RIP Sid, The Western Bulldogs’ Beloved Mascot & The AFL’s One True Good Boy

Some incredibly sad news coming out of the football world this morning, with news emerging that Sid, the Western Bulldogs‘ long-serving bulldog mascot, has passed away overnight. He was 9 and a half.

Sid was rushed to hospital last night suffering breathing problems, and sadly passed away later in the night; his passing confirmed on social media by both his official Facebook page and by the Western Bulldogs.

Sid served as the Bulldogs’ official four-legged mascot for seven years, retiring before the beginning of the 2017 season following the Dogs’ historic, drought-breaking 2016 AFL Premiership win.

Sid was a fixture at Bulldogs home games, greeting the players and fans at the team’s home ground of Etihad Stadium, and watching the games from a specially installed kennel in the stands near the club’s cheer squad section.

The only live mascot in the AFL, Sid – a British bulldog – was specially trained to deal with large crowds and match-day conditions, not once lifting his leg on a playing surface throughout his lengthy tenure in the position.

Failing eye-sight and the approach of old age forced Sid’s owners to announce his retirement, with Sid handing over the reigns to his successor, Caesar, in May of last year.

In a tragic twist, Sid’s twin sister Rosie also crossed the rainbow bridge just nine days ago.

Rest easy, sweet Sid. A good boy, and a true son of the ‘Scray.

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