Peter Robson was lying on his bed in the hospital, knowing that his life was soon coming to an end. He had just one last dying wish – to see and hug his dog one last time.
Hospitals have rules in place to try and prevent the spread of infection, and one of those rules is to not allow pets or animals in the hospital. However, they have been known to relax the rules in very rare and special circumstances.
Peter’s family was with the 70-year-old man in his room and told the hospital staff about their family member’s request; the hospital staff decided that if there was ever an exception to be made – this would be it.
Ninewells Hospital granted Peter his last wish – he was going to be able to see his dog, Shep, for one final goodbye.
Peter bought Shep, a border collie, as a puppy over eight years ago. It was his best friend and companion after the passing of his wife, so having him around during those last, final moments only seemed right. Shep was certainly family too.
Ashley Stevens, Peter’s granddaughter, was so grateful for the hospital and their understanding and compassion of the situation. She says that the hospital staff had, “made a dying man very happy.”
Just hours after Peter Robson was able to cuddle and hug his furry friend – Mr. Robson passed away.
The incredibly touching moment between Peter and Shep was all filmed by his granddaughter and it’s hard not to tear up while watching it. Ashley Stevens posted the video on Facebook, and since its upload, it’s understandably gone viral.
Her Facebook post read:
“Absolutely amazed and touched today from NHS ninewells hospital, our grandads last and final wish was to see his dog one more time. Still in shock that the wish was granted and they went above and beyond today and made a dying man very happy. Cheryl Whyte charge nurse of Ward 3 you are an absolute angel and we are all eternally grateful you don’t know what this meant to our grandad.”
https://www.facebook.com/ashley.stevens.995/posts/10156367807261392
The beautiful and heartbreaking moment has touched the hearts of thousands since it was posted online, and since then, Ashley has interviewed with BBC about this memorable moment in time.
“He really thought he would never see Shep again. It was an amazing moment to see the two of them together, and Shep was so excited to see him,” she told BBC Scotland.
All of the nurses and staff at the hospital were deeply touched by Peter and Shep’s incredible bond.
The senior charge nurse Fiona McCallum told BBC Scotland, “The team worked with colleagues in infection control to make this possible, and I can’t thank all of them enough for going above and beyond to bring some comfort to Mr. Robson and his family.”
“Our thoughts are with Mr Robson’s family as they deal with their loss at this difficult time.The ward 3 team has done a wonderful thing for this family. It is often the little things that mean the most to patients and their families and I’m so pleased that the staff were able to grant this wish,” NHS Tayside chief executive Lesley McLay added.
“The team in ward 3 were the first ever Gold Outstanding Team winners in our STAR Awards last year and, with actions like this, it’s not hard to see why.”
Our thoughts go out to Mr. Robson’s family during this difficult time, and we’re so happy that this beautiful moment below was captured to look back on for years to come.
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