Gemma Atkinson has shared how she introduced her two beloved pet dogs Norman and Ollie to her daughter Mia when she brought her home for the first time. Hits Radio presenter Gemma announced the exciting news last month that she's to be a mum for the second time with her fiance Gorka Marquez.
The couple, who met while Gemma was competing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, have a three-year-old daughter, Mia. The former Emmerdale and Hollyoaks actress, 38, has been applauded after she shared a 'brilliant' video of Ollie and Norman meeting Mia.
Gemma and Gorka were careful with the introduction, using a mosquito net to cover Mia in her pram seat at first before allowing them to come closer to their daughter, saying at no point did she want her dogs feeling left out. Gemma decided to share after having lots of DMs from parents-to-be and fellow dog owners asking how she did the introduction.
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She said: "Obv I’m far from an expert in it! I just did what I knew was right for Norm & Ollie." She explained: "I think every pet owner showed have the responsibility of knowing their pets personalities, triggers etc… and I just knew this way would work for us.
"I first came in the house from the hospital without Mia. Just me and I made a fuss of them as I always would so they wouldn’t feel left out. We then brought in Mia and kept her in the pram seat with her Mosquito net so they could have a good look and smell at their own pace. I also kept their leads on for this part."
Gemma continued: "Next we did the same but without the net so they could get a closer look and then finally I held her and let them come closer. I guess I hoped if they saw me caring for her, they would know she was now part of the pack and respect I was still the leader.
"From then on I just involved them in as much as possible and allowed them to sniff and see her when I held her. I just didn’t at any point want them feeling left out. They had been here for 9yrs before Mia arrived."
Gemma, who shot to fame playing Lisa Hunter in Channel Four soap Hollyoaks in 2001, said eventually Norman and Ollie took it upon themselves to guard Mia. However she has never been left alone with them.
"They chose to sleep near her and lay with her when she played. She still to this day has never been alone with them. I trust them completely but I know high pitched noises or sudden bangs etc can startle them and they of course will react," wrote Gemma. "I just wouldn’t ever take that risk."
Gemma says she and Gorka, who are expecting a baby boy, have instilled in Mia that the dogs aren’t toys. She explained: "She can’t pull them or prod them or approach them from the back unexpectedly. I explained just how it’d hurt her if she was bitten or nipped, that they feel the same.
"They feel pain too and they sometimes get scared and need us to calm them. She’s always been respectful of that which I’m so proud of her for."
She added: "Fully aware a boy may be different But I’m hopeful that with the same upbringing we may be ok. Good luck to anyone who’ll soon be doing their own introductions."
Strictly pro dancer Karen Hauer applauded: "Wonderful information Gemma." Beckyfrench wrote: "You're the prime example of how this should be handled. People need to take note of this."
joanne_g_1980_said: "I’ve just thought the exact same thing. People push their dogs out and they resent the baby, then there’s an accident xx" And alysonkowalski said: "If only there were more kind caring dog mum's out there like you. So many dogs given up because people don't give them the time patience and love that you do."
penoir1981 praised: "This is brilliant. We did similar with our springer spaniel when we had our first. Health visitor was awful however, on her first visit she asked when we getting rid of the dog did not have any respect for her after that. My kids and our dog are inseperable and I love it, dogs are amazing fur brothers and sisters!"
Gemma shared a black and white picture of herself caressing her blooming bump as she shared her pregnancy news. She wrote: "Impossible to hide my belly any longer. I’ve officially 'popped.' Our baby boy will be joining our family later this year."
She added: "We feel so incredibly blessed and Grateful to be on this journey again. Mia is absolutely thrilled! Although we may need to do some negotiating on names, as so far she’s adamant he’s going to be called Barbie."
The doting mum, who welcomed Mia with Strictly pro Gorka, 32, in July 2017, joked that she's "prepared for chaos." "My sister's got two lads and a girl so fully prepared for the chaos," she said. "Cannot wait, bring it on."
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