We all know that dogs are incredibly loyal and loving creatures that make our lives a little brighter every day. That is probably why we’re able to forge such intense relationships with them.
That’s also why one Vietnam veteran only had one last wish: to be reunited with Patch, his 5-year-old Yorkshire Terrier.
69-year-old John Vincent from New Mexico, first had Patch come into his life when he was a small puppy. Since then, the pair have been inseparable.
“He was the smallest, and I wanted one that could ride on my bike,” Vincent said to the Albuquerque Journal. “The only hair I had was on my chin, which was called a patch. … And he had a little white patch, so we were the patch brothers.”
The two were quite active together, taking daily walks in the evenings, as well as getting a bit of an adrenaline fix riding around on Vincent’s motorcycle – they even had matching goggles!
Unfortunately, Vincent’s health began to decline.
Last week, he was admitted to hospice care. Vincent was unable to bring Patch with him, and since he didn’t have family in the area, he was forced to surrender Patch to Albuquerque Animal Welfare.
Vincent spoke to Amy Neal, a social worker with the hospice center, and told her how much he’d love to see Patch again. Amy said, “I asked him if that’s something that would be meaningful for him, and it came together very quickly.”
Neal reached out to Danny Nevarez, who’s the director of Animal Welfare, and informed them about Vincent’s request. The shelter was more than happy to oblige, and they arranged for Patch to take a trip to the Hospice Center at the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center in order to see Vincent.
The little dog was quiet during the car ride to the hospice center, but things changed when they turned down the road leading to the center. “It’s almost like he knew, he just started whimpering,” Nevarez stated. “Like he had that anticipation.”
Vincent and Patch were reunited, and Vincent said at he stroked his best pal, “Yeah, that’s me, that’s daddy. Are you so happy to see me? I’m so happy to see you.” Patch responded in kind by giving hos dad all the face kisses he could.
The shelter reassured Vincent that Patch would be going to a loving home, and he was already booked for someone. The shelter posted, “It was such a heartwarming moment! They were so happy to see each other and to say their goodbyes. It was an honor to make this veterans final wish come true.”
What a beautiful story about enduring love. It definitely brings out the tears.
