A dog owner has been brought to tears by the amazing attendance from dog lovers who joined to give her pet a farewell walk prior to being put down.
Sarah Keith from Hull took to social media on Saturday to ask others to join her for a day out at Fraisthorpe beach, East Yorkshire, on Monday to mark 12-year-old dog Ella having a last trip to her favourite beach with other dogs after being diagnosed with oral cancer.
The 44-year-old said she was amazed when over 30 dogs along with their owners showed up to join Ella on her last walk. Sarah said Ella, who also suffered from arthritis, loved playing with the other dogs before she was put to sleep later that day.
READ MORE - Epsom College deaths in Surrey being treated as 'possible murder-suicide'
Sarah was told last Friday, following 11 wonderful years with Ella, that a biopsy had shown her dog had mouth cancer. She subsequently decided that treatment, while extending her life, may result in further “suffering” for the dog.
Speaking to The Mirror, she said: “There were people who I’d never met them. You don’t know who they are. But it’s lovely they showed a bit of humility and grace when something like this happens.
“The only time I cried was when someone hugged me. There was also a lady that made a hand-stitched keepsake.
“And there was a group of people with border collies and Ella loved running with them. At one point there were six or seven going after the same ball. She was the best dog I have ever had, and I have had lots of dogs.”
She added: “It would have been selfish for me to prolong her suffering, just because I didn’t want to say goodbye to her. I thought people who knew her would maybe come down.
“Obviously, a lot of people are working on Monday, but I didn’t want to mess anyone around over the weekend. The post just got shared and shared. And I had people from all parts of the country who never were going to be able to make the walk sending me messages.
“When I arrived, there was probably more than 30 dogs and in the region of 25 owners. There was even a group with leads on, with not particularly social dogs, but they had wanted to support in their own way.”
READ NEXT:
Man who 'danced' on body after Mountjoy beating admits to brutal murder
Thousands of Irish motorists paying €300 too much for insurance amid new advice
Turkish barber in Ireland says family back home living in car after earthquakes
Warning to parents as sexual images end up in primary school kids Snapchat group
Former RTE star Mary Kennedy was 'shaking' ahead of date with boyfriend Tom
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
