Dogs truly are man’s best friend — loyal companions who bring comfort, joy, and unconditional love, even in life’s most difficult moments.

For John Vincent, a 69-year-old Marine veteran who served in Vietnam, that loyal companion was Patch, his beloved 5-year-old Yorkshire terrier. As John faced the final chapter of his life in hospice care at the Raymond G. Murphy Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Albuquerque, he had to make a heartbreaking decision: parting ways with his furry best friend.

With no family nearby, John surrendered Patch to Albuquerque Animal Welfare. But as his health declined, palliative care social worker Amy Neal asked if he had any final requests.

His answer came without hesitation: He just wanted to see Patch one last time.

Deeply moved by this wish, the care team and Albuquerque Animal Welfare acted quickly to make it happen. “When the request came in, it was an immediate ‘absolutely,’” said Danny Nevarez, director of Animal Welfare. “Let’s do whatever we can to get it done.”

Soon after, team members brought Patch to the hospice. The reunion between the two old friends was filled with emotion.

“Yeah, that’s me, that’s daddy,” John said to Patch, his voice trembling. “Are you so happy to see me? I’m so happy to see you.”

Though Patch was quiet during the car ride, he began to whimper as they neared the hospital — as if sensing the moment. “It’s almost like he knew,” Nevarez said. “He just started whimpering, like he had that anticipation.”

The bond between John and Patch was built over years of companionship. John adopted Patch from a neighbor’s litter and named him after the small white patch of fur on his coat — a match to John’s own patch of white chin hair. “We were the Patch brothers,” he said proudly. He also chose Patch for his small size, perfect for joining him on motorcycle rides.

While their reunion was likely a final farewell, it brought deep comfort and joy to both. “It was such a heartwarming moment,” Albuquerque Animal Welfare shared on Facebook. “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.”

Though John may be saying goodbye, Patch’s story isn’t over. He has returned to the shelter, where a loving new home already awaits — a silver lining to a bittersweet farewell.

Still, a part of Patch’s heart will always belong to John.

This story is a powerful reminder of the bond between humans and their pets — a bond that remains unbreakable, even in our final moments.