A beloved, but poorly, whippet was joined by hundreds of people on his final walk on Saturday at his favourite beach in Cornwall.
Mark Woods invited animal lovers to join him and his 18-year-old dog, Walnut, on their last ever walk together before his elderly friend was put to sleep.
In a Facebook post, which has been shared more than 2,200 times and has received more than 7,400 comments, Woods asked friends and dog lovers to join them “for a celebration of Walnut” on his favourite Porth Beach.
At 9.30am on Saturday, hundreds of people and their canine friends travelled to the beach to see Walnut as Woods carried him in a blanket.
The crowd sent Walnut off with an applause.
Woods announced on Facebook this afternoon that Walnut had passed away at 11.56am.
He thanked everyone for their support and shared a poem that was sent to him by a well wisher.
Woods’ post read: “The family and our three whippets, Monty, Nelson and Charlie were also in the room.
“He went very quickly and in my arms. I am writing this post because I owe it to everyone who has supported myself, my family and most importantly Walnut.
“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 at 9.30am all around the world.
“I also want to thank the wonderful people of Newquay for their support which I will never forget as long as I live.
“I read out a poem that was sent to me by one of the many well wishers just before Walnut had his last sleep and would love you all to read this as well to remind ourselves just how lucky we are to be alive and to share in the wonderful world that our pets give us. God bless you all.”