A Veteran in Hospice Care Is Reunited With His Dog One Last Time

After being admitted into hospice care, veteran John Vincent had just one special request: He wanted to spend a little time with his beloved dog.

Vincent, a 69-year-old Marine who fought in Vietnam, was placed into the Hospice Center at the Raymond G. Murphy Veterans Affairs Medical Center in New Mexico. Because he had no family in the area to care for his pet, he had to give up his 6-year-old Yorkshire terrier mix named Patch to the Albuquerque Animal Welfare.

Knowing he likely didn't have much time left, Vincent told Amy Neal, his palliative care social worker, that he wanted to say goodbye to Patch and see him one last time. Neal reached out to the city's animal welfare department.

"It was an immediate 'yes' from us," Adam Ricci, Albuquerque Animal Welfare chief of field operations, told CNN. "So, we worked with the VA to get things organized."

A team brought Patch to the hospital to visit Vincent. Patch spent the whole day there, curled up on the bed, sharing kisses and cuddles.

"It was such a heartwarming moment!" the organization posted. "They were so happy to see each other and to say their goodbyes. It was an honor to make this veteran's final wish come true."

Teary people from all over the country followed the story and some reached out to offer Patch a new home. Patch has found a new home with a local adopter, the shelter tells Treehugger.

Many commented that they were so happy for the pair to be reunited for the day but sad that their time was so short.

"Patch is special indeed!" wrote Kresspo Monserrattz. "So heart wrenching and beautiful! Ouch, life can be so painful and sad, and at the same time filled with grace & beauty"