Gemma Atkinson has shared every step of her pregnancy journey with fans, but not all of them have been supportive.
The former Strictly Come Dancing star warned trolls she would, “[bleep] them” after they said having a baby would change her relationship with her adorable two dogs.
Sharing a sweet tribute to pup Norman on his seventh birthday, Gemma, 35, wrote beside a series of pictures with him and his brother Ollie: “Happy 7th Birthday Norman! Thank you for being the best companion I could ask for.
“Always making me feel happy and loved and expecting only love in return.”
She also scolded followers who’d criticised her dog-parenting skills, with the former Hollyoaks star adding: “You and Ollie mean so much to me (and if 1 more negative Nancy tells me you’ll have to be ‘cast aside’ when our baby comes I’ll have to just [bleep] them!) We’re a pack. A family. And I can’t imagine my life without you both in it. 💙.”
Gemma, who is expecting her first child with boyfriend Gorka Marquez, has involved her dogs in every aspect of her pregnancy.
She and the Strictly pro dancer – who met on the 2017 series – even had the doggy pair help with the announcement.
The former Emmerdale actress has since shared several lovely moments of the dogs cuddling up to her baby bump.
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Most fans were on Gemma’s side, with some sharing their own stories of dogs and babies. One said: “My dog is almost 10, my son 5, they are the best of friends. Oscar, my dog, has never been cast aside and enhances our lives everyday.”
Another said: “They are family and just as when you add to your family with more kids or other animals they embrace the change. Whether fur or skin they are all your family.” A third added: “People who say that have never had a dog before 🐶.”
One more wrote: “That’s rubbish. My mum’s two adopted rescue dogs sat and watched in absolute awe all the while I breastfed my three girls. They had been there before and knew what was happening and they adored my babies. They used to crawl into the dogs’ beds and they just looked in patiently! Dogs and babies are amazing x hope you’re well Gemma x.”
But a few others warned that it might not be a straightforward situation. One commented: “We had issues with our dog when our wee boy was born. For a few days she was a bit gruff with my wife but it was solved by my wife feeding her!” A second told her: “They won’t be cast aside 💙💙 [but] they’ll wonder what the hell is going on for a bit.”
Others just wished the dog a lovely day, with one writing: “Happy birthday Norman 🐶💙xxxx.”
Another added: “Happy birthday Norman. They will be amazing fur brothers to your baby as they’re your fur baby boys, no casting aside, all blending into one blissfully happy family.” A third joked: “Happy Woofday Norman!”
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We love how down-to-earth Gemma is. Human or fur babies, they’re all going to make one big lovely, happy family.
Did your children get on well with your pets? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think.