By Fionnuala Boyle

Copyright dailyrecord

For many owners, losing a dog is like losing a family member; the grief is profound, real, and often underestimated. And this week, Lewis Hamilton’s beloved dog Roscoe’s passing struck a chord with dog lovers everywhere. In an Instagram post on Monday, September 30, the seven-time Formula 1 champion said losing his 13-year-old bulldog has been one of the most painful experiences of his life. He shared on X, previously Twitter, that he had “lost his best friend” before thanking fans “for the love you’ve shown him over the years.” He added in a separate statement on social media that the pooch “died in his arms”. Lorna Winter, Director of the UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter and co-founder of the UK’s most popular dog training app Zigzag, has since stepped in to provide advice to dog owners who may be struggling with grief. “Losing a dog can feel like losing a family member,” Lorna pointed out. “For many of us, they’re not just pets, they’re our children, our companions, and the heartbeat of our homes. That grief is real, and it’s okay to feel it deeply.” Light a candle, make a small scrapbook, or plant a tree in their honour. It’s a way to celebrate their life and the love you shared. Talk with friends or family who understand. Sharing the little quirks and joys of your dog keeps their spirit alive. Online support groups, local pet loss networks, or even a counsellor who understands grief can help you feel less alone. Write a letter to your dog, draw, paint, or take photographs . Expression can be deeply healing. Grief can take a physical toll. Gentle walks, fresh air, and self-care routines help you stay grounded. There’s no “right” way to grieve. Cry, laugh, feel angry or numb; every emotion is valid. Lorna added: “Grief is heavy because love is deep. Our dogs leave pawprints on our hearts forever , and while their physical presence may be gone, the bond you shared doesn’t end – it simply changes form. “Take your time, be gentle with yourself, and remember the joy they brought into your life.” Hamilton’s bulldog was rushed to a vet clinic last week after a “scary few hours” saw the pup’s condition decline. Matters took a turn for the worse on Friday, September 26, when Hamilton revealed his dog had slipped into a coma after catching pneumonia again which left him struggling to breathe. Sadly, Roscoe did not wake up. Hamilton welcomed Roscoe into his life in 2013, and the cherished bulldog accompanied him to numerous F1 races at Silverstone and across Europe over the years. Roscoe made his most recent public appearance at the British Grand Prix in July this year, joining Hamilton on stage at a fan event for the first time as a Ferrari driver. This was after another case of pneumonia which the determined pooch had successfully overcome earlier in the year. Roscoe, like his famous owner, had his own Instagram page with a staggering 1.3 million followers. Hamilton was scheduled to travel to Italy on Friday to participate in a Pirelli tyre test at the Mugello circuit. However, he chose not to make the journey in order to stay by Roscoe’s side.