Tributes to 'hilarious, feisty and smart' professional dog walker killed in hit-and-run

Tanya Downs, who died last week in a hit-and-run in Wapping
Aicha Zaa14 December 2015

Friends have paid tribute to a 'hilarious, feisty and smart' woman killed in a hit-and-run crash.

Professional dog walker Tanya Downs was mown down and left for dead while out with one of her clients’ pets in Wapping on Thursday evening.

The dog stayed by Miss Downs' side after the crash and police scanned a microchip in its neck to trace the animal’s owners and establish her identity.

Westminster University graduate Miss Downs, 39, launched Wapping Walkies earlier this month, after 15 years working for furniture design companies.

She founded Ladies with Lesions, an online support group for multiple sclerosis sufferers, when she was diagnosed with the condition in 2009.

Members of the group paid tribute to a “truly inspirational woman” who was determined not to allow her illness to stop her from living life to the full.

Among those leaving cards and flowers at a park bench near to the scene of the crash were members of the Wapping Dog Club which she ran as a social group for local pet owners.

Author Marlo Donato, who has written a book documenting her own battle with MS, told the Standard: “Tanya was hilarious, feisty, and smart.

“She brought people together, made friends wherever she went and always supported me and anyone who was fighting MS.

“She had such trouble walking the past couple of years, and it’s incredible that she opened a dog walking business and was so happy. She was hit walking someone else’s dog. I just cannot believe it.

“She was one of those people who was always positive and had a zest for life. She was feisty, hilarious, and super smart. She was an entrepreneur and her mind was always thinking.

“She achieved so much and had so much more to achieve. She believed in everything I did, and always promoted my work with multiple sclerosis.

“She loved Wapping and had a lovely little apartment that she enjoyed with her dog, Oscar.

“She was a gift to all who knew her - a passionate soul with a kind heart.”

Mark Baynes, of the Love Wapping local blog, wrote: “Tanya was walking a dog – not her own – at the time of her death. The dog was unharmed and remained by her side throughout the incident.

“The police scanned the microchip in the dog’s neck and by doing so were able to trace its owner and then Tanya’s address. Tanya’s own dog, Oscar, was at home at the time.

“It seems fitting that someone who loved dogs so much should be accompanied by a loyal canine companion in the last few minutes of her life.”

A relative wrote on Facebook: “Our dad would like to inform everyone that on Thursday evening Tanya sadly died. We would like everyone to respect our family’s privacy at this time.”

The client whose dog Miss Downs was walking is now taking car of Oscar.

Police continue to appeal for witnesses to the crash in Cannon Street Road at the entrance to St George’s-in-the-East church, at 9.05pm on Thursday.

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