A Vietnam Veteran On Hospice Care Was Able To See His Loyal Dog One Last Time

PHOTO: ALBUQUERQUE ANIMAL WELFARE

There’s no denying that dogs make incredible companions. They’re always there for you, offering loyalty and comfort when you need it most. If you’re looking for the perfect pet, a dog is definitely your best bet.

Sadly, a man’s loyal dog stayed by his side until the bitter end–even laying on his owner’s death bed. While it is a tragic story, ultimately it demonstrates the unbreakable bond between people and their furry loved ones.

John Vincent, a 69-year old veteran who served in Vietnam during the war, is now receiving hospice care at Raymond G. Murphy Veterans Affairs Medical Center as he nears the end of his life.

PHOTO: ALBUQUERQUE ANIMAL WELFARE

Though it broke his heart, this also meant he had to part ways with his dog, Patch– a 5-year old Yorkshire terrier. Since patch had no family in Albuquerque area, he surrendered him to the local Animal Welfare.

Amy Neal, a palliative care social worker, asked John if he had any final requests before his time runs out. For John, the answer was easy: all he wanted was to see his dog once more.

The workers decided to make the man’s final wish come true and set up a beautiful reunion between him and his dog.

PHOTO: ALBUQUERQUE ANIMAL WELFARE

“I wondered if that would be something important to him,” Amy Neal explained to the Albuquerque Journal. “It all came together very rapidly.”

“We didn’t hesitate when we got the request,” said Danny Nevarez, director of Animal Welfare. “We were all in agreement that we wanted to help out however we could. So Patch came over and it was settled.”

The hospice team was excited to see Patch, an old friend of John’s, when the Albuquerque Animal Welfare brought him over.

Vincent said to Patch, “Yeah, that’s me in the picture. That’s daddy. Are you happy to see me? I’m very happy to see you.”
Patch was quiet during most of the ride but became emotional as they got closer and closer to the hospital.

“I think he could tell something was wrong,” Nevares told the Journal. “He started making small noises, like he knew what might happen.”

PHOTO: ALBUQUERQUE ANIMAL WELFARE

After Vincent’s neighbor had a litter of puppies, he adopted one and named him Patch after the tiny spot of white fur on his chin.

Vincent said that they used to be the patch brothers and he liked Patch because he was the smallest of the litter. This made it easy for Vincent to take him along on rides with his motorcycle.

Although it is likely to be their final farewell, it was nice that two old friends were able to have a touching reunion. Even in his final moments, the vet was given a little bit of joy.

“It was so heartwarming to see them together,” Albuquerque Animal Welfare wrote on Facebook. “They were clearly happy to be reunited and to say their goodbyes.”
“Making this veteran’s final wish come true was an honor,” they continued.

PHOTO: ALBUQUERQUE ANIMAL WELFARE

Although his owner will be gone, Animal Welfare has an interested adopter lined up so Patch will still be well taken care of. Nevertheless, part of his heart will always remain with John.

This heartwarming story demonstrates how furry friends always remain loyal, even in our most difficult moments.

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