Gemma Atkinson has announced the death of her beloved dog in a heartbreaking social media post.
The former soap star took to Instagram to share touching footage of her late pup, Norman, along with a lengthy announcement.
Accompanied by a montage of adorable snaps and clips of Norman with herself and her children, along with a poignant voice over about losing a dog, she penned a tear-jerking tribute.
“My beautiful boy Norman has passed away,” she began, adding: “My heart is broken. 12 years ago I made a promise to him that i would always take care of him and never allow him be in pain or to suffer.
“Had I put off making the hardest decision of my life any longer I would have broken that promise. It’s hard to put into words how much Norman changed my life and made it so much better Simply by just being there.
“Throughout the good & bad experiences the last 12 years he’s been there with Ollie making everything ok. My most favourite weekends were spent having long walks exploring together, then home lay in bed cosy with them both watching a film while they snored away peacefully.
“I think I’ll miss that the most…That and the fact Norm was always the only one in the whole house to get up and come downstairs with me in the mornings no matter how early it was.
“My 5am club won’t be the same without his company. He was my first experience of being a mum and having someone other than myself to care for. He’s taught me a lot.
“Mainly to always live in the moment, remain positive and to keep trying. He never stopped trying to just get up and please me. Even at the end.
“He was the most gentle and caring soul combined with fierce love and loyalty to his family, his pack.I believe he was always meant to be my dog. I feel so sad for Ollie who’s now wondering where Norman is. Smelling him but not being able to see or play with him will be confusing.” (sic)
Gemma paid a lengthy tribute to her dog
She continued: “I’ve read that dogs too notice the absence of other dogs, and i know he’s just as sad as I am. And of course I’m beyond sad for Mia.
“Normans woken her up by going into her room and pinching her Snuggie almost everyday of her life. She’s never known him or Ollie to not be here. Her first best friend. And so close to her 5th Birthday.”
She went on to add that grief of a loved one is “the price we pay for loving them so much,” and shared how much she loved Norman.
“I’m going to love you, miss you and remember you forever. Until we meet again Norman… Go and run again and have some fun up there with my dad. You’re such a good boy,” she concluded. (sic)
Fans rushed to comfort the former soap star after she announced the sad news
Getty
Fans immediately rushed to the comments section to express their sympathies over the sad loss, with several famous faces also supporting Atkinson, who is the partner of Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Márquez.
Strictly makeup artist Lisa Armstrong penned: “So so sorry for your loss….My heart,” while dancer Amy Dowden shared: “Sending so much love.”
Someone else added: “Sending you so much love,” and Strictly professional Karen Hauer wrote: “Oh Gemma, my heart aches for you .. sending all the love.”
“Oh Gemma, this has made me cry. I am so very sorry. He’s free of pain now but I know how devastated you will be. RIP Norm. Sending love to you all,” another added.
“Oh Gemma I don’t know you but I feel so heartbroken for you so sorry to hear about norm xxx sending love xx,” another commented.