Animal Welfare Fulfills Dying Veteran's Final Wish to See His Dog, Touching Moment Stirs Emotions Everywhere
Marine veteran John Vincent, 69, was recently admitted to the Raymond G. Murphy VA Hospice Center. Vincent served in Vietnam.
Patch, a cherished 6-year-old Yorkshire Terrier mix, had to be given up since he had no relatives in the New Mexico region, according to a Facebook post by Albuquerque Animal Welfare. Amy Neal, a social worker in palliative care, heard Vincent's last wish for him to spend his final moments with Patch.
Neal complied with Vincent's request, and Albuquerque Animal Welfare fulfilled Vincent's dream by posting the touching information on Facebook.
“Yesterday was a special day for a veteran named John Vincent and his beloved dog Patch,” the shelter wrote. “I asked him if that’s something that would be meaningful for him,” Amy Neal told the Albuquerque Journal. “And it came together very quickly.”
“When the request came in, it was an immediate ‘absolutely,’ and let’s do whatever we can to get it done,” said Danny Nevarez, director of Animal Welfare. “It was as simple as getting Patch over here.”
They spent the entire day together for the last time. John Vincent's dying desire was fulfilled by the kind staff at Albuquerque Animal Welfare when they brought Patch, his pet, to the hospice.
Patch started to get excited and emotional as they approached the hospital.
John Vincent was forced to part with his beloved 6-year-old Yorkshire Terrier mix named Patch
As they approached the hospital, Patch became emotional and started showing signs of excitement
When they were reunited, John was overcome with emotion and clutched Patch from his hospital bed while the dog tenderly licked his injured owner. Patch was named after the distinctive white patch of fur on Vincent's chin, which matched the white patch on the dog's chest.
They ended up spending the entire day together for the last time!
Vincent had adopted Patch from a neighbor who had a litter of puppies. Vincent referred to himself and his furry friend as "the Patch brothers."
He added that because Patch was the youngest puppy in the litter, he had a special affection for him and frequently took him on rides on his motorcycle.
Vincent named him after the distinctive white patch of fur on his chin
Although the reunion of these two old friends was a touching occasion, it was undoubtedly their final farewell.
“It was such a heartwarming moment,” Albuquerque Animal Welfare wrote. “They were so happy to see each other and say their goodbyes. It was an honor to make this veteran’s final wish come true.”
He had a special fondness for Patch because he was the smallest pup in the litter
According to Albuquerque Animal Welfare, Patch is currently residing at their Westside Animal Shelter and is in the process of finding a new, loving home. The organization has mentioned that there is already an “interested adopter” for the furry companion.
Don't forget to share this article with your dog-loving family and friends too.
Share this article:
