Hundreds of people have joined a dog for his final walk on his favourite Cornish beach before he was put to sleep.
Earlier this week Mark Woods made an emotional appeal on Facebook for people and pets to join him on Saturday morning with his beloved whippet, Walnut, on Porth Beach in Newquay.
The 18-year-old dog’s health had deteriorated so Woods had made the decision to have him put to sleep. His Facebook post, Walk With Walnut, went viral and led to the story appearing on national television.
Woods carried Walnut on to the beach in a blanket and they were joined by hundreds of other people with their pets. When he reached the water’s edge he gently lowered Walnut down on to the sand and allowed him to dip his paw in the water.
Pet lovers have taken to social media to pay tribute to Walnut. Emma Jayne Goodman wrote on Facebook: “Thinking of your family and walnut. RIP walnut run free over the rainbow bridge xxx.”
Wendy Feather wrote: “Wish you so, so, so much strength today. You’re gonna need it. Be calm for him to the end. He needs you to be strong and calm beside him until his last heartbeat.
“Having been in this exact position in April this year, my heart still hurts so much from my gorgeous lab Hardy leaving us.
“But you know when it’s the right and just thing to do. You just know. My heart completely, is with you today at this very, very difficult time.
“Dwell on the joy he brought you and celebrate his life with you. You never ever, ever forget. Never. I wish you both so much love.”
The TV presenter Ruth Langsford, who fought back tears when Walnut appeared on This Morning earlier this week, tweeted: “Thanks everyone who turned out to support Mark & Walnut on their final walk together RIP in peace darling Walnut.”