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.
It’s with much sadness we mourn the passing of our beloved Sid.
A regular feature at Bulldogs home games at Etihad Stadium for 7 years, Sid stood with us through thick and thin.
Will forever be a Bulldogs legend 🔴⚪🔵 pic.twitter.com/9xwxuiQEDK
— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) February 27, 2018
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.