Síoda, one of two dogs owned by President Michael D. Higgins, has died after a short illness.

A familiar presence at Áras an Uachtaráin since President Higgins was elected in 2011, Síoda was one of two Bernese Mountain Dogs that lived in the presidential residence, the other being Bród.

The news was first mentioned in a newsletter detailed by Áras an Uachtaráin, with a spokesperson for the President confirming that "sadly we must report that Síoda has passed away after a short illness."

Needless to say, news of Síoda's passing didn't go down too well on Twitter.