David King was losing his battle with cancer back in 2017. With just days to live, all that was left was for his family and medical staff to make his passing as comfortable and dignified as possible – and to provide everyone some closure.

So often we forget about the pets in these situations.

Not only do they get their lives uprooted, but many pet owners would probably love the chance to say goodbye to their furry bestie if given the chance.

Of course, hospitals often have strict “no animals” policies, and for plenty of good reasons.

Pets can carry allergens, fleas, and other diseases. In a new place, they can get rowdy or even get loose and run around or bite someone. They can bark and disturb or cause trauma to other patients. We understand the reasons for the rule.

Alas, that prevents this type of closure that might come from parting with one’s pet. That’s why some families will get sneaky.

Breaking the rule for a few minutes seems harmless when the alternative is watching your loved one yearn for their pet.

King’s wife knew he wanted to say goodbye to their dog, a Yorkie mix named Little Fee.

She concocted a plan with the nurses to sneak the little dog in for a few minutes.

“The nurses always heard my grandma talking about Lil Fee. So they encouraged her and helped her get the dog in.”

King’s granddaughter, 17-year-old (at the time) Ellie Miguel told Yahoo Lifestyle that, at first, they had tried to bring some reminders of Little Fee into the room at first.

“He spent about a week in the hospital, and my grandma brought pictures of the dog to hang up,” she said.

But it’s not the same. Not when you have a special bond with your pet.

“My grandpa loved his dog Lil Fee; she would follow him around everywhere. He would bring her everywhere he could,” Miguel said. “My grandpa had been battling cancer for the past couple years, but last week it took over his whole body.

So it was decided, one of King’s daughters would get the dog and smuggle him in.

“They had my aunt carry the dog in a really big purse,” Miguel told Yahoo.

Seeing his dog again gave King one last burst of energy as the two cuddled up for the very last time.

“For the first time that day, he moved his arm in attempts to pet his Lil Fee,” Miguel said. “It was a moment I’ll never forget.”

Of course, it was emotional for everyone involved. And there were no regrets. In fact, the photos of the sweet moment spread across social media, with Miguel’s Twitter post getting over 1,000 likes.

King died a few days after the visit.

Other people shared similar stories on the post.

A family friend brought my Uncle’s dog in shortly before he passed. Had him wrapped in blanket, really made my Uncle happy ❤️❤️❤️ Condolences on your Grandfather.

— Della (@Della807) November 11, 2017

And many commenters said they hoped someone would do the same for them in a similar situation.

It’s not the first Tweet of an undercover hospital doggie smuggling operation to go viral.

Just a few months earlier Shelby Hennick’s tweet with photos of her grandmother’s dog being snuck into the hospital under the guise of being a baby got nearly HALF A MILLION likes!

My grandma is in the hospital right now and wanted to see her dog. So I made it look like I was carrying a baby and we made it 😂❤ pic.twitter.com/oKxNBlJEEL

— Shelbae (@HennickShelby) June 11, 2017

It’s a tough spot for hospitals to be in since not all animals can be controlled and there are certainly dangers involved. Plenty of people were critical of Hennick’s post, for example.

Because service animal have been cleared. What if your grandma’s dog had fleas? Bit someone? Nice thing to do for her but you took a chance.

— Sekou Lumumba™ (@sekoulumumba) June 13, 2017

But some medical professionals shot back with notes of encouragement.

As a nurse, I’m in. Always team dog. In our hospital, as long as pup has it’s vax’s, we encourage fam’s to bring them. If appropriate

— SavageCCRN (@PghICURN) June 13, 2017

In the cases where it works out for the families, we can’t help but be happy for them.

You can scroll down below to see Miguel’s original tweet and the reactions to it.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

My grandpa is losing his battle with cancer so the nurses helped my grandma sneak their dog into the hospital to say goodbye😭😭 pic.twitter.com/9EW7QGoCtZ

— El (@elliemigueel) November 7, 2017

Source: @elliemigueel via Twitter, Yahoo Lifestyle, Upworthy