Hundreds of people have joined a dog on his final walk on his favourite English 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 pet whippet, Walnut, on Porth Beach in Newquay, Cornwall.
The 18-year-old dog's health had deteriorated so Mr Woods had made the decision to have him put to sleep.
His heartbreaking Facebook post, Walk With Walnut, went viral and saw Walnut's story appear 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 on Saturday.
Walnut and his owner Mark Woods. (Facebook) Source: Facebook
When he reached the water's edge he gently lowered Walnut into 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 added: "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."
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."
Mr Woods has since confirmed in a new Facebook post that Walnut has died.
"The family and our three whippets, Monty, Nelson and Charlie were also in the room," he wrote.
"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."
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