Walnut the whippet joined by hundreds for final beach walk
Mark Woods and Walnut (being carried) were joined by hundreds of dog walkers. Photo: Twitter: Heidi Davey
Before a trip to doggy heaven, 18-year-old whippet Walnut was joined by hundreds of people and their pups for a walk along an English beach.
Walnut’s owner Mark Woods posted details about the dog’s final walk along the beach on Facebook, inviting dog owners to join him on a beach in Newquay, Cornwall to celebrate his pet’s life.
“He has had an incredible life and having reached the grand age of 18 is ready for his final sleep,” Mr Woods wrote.
“I would love it if dog lovers/owners and friends would join us for a celebration of Walnut on his favourite Porth Beach.”
Hundreds of pooches left paw marks on the sand and supporters used the hashtag #WalkWithWalnut on social media to pay tribute to the animal, who also became a media star in his final days.
“If #walkwithwalnut has done something, it’s restore my faith in the compassion of humanity, in a particularly dreary year,” one tweeted.
“Meanwhile, at Porth Beach Newquay, humans demonstrate proper love and solidarity on their #walkwithwalnut and Mark,” tweeted another supporter.
Mr Woods carried Walnut across the beach as his ill health meant he was no longer able to walk.
He told local media Walnut had provided much comfort over the years, seeing him through two marriages and three engagements.
After Walnut was euthanased the evening after the walk, Mr Woods posted a thank you to all who attended.
“He went very quickly and in my arms,” Mark Woods said in a Facebook post on the day they euthanased Walnut. Photo: Facebook: Mark Woods
“Walnut passed away this morning at 11.56am … he went very quickly and in my arms,” Mr Woods wrote on his Facebook page.
“Thank you to the hundreds of people that attended the walk this morning and to all those that had their own walks with their beloved pets around the world.”
The whippet breed originated in England and have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
#WalkWithWalnut it was an honour to be there with you 🐶 pic.twitter.com/mWiwCm2EUi
— Visit Cornwall (@ILoveCornwallUK) November 12, 2016
The last paddle on #walkwithwalnut 🐶💕 pic.twitter.com/tPyhBoEjiB
— Polpier & Penpol (@Polpier_Penpol) November 12, 2016
Mark Woods says a huge thank you to hundreds of people who turned out to walk with him & Walnut today on their last stroll #walkwithwalnut pic.twitter.com/tbDKfogG70
— Heidi Davey (@HeidiDavey) November 12, 2016
