Walter's gate

On Thursday 16th December i got up as usual, fed my gorgeous little Cavapoo Walter and headed to one of our favourite spots (the playing fields at Chinnor pavilion), all a very normal part of our well established daily routine, but little did i know it was going to be one of the hardest and saddest days of my life.

 

Thursday was a mild day with no rain, perfect for an early morning canter around the park!!

Walter was running around the park saying hello to all his chums, ears blowing in the wind and was absolutely loving life.

 

Within seconds this changed.

Walter was approached by another dog and a game of tag ensued .. all dogs play chase! Some like to chase, some like to be chased and often they take it in turns …. on Thursday Walter was being chased.

At some point during the play, it became no longer fun for Walter and he became frightened, the balance of play had altered and this change was about to cause the most awful of tragedies.

When dogs are fearful they will often exhibit at least one of 5 behaviours.

1. Fight

2. Flight

3. Flock

4. Freeze

5. Fool

 

On Thursday Walter went into full flight mode, he wanted to get home and get home as fast as his little legs would carry him. Walter’s quickest route was to exit the park and to run along Lower Road.

Walter never made it home.

Walter was hit by a car and his death was almost instantaneous.

The driver stopped and was absolutely distraught.

I shouted and shouted his name, trying desperately to stop him from leaving the safety of the park, and I'm sure all of Chinnor heard my screams that morning. Our whole world had changed in an instant and we'd lost our best friend and loving little family member.

 

I can keep kicking myself about going for a walk that day, but it won't bring our lovely Walter back. It dawned on us, it could have easily been a child that morning too. Chris and I never want this to happen to any other four or two legged family members - so on the 10th January, I attended the Chinnor Parish Council meeting with the support of a friend (Julie Portnall-Boyle) to get their support for a gate for that exit of the park. I'm delighted to say they gave the approval for 'Walter's gate', which will be a self-closing gate on Lower Road. We also agreed it would make sense to look at all the exits of the park, to make it as secure as possible for both dogs and children. As well as making it accessible for anybody using a disability scooter or a wheelchair. The costs of the gates are approx £300 each (ex posts and installation), so we are looking to raise £2000 towards this, ideally having this money raised before the next council finance meeting on the 27th January.

If we exceed this target, any money leftover will go to: Stokenchurch Dog Rescue and SPDC (Saving Pound Dogs Cyprus).

 

Thank you so much for your support. Let's get Walter's gate and the others.

Chris, Lucy & Walter x