Walnut’s Greeting

When Mark Woods discovered that his dog, Walnut, aged 18, had to be sacrificed because he was suffering from a terrible disease, he decided to take him for his last walk surrounded by so many people and other animals.

The Walnut Story

Walnut was a Whippet dog that lived with his family on the Cornish coast of England. He loved to go for a walk on the cold beach, almost always in the morning, when all was quiet. The owner, Mark, took advantage of these moments to talk to his furry friend and enjoy his welcome company.

As the years went by, Walnut could no longer walk much on the beach. His paws did not respond to him and he preferred to stay at home and sleep all day. The dog had already turned 18. When they took him to the vet, he advised the family to put him down so that he could leave this world smoothly and painlessly.

Walnut’s last walk

To summon all those who wanted to accompany his dog on the last walk of his life, Mark Woods posted the following message on Facebook: “With great sadness, I will have to put Walnut to sleep next Saturday. Our last walk to Poth Beach will be at 9.30am. I would like all pet lovers, dog owners and friends to accompany us on this beach walk. He has had a wonderful life and has reached the advanced age of 18… He is ready for his last dream. We are waiting for you all ”.

The master wanted his faithful friend’s last moments to be a celebration. For this reason he was surrounded by friends and other pets, not by sadness. Many people responded to the invitation and accompanied Walnut on his last walk. It was undoubtedly a more than exciting moment.

Mark walked his dog all over the beach. Meanwhile, those present approached with their pets to caress the elderly dog ​​and wish him a peaceful departure. And that wasn’t all. The idea was welcomed in other places around the world: people from Australia, the United States and various locations in the United Kingdom posted photos with their dogs and the hashtag #WalkWithWalnut. The news also reached local news, This Morning, and then the BBC did a report on Mark during the walk.

Farewell to Walnut

The day after the walk, Mark posted on Facebook the news that the little dog was now resting in peace: “Walnut died at 11:56 am next to my wife, my two children and three other Whippets of mine: Monty, Nelson and Charly. We all stayed with him until the last moment. It was a quick thing and it happened in my arms. I am writing to thank all those who supported me, but especially those who accompanied Walnut on the walk. Even those who have taken their walk with their animals around the world. I am very grateful to everyone, I have received messages from all sides, I hope to answer everyone. Thank you so much”.

Walnut’s final hours have been of love and friendship. They have been in the place he loved so much next to his owner and friend, but also with many other people and animals around him. Farewells are never pleasant and undoubtedly the death of our animals marks our soul. But at least this family has the comfort of knowing that Walnut was much loved in his 18 years of life and that he eventually received the affection of many people and dogs he didn’t even know.

In his final minutes, Walnut has turned his attention only to the man who has accompanied him for nearly two decades and who has been his best friend. Without a doubt, a moving story of faithfulness and completely disinterested love.

Images: Muy.clarin.com and Schnauzi.com