Gemma Atkinson heartbroken over death of second beloved dog in months: ‘I’ll remember you for the rest of my life'
Ex Hollyoaks actress Gemma Atkinson has shared her heartbreak after losing her second family dog. Gemma announced the passing of her first dog Norman, back in June, describing saying goodbye to her pet as the "hardest decision of her life". Now she has taken to Instagram to announce the devastating passing of her second dog, Ollie.
In a heartfelt post, Gemma, 39, shared a video of sweet moments her family shared with Ollie. Alongside the video, Gemma paid tribute to her beloved pet, as she penned: “Sleep well beautiful Ollie. The most gentle, affectionate and loving soul. We knew deep down after Norman you wouldn’t wait long because you were inseparable and I know how much you must have missed him.
"The loyalty, love and companionship of 2 dogs for 14 years. How lucky I am to have had that. Before Gorka, Mia & Tio it was just us, spending many a weekend in bed with a movie after a long walk exploring. And when our family expanded you shared your love and loyalty without hesitation, because that’s what dogs do.”
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The mum of two, who shares Mia, four, and baby Thiago with Strictly pro fiancé Gorka Marquez, 34, continued: “The sadness of losing you both so close together is a lot, but I know you’re both somewhere running free in long grass or on a beach chasing the tide care free, pain free and happy.
"That’s what I’m taking comfort in right now. I’ll remember you for the rest of my life. Norman and Ollie. My 2 best boys. Reunited.”
Gemma received an outpouring of love from her celebrity pals and fans after sharing the sad news. Her partner Gorka conveyed his heartbreak too with four crying face emojis under the post.
Ant McPartlin’s ex Lisa Armstrong sent her support by commenting: “Sending you all my love” accompanied with crying face emojis. Strictly’s Amy Dowden also left a heartfelt message saying: “Sending all my love to you all”.
At the time of Norman’s passing, Gemma took to Instagram to share an equally sentimental caption saying: "My beautiful boy Norman has passed away. 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 express how much Norman transformed my life for the better. Simply by just being there. Through all the ups and downs over the last 12 years, he's been there with Ollie, making everything ok. My favourite weekends were spent on long walks exploring together, then home to snuggle in bed with them both watching a film while they peacefully snoozed."
Gemma continued: "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."
