When I worked ICU , we had a very sick man that was not doing extremely well.
Wife said he needed to see his dog and the dog was grieving for him.
We snuck him up the back steps after hours and let Man and dog visit.
Was a smart thing to do.
I wasn't feeling well a couple of months ago, My dog knew it and wouldn't leave my bedside. My son had to force her to go outside. I really loved having her with me.
There was a beautiful story posted on FR a few months ago about an older man and his daughter getting him a dog. If I find it, I will Freepmail it to you. It was wonderful. Sad, yet happy ending. I wish I was smart and I saved it.