Dying Vietnam war veteran has last wish to be reunited with his dog granted

A Vietnam war veteran has had his dying wish to see his dog one last time granted.

John Vincent was forced to give up his six-year-old dog Patch for adoption when he was admitted to hospice care with limited time left to live, because he had no family living in New Mexico.

When asked by his palliative care nurse if he had any final requests, Mr Vincent asked to see Patch one last time before he was moved to a new home.

The hospital looking after Mr Vincent, Raymond G. Murphy Veterans Affairs Medical Centre, reached out to Albuquerque Animal Welfare and palliative care worker Amy Neal told the animal centre Vincent "may not have time".

Together, the hospice and animal shelter made sure Mr Vincent got his final wish.

And last Thursday, on October 17, they were able to make it happen. Patch took the trip down to the hospice and got to spend one last moment with his owner.

Patch was led into the hospital suite and, despite the medical equipment surrounding Mr Vincent, Patch was allowed onto his owner's bed to have a cuddle.

The two were pictured kissing and cuddling between plenty of back scratches.

Mr Vincent had adopted Patch from his neighbour when they had a litter of puppies so they have been together Patch's entire life. Patch spent his days riding around on his owner's motorcycle with him.

After the meeting, the animal centre posted a message on Facebook, saying: "John Vincent may not have much time left said Amy Neal, a palliative care social worker and he had only one request. Vincent wanted to see his dog one last time.

"Yesterday we were able to make their final reunion happen."

They added: "It was such a heart warming moment! They were so happy to see each other and to say their goodbyes. It was an honor to make this veteran's final wish come true.

"Patch is now back at our Westside Animal Shelter awaiting his new home. Patch already has an interested adopter."

Since the post went viral, being reported on America's major news networks, it has been confirmed that Patch has been adopted.