Dogs are a huge part of our lives. They know how to cheer us up when we are feeling down and make us feel less lonely in the world.
That itself is a gift that not many things possess. It’s simply a dog’s touch.
So when Vietnam veteran, John Vincent, was admitted to hospice care, he only had one wish. He wanted to see his dog, Patch, one last time.
When Vincent went into hospice at the Raymond G. Murphy Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, he had to give his dog away. He doesn’t have any family in the state thus, he had no choice but to give Patch up for adoption.
Vincent is 69-years-old and Patch is only 6-years-old. Though many years set them apart, their love for each other brings them together.
Patch has been with Vincent all of his life. Vincent adopted Patch from a litter of puppies from his neighbor’s dog.
When Vincent told the staff about his final wish, they did not hesitate to set the plan in motion.
Patch was residing at the Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department, not even 5 miles away but to them, it felt like a world apart.
Danny Nevarez, director of the Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department, jumped at the opportunity to reunite the two.
“It wasn’t even a second thought. Everyone jumped on it and was like, ‘Tell us where to go and when to be there.’”
On October 17, Patch was already on his way to see his beloved owner.
Nevarez recounted the drive with Patch to the VA hospital.
At first, Patch was quiet. He was just going for the ride. That is until they turned onto the street where the hospital was located.
“As soon as we turned onto the street of the VA hospital, for whatever reason, Patch got up, put his paws up on the window and just started whimpering — just started crying. It was just like he knew. He knew he was close to Mr. Vincent.”
The reunion was a bittersweet ceremony. Vincent held Patch close and Patch couldn’t stop licking his long lost pal.
Nevarez said Patch was attempting to get as close to Vincent as he could by burrowing his head into his chest.
Everybody involved was so touched by the moment that they shared it on Facebook. There, it received even more attention.
https://www.facebook.com/AlbuquerqueAnimalWelfare/posts/10157138344898962
Since their visit, Patch has been adopted by another veteran.
Robert Candelaria is a longtime volunteer at the shelter where Patch resided. He also has another rescue dog at home.
Nevarez referred to Candelaria as a “gentleman who volunteers five to six days a week” who is simply committed to giving Patch a good life.
Candelaria has since visited Vincent without Patch but plans to bring him by whenever they can set up arrangements.
“If they (the hospital) can work it out, me and that pup will be next to Mr. Vincent when he passes,” he said. “We, as veterans — we don’t need to have the same blood to be brothers. No brother should leave this world alone.”
What admirable men they are and what an amazing group of people who helped bring things together. We sure hope Patch gets to spend some more time with Vincent very soon!
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