Life With Dogs: Bindi Irwin Pays Tribute To Father And Family Dog Sui

The Irwin family’s lives were forever changed when they lost patriarch and larger-than-life wildlife expert Steve Irwin in 2006. But as it turns out, that wasn’t the only loss they endured around that time. In 2004, they said goodbye to their family dog Sui, who had been with them for 15 years. Sui and Steve were best friends, and their stories will live on forever.

Just before mother’s day in 2021, Bindi Irwin shared exciting news on Instagram. She announced that her dad had a new Funko POP! figure coming out, and Sui is featured in it. Bindi recently shared emotional tributes to both of them too.

The Irwins with Sui — Image: @bindisueirwin/Instagram

Two Peas in a Pod

Sui was the Irwin family’s Staffordshire Bull Terrier since 1988. She spent time with the whole family, but she especially enjoyed her adventures with Steve. In fact, Bindi’s middle name is “Sue” in the beloved dog’s honor.

The sweet dog had many health scares throughout her life, but she kept on fighting. She survived a car crash and an attack from a wild boar. But like her humans, she adored being outside and didn’t shy away from new places to explore.

Young Bindi and Sui — Image: Screenshot, Australia Zoo YouTube

“She absolutely adored the boat and catching crocodiles. In fact she lived for it, just like me. It’s all we did for many, many years so we were best mates, boyfriend/girlfriend, and so close to each other we could communicate with eye movements alone,” Steve wrote in Sui’s obituary.

Bindi has shared many tributes to the duo over the years. She shared video footage of Sui on YouTube so her husband could “meet” the pup. And now, she’s happy to introduce a new figure showcasing her dad’s friendship with his dog.

Steve Terri and Sui Irwin — Image: @AustraliaZoo/Facebook

The Sweetest Figurine

Steve Irwin already has several Funko POP! Vinyl figures, including one with a snake and one with a turtle. But now, Bindi announced on her Instagram page that a new one has been released. It shows Steve posing with his loyal canine companion: Sui.

“I’m excited to share that Dad and Sui have their own POP! Vinyl together,” wrote Bindi. “Our sweet family dog was part of every wildlife adventure with us.”

Steve Irwin and Sui Funko Pop — Image: @bindisueirwin/Instagram

All the proceeds from the new “Crocodile Hunter Pop! Vinyl with Sui” will go toward the Australia Zoo’s conservation efforts. It’s exactly what Steve and Sui would’ve wanted.

It’s been about 15 years since Steve passed away, and even longer since Sui’s death. But this figure proves that the friendship between a human and their dog can live on forever. And this particular duo will never stop bringing smiles to faces on Earth.