?? Some of you aren't even funny. You're just messed up, cynical shells of people. Perfect for social media, where you blossom to your 30% damaged capacity.

Awe that's sad. I would say he was a wonderful and very friendly dog. It's never easy. I know I lost one myself and when I was younger we had many dogs but the hardest was a black dog we had that was poisoned. I have two myself now and they are so good and so funny too. They are great company and give lots of love too.

hamburgham wrote: »

I wonder how old the dog was. I think a lot of those giant breeds have a relatively short life, 7-8 years.

Yep, anything over 8 years is almost a bonus.

These Burmese mountain dogs are utterly magnificent animals in every way.

There was one being walked around celbridge for a few years and kids were in awe of it. I believe that one died at 8 years.

mr_edge_to_you wrote: »

Thankfully there's less than 4 months left in 2020.

Plenty time yet for a space rock the size of county Louth to make an unannounced appearance.

RobertKK wrote: »

It is sad for the Higgins household, but it shouldn't be national news.

I don't agree. This dog was defacto an officer of this State. Every person who visited the Aras and happened upon Sioda left that place with a pep in their step. This dog always saw the best in people and I think that is symbolic of the presidency of Michael D. To have courage, strength, and humility. This is a man with a strong social conscience and a deep seated humanity; and Sioda reflected that back.

This dog was very kind to my daughter when I was last in the Aras, if you happened to meet Sioda you were left with a feeling to be the person this dog thought you were. Sioda was an important part of the team and an important part of this presidency.

All good dogs go to heaven.

A beautiful dog.
Rip little one.

sabat wrote: »

Did they actually inform the media about this? How else would they know? Being informed of the death of one of the leader's pets is seriously dystopian...

The President put a small note about it at the end of his most recent Newsletter. The dog passed away a few months ago. It then got out to media. Anyone who subscribes to the newsletters are more than likely aware of the dogs and their role and would want to know this news.

Beautiful dog, may she rest in peace xxxx

myshirt wrote: »

I'm always suspicious of people who don't like animals.

I don't mind them but I'm always suspicious of people that animals don't like.

The misery of 2020 continues

Its Bród I feel sorry for.

An adult understands death and will grieve anyway. A child may not understand death but will feel the loss and come to understand one day. Bród had his other half, his companion in their big busy world, with all the fun they had and now all he knows is that he cannot find her. I've seen it before when long time companion dogs lose one animal, their little hearts break

Thelonious Monk wrote: »

Funny how joking was allowed on the thread I posted about 2000 pigs crammed on top of each other indoors and burning to death a couple of weeks ago on this very island. People have no problem contributing to the horrific treatment of factory farmed pigs and are suddenly animal lovers. I know we've a different relationship with different animals but at least check where your food comes from and don't contribute to the suffering.

I didnt read about that here, but I read an article on it somewhere else. The article focused on the monetary loss to the business owner, without any mention of the suffering of the animals.

I can only imagine the comments here. It is not to be unexpected though and would not be surprised.