A New Mexico veteran who served with the Marines in Vietnam said a final goodbye last week to the beloved dog he had to put up for adoption when he entered hospice care.
John Vincent was reunited with Patch, a 5-year-old Yorkie, for one last time Thursday at the Hospice Center at the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center in Albuquerque, according to reports.
“Yeah, that’s me, that’s daddy,” Vincent said as Patch licked his face, the Albuquerque Journal reported.
“Are you so happy to see me? I’m so happy to see you.”
Vincent, 69, was admitted to the hospice center last week and was forced to take Patch to an Albuquerque Animal Welfare shelter because he had no family in New Mexico.
Shelter officials said Vincent may not have much time left.
A Marine Corps veteran in New Mexico with no family nearby had to put his beloved Yorkie up for adoption when he entered hospice. He only had one final wish: to see his best friend "Patch" one last time ? https://t.co/jvTq2O68N3 pic.twitter.com/KvB0SxvNYM
— FOX 13 Tampa Bay (@FOX13News) October 20, 2019
He told Amy Neal, a social worker at the hospice center, that he had only one request — to see Patch one last time.
“When the request came in, it was an immediate ‘absolutely,’ and let’s do whatever we can to get it done,” Animal Welfare director Danny Nevarez said, according to the paper.
“It was as simple as getting Patch over here.”
Vincent enlisted in the Marines for three years and served in Vietnam, the paper reported.
He rode a Harley and would take Patch with him on rides.
The dog had its own pair of tiny goggles, according to the paper.
Related: Crossing Guard and Veteran Gets His Post Back
Animal Welfare posted photos of the reunion on its Facebook page Friday with a post that reported Vincent and Patch were so happy to see each and to say their goodbyes.
“It was an honor to make this veteran’s final wish come true,” the post continued.
The shelter reported that Patch has found a new owner and will be leaving for a new home soon.
This Fox News piece is used by permission.
Read more at Fox News:
Pelosi, Schumer Say Trump Is Flailing
Major California Fault Line Seen
Trump Rally in Texas Marked by Enthusiasm
The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette.
Join the Discussion
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.