Hundreds joined Walnut the dog on final walk on Cornish beach before being put down
WALNUT the dog took his final walk on his beloved Newquay beach this morning, accompanied by hundred of animal lovers wanting to say goodbye.
Mark Woods stole the nation’s heart this week, when he put out an emotion plea inviting fellow dog walkers to join him and his 18-year-old whippet Walnut on their final stroll along Porth beach.
Yesterday Mr Woods’ story may have made presenter Ruth Langsford start to cry on This Morning, but he couldn’t have anticipated the support he would receive from members of the public.
Don't miss
London Underground map to change forever with £6m update on new train line
Date spring 2026 starts as weather finally gets warmer
Andrew and Fergie branded ‘grasping and tacky' as fans blast them for one thing
Andrew's finally had a visitor - and been reminded how angry Charles and William must be
Chilling ransom note left on daughter's bed before grim find
I'm waiting to find out if I'll die this year - here's why I feel guilty for worrying
London Underground map to change forever with £6m update on new train line
Date spring 2026 starts as weather finally gets warmer
Andrew and Fergie branded ‘grasping and tacky' as fans blast them for one thing
Andrew's finally had a visitor - and been reminded how angry Charles and William must be
Chilling ransom note left on daughter's bed before grim find
I'm waiting to find out if I'll die this year - here's why I feel guilty for worrying
Related articles
Wellwishers turned up in their masses, many with their own hounds in tow, to join Mr Woods and his family on Walnut’s final walk before he was put down at 11.30 this morning.
Too weak to walk on his own, Walnut was carried along the sands by Mr Woods, who has had the dog since he was just a puppy.
Eamonn and Ruth are brought to tears by a dying dog
More than just an pet, Walnut has been Mr Woods’ constant companion over the near-two decades they have spent together, and has supported him though two marriages and three engagements.
Speaking before the walk, Mr Woods said: “I think that all pets are special to everybody, I've got three other whippets, but there's something special about Walnut.
“He's been with me through some very difficult times in my life and he's just got me through them, both physically and mentally.
“We've shared a lot of dramas, a lot of fun and a lot of shenanigans and he's exceptionally special. Eighteen years is a long time to build up a bond of friendship.”
Strangers comforted Walnut, who was wrapped in a chequered blanket for warmth, while children came over to stroke him.
The dog’s old age had caused his health to deteriorate and he had collapsed on several occasions, leading Mr Woods to the difficult conclusion that it would be kinder for him to be put out of his suffering.
In his last days, Walnut was spoilt with his favourite treats, burgers and custard creams, by Mr Woods.
