Gemma Atkinson received the “worst news” when her dog Norman damaged his other cruciate ligament.
The former Hollyoaks and Emmerdale star – who is expecting her first child with Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Marquez – was close to tears as she revealed their pet Sproodle had badly injured his leg whilst playing in a field on Monday (18.02.19).
Gemma felt even worse because she was unable to “comfort him” because she is pregnant and unable to lift him.
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In an emotional video posted to her Instagram account after Norman had an X-Ray at the vets, she said: “I had the worst news today.
“Norman’s other cruciate ligament has gone so he needs to have another operation.
“I was out on the field with him and he was playing with a husky. He let out a massive yelp and lifted his leg up.
“I felt horrendous because I was on my own with and because I’m pregnant I couldn’t pick him up. He was leaning on my feet for me to comfort him and I couldn’t. So I felt [expletive].
“I just had him in the vets for an X-Ray so he’s a bit groggy from his anaesthetic and they’ve confirmed it’s another cruciate ligament on the other leg, which I knew would happen at some point, so it’s another operation, and I can’t lift him upstairs with me in bed or anything and Gorks is gonna be on tour.
“Oh Norman, I love you so much buddy.”
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Gemma thanked her mum for being able to get Norman to the veterinary surgery in Whitefield, Manchester, and said she plans to bring her mattress downstairs so she is able to sleep near to the poorly canine, who is set to undergo another operation after having the other ligament operated on eight months ago.
She captioned the post: “Here we go again Thank God for my mum and peter being retired and living 2 minutes away! Another operation almost 8 months after his left cruciate ligament went, his right one has gone.
“I remember loads of you telling me it was the case with your dogs so I was kinda waiting for it. Im just sad that I can’t pick him up for snuggles or carry him upstairs to sleep with me in the evening. Genuinely bringing my mattress down stairs when Gorks is on tour so the stairs won’t be an issue.
“Bless my little man Norman Thank you to all the staff at the emergency vets in Whitefield and also Mr Irving’s surgery for being so kind to him today. (sic)”
Fans rushed to offer support to Gemma with one person writing: “So sorry, get well soon Norman.”
Another said: “Sending you lots of love,” while a third added: “Bless him… thinking of you.”
Gemma had announced her pregnancy by sharing a picture of the couple’s two dogs, Norman and Ollie, who were wearing signs around their neck which read: “Guess what … mum’s pregnant. We’re going to be big brothers!”
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She captioned the post: “And what Amazing big brothers they will be! Myself & Gorks are beyond excited and happy and feel incredibly blessed to be meeting our new family member later this year. Baby Marquez!!! We love you loads already @gorka_marquez (sic).”
Dancer Gorka, 28, posted the same image of the pooches on his Instagram account and wrote a caption praising his gorgeous partner.
He wrote: “@glouiseatkinson Thank you for the greatest gift in life. Myself and Gem are beyond thrilled to be welcoming our new family member later this year! Baby Marquez. (sic)”
The couple confirmed their romance last year whilst they were on the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour.
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