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Terminally-ill owner got dying wish to see beloved horse in hospice just hours before she died

Horse Jake pays his dying owner a visit at her hospice - Hull Daily Mail / SWNS
Horse Jake pays his dying owner a visit at her hospice - Hull Daily Mail / SWNS

A terminally-ill woman was given her dying wish to see her horse one final time when it visited her hospice just an hour before she died.

For 17 years Jake had been the woman's loyal companion, and her friends, family and hospice staff rallied to ensure she was able to spend her final moments with him.

The motor neurone disease sufferer, whose family has asked to remain anonymous, was at the Dove House Hospice in Hull, East Yorkshire, when staff arranged the reunion.

Her bed was taken to the car park so the pair could be reunited for a final time.

horse - Credit: SWNS
The dying hospital patient has her final wish fulfilled during an emotional reunion with her horse Credit: SWNS

Her daughter Caroline said: "Mum had not seen Jake for a few months as her health deteriorated and we always wanted mum to see him one more time as she was absolutely devoted to him.

"The staff at Dove House were so positive and said that it was possible. I can't believe we managed to do it, to take the horse to the hospice was amazing and everything was organised so quickly."

The horse spent an hour with his owner, who died shorty after the visit.

horse - Credit: SWNS
Staff arranged for the horse box to be brought from Croft Cottage Stables Credit: SWNS

Caroline told the Hull Daily Mail: "Diane, another of the senior sisters, arranged for the horse box and her friend Francesca Brown from Croft Cottage Stables brought Jake with only a few hours notice and were only too willing to help. We are so grateful to them – everyone has been so kind.

"Mum's bed was been taken outside into the gardens. When she saw Jake, she was overwhelmed. Jake nuzzled up to her and you could see how much it meant to both of them. Jake was also happy as he loves the attention, so was in his element."

Sue Fisher, a senior sister at Dove House, added: "The day was very emotional for both family and staff. I felt privileged to have been a part of something so wonderful, making special memories for the family.

"It is a memory I will treasure, knowing that we made it possible to fulfil her wish to see her horse. At the hospice we go that extra mile to meet patients' and families' wishes, no matter how big or small."

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