"I thought it would be nice to walk with others and share the day, I always walk on my own and it gets boring on my own so I thought it would be nice.

"He has always travelled around with me, all around London and he stood by the swimming pool whilst I gave diving lessons, we've been in all sorts of bizarre situations together, various girlfriends who have got upset because I always put him before them, I have always put him first and maybe I shouldn't have but he is just such a special dog.

"I got as message from a guy who really put his finger on it, he said how dogs really bring the best out in people, and then people do the best things."

Then, after their last stroll as man and dog, it was time to say goodbye.

Mr Woods later confirmed that Walnut had died at 11.56am.

He said: "The family and our three whippets Monty, Nelson and Charlie were also in the room.

"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.

"Thank you to the hundreds of people that attended this walk this morning and to all those that had their own walks with their beloved pets at 9.30am all around the world.