Lewis Hamilton has paid an emotional tribute to his beloved dog Roscoe after he passed away on Sunday in the legendary driver’s arms.
The seven-time F1 world champion was schedule to take part in a Pirelli tyre test on Friday alongside Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, but pulled out at the last minute, later confirming that his absence was due to Roscoe’s poor health.
Hamilton kept his followers up to date with the situation, revealing on social media on Friday that Roscoe had caught pneumonia and was in a coma.
There was concern that Roscoe would never wake up from the coma and Hamilton has now confirmed that he made the heart-breaking decision to end his left support.
Posting on Instagram, Hamilton wrote: ‘After four days on life support, fighting with every bit of strength he had, I had to make the hardest decision of my life and say goodbye to Roscoe.
‘He never stopped fighting, right until the very end. I feel so grateful and honoured to have shared my life with such a beautiful soul, an angel and true friend.
‘Bringing Roscoe into my life was the best decision I ever made, and I will forever cherish the memories we created together. Although I lost Coco, I have never been faced with putting a dog to sleep before, though I know my mum and many close friends have.
‘It is one of the most painful experiences and I feel a deep connection to everyone who has gone through the loss of a beloved pet. Although it was so hard, having him was one of the most beautiful parts of life, to love so deeply and to be loved in return.
‘Thank you all for the love and support you’ve shown Roscoe over the years. It has been so special to witness and feel.
‘He died on Sunday evening, 28th September in my arms.’
Earlier this year, the 40-year-old revealed that Roscoe had been diagnosed with pneumonia, saying: ‘He’s 12-and-a-half years old so he’s an old boy.
‘He had pneumonia, but he’s fine now. But definitely this is a time where every time I get a text message from the lady who’s looking after him, my heart stops for a second. You know, what’s next?’
What happened to Coco?
Hamilton’s previous dog Coco died in June 2020, with the driver confirming the sad news on social media.
‘Last night at around 9pm, my beautiful little girl Coco died at home with the family by her side,’ he wrote. ‘Her little heart gave in, we think it was a heart attack. I tried to revive her but it was no use.
‘She’d had the best day, happier than I’d seen her in a long time. She was such a special dog, born with so many problems and I feel so lucky to have adopted her.
‘Her breeder said she was going to have to put her down as she wouldn’t be able to afford all the things she would need to survive, she went through a lot to become the bouncy, lazy loving dog she was. On her last day, we shared a special moment playing together which I will never forget.
‘I will miss her snoring and how happy she was always to see me. She was only 6, healthy and happy. Naturally, my heart is broken but i hope she’s in a better place with my Aunty Diane. Wanted to share with you and thank those of you who loved and cared for her. #coco #restinpeace.’
Hamilton, who is sixth in the F1 championship, is due to race at the Singapore Grand Prix at the weekend.