A couple is grappling with “unbearable grief” after their dog died following a stroll on a beach in the South West. They are sharing their tragic experience in the hope that other pet owners can avoid the same heartache.
Dog walkers are currently being advised to steer clear of certain beaches in Newquay, including Fistral and Little Fistral, following numerous reports of pets falling seriously ill. There have been at least two fatalities reported, including the much-loved English bull terrier Duke, who was just three years old.
As reported by Cornwall Live, Duke, described as a “young, happy, healthy, loyal” and an “incredible ambassador” for his breed, fell ill suddenly after a walk along the back path of South Fistral in early January. His owners reported that he developed severe vomiting, a collapsed oesophagus and bloody diarrhoea a couple days after the walk.
He was rushed to the vet and spent six nights in the ICU but a decision was made on January 7 to stop his suffering. His distraught owners, Djamila Bousksou and Luke Rudden, said “the grief and pain is unbearable and immeasurable”.
They added: “Our only consolation is the pain is now ours to carry and not his and that his short three years were – although far too short – absolutely packed with love, adoration and endless memories and adventures together.
“We were completely blessed to be given 30 minutes alone with Duke before he went into surgery; knowing we would most likely never see him again. But we got to tell him how much we loved him, how grateful we were to have met him and how he’d changed the course of our lives for the better. We got the dreaded call just 20 minutes later.”
Since then several other dogs have become extremely unwell under similar circumstances. This week a smaller dog, Daisy, passed away following a walk at Little Fistral.
Emily Butler said her dog was taken “desperately poorly” on Sunday, February 2, and there were discussions about putting her to sleep. She later confirmed the sad news that Daisy had not made it.
Monique Collins, who previously ran Newquay charity DISC, said her dog has been taken poorly this week and others have reported similar symptoms. A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: “We have received reports that Hemlock roots, which can be poisonous to animals, have washed up in the Fistral and Little Fistral area.
“Hemlock is native to Cornwall. During the winter it can be washed downstream from riverbanks and ends up on our beaches. As a precaution, we are putting up signs urging dog owners to be vigilant and keep their pets on a lead.”
Newquay Town Council said it is also aware of the situation and is urging people to avoid the area with their dogs for now. It said any questions should be directed to the local authority. It has not been officially confirmed whether hemlock root has been the cause of the deaths.