Mark Woods stole the nation's heart after he appealed for fellow dog lovers to join him on his last walk with Walnut, the 18-year-old whippet he has had since a puppy.
Hordes of well-wishers, many accompanied by their own dogs, joined Mark and his family on a wind swept Porth beach in Newquay for Walnut's emotional farewell.
Mark carried Walnut across the beach in Cornwall as his health has deteriorated in old age and he's no longer able to walk.
Covered in a checkered blanket to keep him warm, strangers comforted Walnut and children came over to stroke the dog as they strolled past the water's edge.
Before his best friend's death, Mark wanted to take him for a stroll on his favorite beach for his final farewell. Despite Mark's two marriages and three engagements, he's had Walnut all the way through.
The dog owner has stolen the nation's heart, including TV presenters Eammon Holmes and Ruth Langsford, who had to hold back tears yesterday when Walnut appeared on ITV's This Morning show.
Mark and Walnut's story has been shared thousands of times, and people from all over the UK have sent their support.
Speaking before the walk, Mark said: 'I think that all pets are special to everybody, I've got three other whippets, but there's something special about Walnut.
'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. We normally walk alone on the beach of a morning.
'It just felt the right thing to do to share a walk for a change, we have the most beautiful beaches in Newquay, a lovely community here and a lot of people have dogs.'
Mark has spoiled Walnut with his favorite treats, burgers and custard cremes, in his final days.
Walnut was due to be put down at 11.30am this morning.
(Daily Mail - Nov 12, 2016)
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