PEOPLE ACROSS Ireland have paid tribute to President Michael D Higgins’ beloved dog Síoda, following her sad passing last week.
Síoda was one of two Bernese Mountain dogs the President of Ireland owned, along with Brod.
Her sad death following a short illness was confirmed by Áras an Uachtaráin.
A celebrity in her own right, Síoda brought joy to countless millions with her appearances alongside President Higgins, where she made quite an impression on visiting dignitaries.
Síoda and Bron were a much-loved presence together at Phoenix Park and even spawned a string of unofficial social media accounts.
More importantly, she was a source of comfort and emotional support for the President of Ireland, particularly during these testing times.
In the wake of her death, fellow dog-lovers across Ireland were eager to pay tribute and send a message of support to Higgins during what is a difficult time for any pet owner.
The result was the #NosesForSíoda hashtag, an impromptu online campaign which saw pooch owners sharing adorable pictures of their hairy pals on Twitter.
It wasn’t long before the hashtag began trending on Twitter in Ireland with thousands of dog lovers coming together to share pictures of their own adorable canine companions.
One dog owner, Hazel Nolan, summed up the mood perfectly with her tribute.
"It hurts so much to say a final farewell to a four-legged member of the family," she wrote.
"We’re better for the unconditional love they give, this year more than ever. So grateful for this one."
It hurts so much to say a final farewell to a four-legged member of the family.
We’re better for the unconditional love they give, this year more than ever. So grateful for this one. #NosesforSíoda pic.twitter.com/v2wQvzsadQ— Hazel Nolan (@HNolan101) September 20, 2020
Here’s Chester who died last year after about 14 years of pretending to be a puppy. 💙 #nosesforsioda pic.twitter.com/zucApSgKN1
— Nicola Ralph (@Ralphamania) September 20, 2020
#nosesforsioda Cassie lost her partner in crime a few weeks ago so she knows how heartbreaking it is to lose your sister:( she’s sending wags & kisses to Bród to help cheer him up. You got this Bród 💖💖💖 pic.twitter.com/P8cT8eYF9i
— Hannah Rossiter (@rannahhossiter) September 20, 2020
#nosesforsioda
It’s a terrible thing to lose a friend, but a treasure to have had one in the first place. pic.twitter.com/tX2EqBju6L— Marc (with a Sea) Diamond™ (@MarcD_Weegem) September 20, 2020
My favourite thread 💙 #nosesforsioda pic.twitter.com/Uf0P5Dvlk3
— Meabh Maguire (@MeabhMaguire1) September 20, 2020
My First ever tweet. Ollie sends his respects #nosesforsioda 🙏 pic.twitter.com/ohZquWVgg6
— Emer Gately (@OneHappyBlondie) September 20, 2020
May I propose #nosesforbrod so he’s not lonely 😭 #nosesforsioda pic.twitter.com/i1Xc3IY08t
— C A T (she/her) (@magicgoeshere) September 20, 2020
#nosesforsioda We are so sorry to hear about Sioda. Thank you for sharing her with us. pic.twitter.com/WRpYzGOzlZ
— Lara A. (@LaraCluCru) September 20, 2020
#nosesforsioda Lots of love to Síoda’s family, and especially Bród, at this sad time. Coco x pic.twitter.com/AzPHamLP8d
— Nicola O'Donoghue (@Midwifeno1) September 20, 2020
So heartwarming to see all the photos of doggies and their #nosesforsioda . I hope the President and Sabina got some comfort from them. Here is our shy guy. pic.twitter.com/UnrXZG07nZ
— Sharon Murphy (@Shar4Music) September 20, 2020
The result was something special. A touching moment in these testing times and a show of appreciation and remembrance for a man who had been a pillar of strength for Ireland.
It also offered a fantastic array of pictures featuring dogs of every shape, size and persuasion.
Pictures both personal and universal and another reminder that we're all in this together.
See More: Dogs, President Michael D Higgins, Twitter
