Hundreds Joined Walnut The Dog For His Heartbreaking Last Walk On The Beach

    Walnut, an 18-year-old whippet, has now been put down as a result of ill-health.

    Walnut, a whippet from Cornwall, was joined by hundreds of other dogs and their owners for his heartbreaking final walk on the beach before being put down on Saturday.

    Last Saturday, the dog's owner Mark Woods announced on Facebook that 18-year-old Walnut would have to be put down as a result of ill-health.

    "Sadly I am having to have Walnut euthanised on Saturday 12th November and so we will be having a last walk together on his beloved Porth Beach at 9.30am," Woods wrote, inviting other dog owners and lovers to join them.

    "He has had an incredible life and having reached the grand age of 18 is ready for his final sleep. Hope to see you on Saturday," Woods added.

    On the day, hundreds of people and their dogs turned out for Walnut's last walk on the Cornish beach.

    Mark Woods says a huge thank you to hundreds of people who turned out to walk with him & Walnut today on their last… https://t.co/BpdYtW5hPz

    Walnut was unable to walk, but was carried by Woods, wrapped in a blanket.

    @RuthieeL @EamonnHolmes Thought you'd like to see how #walkwithwalnut went. #walnutslastwalk

    After walking to the water's edge Woods lowered Walnut to the sand and dipped his paw in the sea, Press Association reported.

    Emotional but beautiful #WalkWithWalnut this morning.

    Ahead of the walk, Woods told the BBC that Walnut "has got something about him" and that they had been through an "awful lot together".

    After Woods' initial announcement went viral, he thanked people for being "incredibly supportive" on Facebook. He said that messages had "been beautiful and moving and supportive".

    Dogs and their owners who couldn't make Saturday's walk sent messages of solidarity to Walnut.

    Sending love to Mark Woods and his family after sending off Walnut the whippet. Me and Towser are thinking of you… https://t.co/SJ3xoan0My

    #walnutslastwalk Thank you for reminding us to appreciate what we have Mark

    Following the walk, Woods shared a message on Facebook confirming that Walnut had now died.

    Walnut was surrounded by members of Woods' family, as well as their other three whippets Monty, Nelson and Charlie.

    "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," Woods wrote.

    Woods wished to thank everyone who had joined him and Walnut on the beach, as well as those who sent messages from around the world.

    Wood said that at the vet, "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."

    Goodbye Walnut, you will not be forgotten.

    We will walk with you tomorrow from afar Wulnut. Lots of Wuffin' love. Wuff. #walkwithwalnut #cornwall #markwoods… https://t.co/3zNMSSNKML