Michael D. Higgins is the President of Ireland and also a noted dog lover.
Chances are if you happen to have the opportunity to meet Mr. Higgins, you’ll likely also be introduced to his Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Higgins recently adopted a new puppy as well and the little guy recently stole the show during what was supposed to be a rather somber affair. Higgins was giving a speech during a tribute ceremony for the late actor Tom Hickey, when his puppy Misneach made himself known.
A couple of attention-seeking dogs.
In addition to Misneach, Higgins has another Bernese Mountain Dog named Brod (which translates to the word “pride”).
Brod has already captured the media’s attention during an official event once previously. The attention-seeking dog was adamant that he receive belly rubs ASAP during a visit from Prince William and Kate Middleton. Evidently, Misneach learned that this was acceptable behavior.
https://twitter.com/seanbeh3/status/1028251442883297280
A serious and heartfelt speech.
Higgins gave a four-minute speech about the late actor. As this was a serious and somber event, Higgins delivered his speech in a heartfelt tone. All the while, Misneach was attempting to distract him.
In fairness to Misneach, he wasn’t aware the event was a serious one. He just knew he was standing in a field, was with his favorite person, but yet he was not receiving any attention at all. It must have been very confusing.
Just out of camera shot.
In the official footage of the event, Misneach is barely shown. He is visible at the bottom of the screen for only a few fleeting moments. What the official footage doesn’t show is Misneach frantically trying to get Higgins’ attention throughout the speech.
Higgins sort of placates the pup as best he can. He reaches his hand down out of camera range as if to say “here, play with this for a bit but please calm down.”
“Why aren’t you giving me attention?”
Misneach bites at Higgins’ hand and reaches out his paw for him.
All the while, the Irish President does his best to keep the little guy at bay and out of camera shot. He just continued his speech as if nothing untoward was happening in the least.
This is the “official footage” of his speech we’re referencing.
As you can see, it’s quite a bit less eventful than the full access footage at the bottom of this article.
Behind-the-scenes video released.
While the official footage of Higgins’ speech does not include an excited puppy competing for his attention, a zoomed-out video of his speech was released to the public. It promptly went viral.
It was released on Higgins’ own TikTok page. Not surprisingly, many of the President’s supporters pointed out how much Misneach clearly loves his owner. They must have a great relationship.
Higgins never wants to be without a dog.
Misneach is only a few months old. Higgins adopted him after his dog Sioda, another Bernese Mountain Dog, passed away following a short bout with illness.
síoda is #1 trending as she should be pic.twitter.com/5Z1IVsiwhU
— nathan (@nathanxjohnston) September 19, 2020
In March, a spokesperson for the President officially announced he had adopted a new puppy.
“I can confirm that the President has a Bernese mountain dog puppy in training,” the spokesperson said to media.
“He is five months old and, given the time we are in, the President has given him the name ‘Misneach’, which translates as Courage.”
Higgins has said he always has more than one dog because he never wants to be “dog-less.”
Higgins dog name confirmed.
President Michael D Higgins has a 5 month old Bernese Mountain Dog puppy in training.
"Given the times we are in, The President has given him the name 'Misneach' – meaning Courage" pic.twitter.com/k3ArXvW8lS
— Richard Chambers (@newschambers) March 2, 2021
You can watch the Irish President’s dog beg for his attention in the below video.
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@presidentirlPresident Michael D. Higgins giving a tv interview♬ original sound – President of Ireland
