On Saturday morning, hundreds of dog lovers joined a dog owner as he carried Walnut the whippet, his 18-year-old dog, on his final walk on a beach in Cornwall. Mark Woods encouraged people, through his social media posts #walkwithwalnut to accompany the pair on their last outing together before Walnut the whippet was gently euthanized due to his failing health. Sadly Walnut was not able to walk, but no matter – wrapped in a warm blanket and held close to his heart – Mark carried his friend on their final outing. 
On Tuesday, Mark posted the emotional open invitation to Facebook at Porth Beach, in Newquay, which had always been Walnut’s favorite spot to walk; the loyal pooch would be back on it for the last time on Saturday morning. According to Cornwall Alive, in the last few days, the family had treated him to a burger and some custard cream biscuits – his all time favorite treats. The Facebook post received a huge and very compassionate response. Well-wishers have paid tribute to Walnut and heaped praise on a “beautiful boy.”
There was not a dry eye on the beach as Mark dipped Walnut’s paws into the water for the last time. And as the tide ebbed and Walnut’s time on this earth drew to a sad close, Mark posted about his true friend’s passing:
“Walnut passed away this morning at 11.56am. 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.”
Rest in peace Walnut. If only every dog in the world could be as loved and live as long.
(Photos Walnut the whippet via Mark Woods)
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THIS REPORT has BEEN ONE of the MOST TOUCHING STORIES I HAVE READ IN IONS!!! If IT DOESN”T JUST TOUCH YOUR HEART AND YOUR SOUL >>>>U don’t have EITHER!<<<<< What a lovely family and group of compassionate People MEETING to WISH WALNUT WELL WISHES on the forthcoming JOURNEY to the RAINBOW BRIDGE!!!! His family as well as WALNUT are a REMARKABLE TRIBUTE TO TRUE Love, Compassion, and Fairwell to a LONG TIME COMPANION!!!
God bless May whippet rest in peace
Long love and prayers to walnut and family
Rest in peace sweet walnut. You brought happiness to a lot of lives.