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BRÓD, ONE OF the beloved Bernese mountain dogs owned by President Michael D. Higgins, has died.
The 11 year old had been part of an much-loved double act with two-year-old Misneach, winning the hearts of the nation as they welcomed dignitaries and members of the public to Áras an Uachtaráin.
Prior to Misneach’s arrival in March 2021, Bród had been kept company by Síoda, another Bernese Mountain Dog who died following a short illness in September 2020.
The president’s dogs have become celebrities in their own right during his tenure, with unofficial social media accounts set up in their names attracting thousands of followers.
They were the focus of global attention as recently as last week, when videos of them “snubbing” US President Joe Biden during his visit to the Áras went viral and were reported on around the world.
There was some coaxing by both President Higgins and President Biden to try to get Misneach to make an appearance, but some things even presidents can’t do it seems
— Lauren Boland (@laurenanna_1) April 13, 2023
(Of course he ended up making an appearance a minute later once they passed) https://t.co/037PjpMekx pic.twitter.com/xCD2rzj9Ik
The pair often appear when the president is hosting high-profile individuals in the Áras.
Sources at Áras an Uachtaráin confirmed that Bród passed away “very peacefully” earlier today in his 11th year. The president’s office has been contacted for comment.
President Higgins is known to be a dog lover and previously had another Bernese mountain dog called Shadow during his early years in the Phoenix Park.
Speaking about his dogs previously, he said they “are not merely ice-breakers, they’re also a great source of wisdom, and they must be protected from the stresses of the Anthropocene.”
The Bernese mountain dog is a giant breed that was originally bred in Switzerland as farm dogs or draft dogs, and were used to pull carts.
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Good that disaster was averted but are they certain it wasn’t some old charleville cheese? Had to carry out a similar exercise one time when the wife left some really odourous stuff in the fridge.
Why does this seem to becoming such a frequent thing now in schools. The ABD unit seems to be spending a lot of time dealing with unstable chemicals in schools.
The chemical, Dinitrophenylhydrazine, is a chemical reagent routinely used in labs
If this happened in Iran, the US would use it as more evidence of a chemical weapons program!!!!! Just as well those ‘chemistry sets, of da 80′s are no
Longer on da market
Who is responsible?
Hmmmm…. We’l say Anglo for this one?
Cool suit.
You’ve got to be kidding.
Anyone got any info on this stuff still being issued to chemistry labs in schools or was this something done many years ago and now seized. It would somewhat explain why the BDU are called out after routine audits if this stuff is found on the premise which could be decade or more old, leaving a chance its less stable. Its a know carcinogenic and from its data sheet,
Section 11: Toxicological Information
Routes of Entry: Dermal contact. Eye contact. Inhalation. Ingestion.
Toxicity to Animals: Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 654 mg/kg [Rat].
Chronic Effects on Humans: The substance is toxic to lungs, the nervous system, mucous membranes.
Other Toxic Effects on Humans:
Very hazardous in case of ingestion, of inhalation. Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant, permeator)
Hm, you’re right. Our schools should be safe, we should remove all hazardous “learning” tools at once! Lets remove this next:
Section 56B: Crapology catalog:
Name: Car
Description: Dangerous metal object responsible for over 1.2 million deaths last year alone.
Toxicity: Toxic to both humans and animals may also leak flammable and toxic substances.
Chronic Effects on Humans: The entity is toxic, may cause weight gain on use, known to cause back pain and blood clots.
Won’t somebody PLEASE think of the children!
Wow, No need to be a dick Aidan!
I simply asked if it’s still used in school as I personally don’t recall it being used when I did chemistry but it’s been a while. Its the 4th time in a year its been found during a routine audit and needed to be removed by Bomb Disposal, so I’m still asking, is it deemed a danger due to its age or for what reason required the BDU to be called? What conditions trigger this response from the auditor?
Any answer or do you prefer to be a narky smartass?
Seems like a picture of that robot bomb yoke pops up on here every day in some capacity
If I had known that stuff was in the lab when I was there, I would have had great craic! LOL
I hope this unstable chemical was not Beamish (a drink I love).
have your say