Farewell To Walnut
When Mark Woods learned that his 18 year old dog Walnut had to be euthanized because he had a terrible illness, he decided to join him on his last walk, surrounded by many people and other pets.
Walnuts story
The Whippet Walnut lived with his family on the Cornish coast in England. He loved walking on the cold beach every morning when everything was quiet. Mark, the owner, used these moments to enjoy the company of his dog.
But as he got older, Walnut could not walk that long, gradually he could hardly move and he slept at home all day. The dog was already 18 years old. The vet advised the family to say goodbye to him and put the dog to sleep to relieve him of the pain.
Walnuts last walk
Mark Woods posted a message on Facebook to lure everyone to the beach who wanted to say goodbye to Walnut: “It is with great sadness that I will have to put Walnut to sleep next Saturday. Our final walk around Poth Beach will be at 9:30 AM. I would like all animal lovers, dog owners and friends to join us on this walk on the beach. Walnut had a wonderful life, he reached the old age of 18 … he is ready to fall asleep one last time. We are waiting for you.”
The owner wanted to celebrate his loyal friend’s last moments. Therefore, he was surrounded by friends and other pets, not sadness. Many people responded to the invitation and went with Walnut on his last walk. It was undoubtedly a very emotional moment.
Mark was walking along the beach with his dog. Meanwhile, the companions and their animals approached to stroke the old dog and wish him a happy farewell. But that was not all: the farewell was persecuted in other parts of the world as well. Animal lovers in Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom posted photos on social media using the #WalkWithWalnut label . Even the local news reported the event and the BBC filmed the story while walking.
Farewell to Walnut
The day after the walk, Mark posted the message on Facebook that the dog was already resting: “Walnut died at 11:56 am in the presence of my wife, my children and our whippets: Monty, Nelson and Charly. We were all with him until the last moment. It went quickly and it started in my arms. I am writing to thank everyone who has supported me, but especially those who accompanied Walnut on his last walk. I also thank those who have walked their dog in other places. I have received many messages and hope to be able to reply to all of them. Thank you very much.”
Walnut’s last hours have been full of love and friendship. He was in the place he liked so much with his owner and friend, but also with many other people and pets around him.
Goodbyes are always difficult, but Walnut was able to enjoy life with his family for 18 years. He was loved by everyone until the last moment. He was faithful to his friend and owner to the end and gave him unconditional love. A role model for all of us.
