After being admitted into hospice care for poor health, all one veteran wanted was to see his beloved dog one last time. The palliative care nurse and local animal welfare officers worked together to make the dying man’s wish a reality. And the viral pictures of their reunion warmed hearts all over the internet.
Unfortunately, the man did not have long left to live. And when his palliative care social worker, Amy Neal, asked him if there was anything she could do to make his stay more comfortable, Vincent’s answer was simple—he wanted to see his dog one last time. “It’s about ‘what can we do to enhance his life?’ Because it’s about living here when they come here … and this is living for him,” Neal explained.
According to Danny Nevarez, director of Animal Welfare, Neal got in touch with the shelter to explain Vincent’s condition and that he wanted to see his dog. “When the request came in, it was an immediate ‘absolutely,’ and let’s do whatever we can to get it done,” Navarez said.
When the day to reunite the man with his cherished little dog came on Oct. 17, 2019, Vincent almost couldn’t believe it was happening. “When I reminded him this morning that they were coming, he goes, ‘Is this really happening?’” said Neal.
It seems that even little Patch knew something special was in store for him. Navarez explained that the pooch was quiet in the car, but as soon as they got to the hospice, “he just started whimpering. Like he had that anticipation.”
The reunion between the vet and Patch was nothing short of heartwarming. “Yeah, that’s me, that’s daddy,” Vincent said while the dog was licking his face and cuddled on his lap. “Are you so happy to see me? I’m so happy to see you,” he continued. The incredibly strong bond between owner and pup is visible in the photos taken.
Facebook users didn’t take long to react to such a display of love and loyalty. The post went viral and got shared over 1,000 times, with hundreds of people commenting. One particularly heartfelt comment read, “Thank You, Sir, for your service to your country and may you rest assured that you will once again be reunited with your beloved pet, Patch, on the day you both cross the Rainbow Bridge to meet in the middle. Rest in Peace, Sir.”
After spending one last day with his owner, Patch returned to the animal welfare center. According to an update on their Facebook post, it didn’t take long until the little dog was adopted.
