A Pennsylvania man recently experienced an overwhelming act of kindness after ordering what he described as his dog’s “last meal” from a Texas Roadhouse. Hunter Metzger, seeking to make his beloved Great Dane, Iris, feel special in her final days, placed an order for a steak dinner that would be her last. The emotional exchange that followed has left him deeply touched and grateful.
Earlier this month, Metzger visited the Texas Roadhouse in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, to place a pickup order for Iris. The 8-and-a-half-year-old dog was nearing the end of her battle with a nasal growth that had severely impacted her health, leaving her unresponsive to treatment. Wanting to make Iris’ final moments as meaningful as possible, Metzger requested an 8 oz. New York strip steak, steak fries, mashed potatoes, and fresh-baked bread – along with a heartfelt note: “Last meal for our dog. Prepare w/ love.”
In a Facebook post, employee Kate Weston shared how she took the request to heart. As an animal lover herself, Weston dedicated extra care to preparing the meal for Iris, ensuring that it was “made with love.” Metzger recalled how the restaurant’s staff not only prepared the meal with great care but also offered their condolences when he arrived to pick it up.
To his astonishment, the entire meal was provided free of charge. “When I walked up to the to-go window, the staff immediately came up to me, expressing their sympathy. Some of them had tears in their eyes,” Metzger said. He later posted in a local Facebook group, thanking the restaurant for its extraordinary gesture. “This kind of customer service and compassion sets this Texas Roadhouse team a level above the rest!”
Weston added a personal touch, writing a message on the to-go container and another on the receipt, letting Metzger know that the meal was prepared with care and love.
Iris was laid to rest shortly after enjoying her steak dinner. Metzger’s Facebook post, which included images of Iris eating her final meal in the yard, has received heartfelt responses from people around the world. “We’ve gotten messages from as far as Australia and the United Kingdom. It’s been an uplifting experience during this tough time,” Metzger shared.
Metzger’s story of kindness and compassion has resonated with many, providing a moment of solace in his difficult time.