Homeless Man Granted Final, Dying Wish — To See His Dog Again
- Posted on June 22, 2011 at 9:16am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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Kevin McClain, 57, lived out of his car in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. That may seem like a lonely venture, except for the fact that McClain wasn’t alone. He had the companionship of his dog, Yurtie. But when McClain was diagnosed with lung cancer a month ago and rushed to the hospital, Yurtie was taken to a local shelter. That led to the moving story of McClain’s dying wish.
As he lay on a stretcher, McClain made a request: he wanted to see Yurtie one last time. Thanks to a loving community, that wish was granted.
“In the transition of moving him over from our ambulance cot to the bed, he told me, ‘I have a dog,’” Area Ambulance Service Paramedic Specialist Jan Erceg told KCRG-TV.
It just so happens that Erceg volunteers at the shelter Yurti was taken to.
“He said her name is Yurt and at that moment, that was my Aha! moment,” she told the station.
The hospice center McClain was staying at teamed up with the ambulance service and the shelter and brought Yurtie to him.
“And the moment he opened those eyes and saw that dog there was instant recognition and with Yurtie, she licked his arms, she licked his face,” Erceg told KCRG.
A couple days later, McClain died. But not before seeing his final wish fulfilled.
Yurtie has since been adopted by a young couple.
You can watch the heartwarming story below:
(H/T: HuffPo)
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Comments (130)
Darla_K
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:01amI also got hit by a virus and I also had the blaze up.
Report Post »RepubliCorp
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:27amIt is Obamas CYBER-WARFARE TEAM
Report Post »in vino veritas
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 10:58amThis is a much better story them the animal that put her child in a microwave.
Report Post »momsense
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:03pmI wonder how many more of these stroies we’ll see as the economy gets worse and people lose hope. Tragic !
Report Post »Jenny Lind
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 10:57amOur min-schnausers were next to my husband when passed away from lung cancer. We have always called them the grey blanket. Dogs are a gift to us of love and loyalty. I’m glad to hear they both got to say their good-bys to each other, and that a young couple gave Yurt a home. Kudos to those compassionate souls who made it happen. Wish politicians would take a lesson in loyalty fom the “fur people”.
Report Post »FORLORNHOPE
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 10:44amClick the (told KCRG-TV) link 3rd paragraph down to watch the news report. Now excuse me I have to go play with my dog.
Report Post »LukeAppling
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 10:34amDogs are a wonderful example of God’s love for everyone He is there for us and so are they.
Report Post »Divothead
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 10:34amWhere the hell is the video. What I see is a half baked bank robbery with no reason and no ending…
Report Post »mikee1
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 10:29amHope they will be reunited again in the next life. God bless them.
Report Post »I_Hate_Libs
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 10:29amOk someone has replaced the video of compassion with a video clip of Batman movie. Those wacky Dems there always trying to destroy things.
The horror of the Democrat mind.
Report Post »SLIDELLMAN
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 10:25amI think this site may have been hacked, but this is where you can see the story:
http://www.kcrg.com/news/Dying-Mans-Final-Wish-to-be-Reunited-With-Dog-124040304.html
Report Post »Browncoat359
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 10:23amI wonder if the HuffPo link below the video has any relevancy to the choice of video clip?
Report Post »snowflake220
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 10:06amWhat video? All I saw was a two minute movie on bank robbers.
Report Post »marine43
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 10:06amShame that dogs lives so short… and some idiots live soooo long.
Report Post »MonIIcne
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 10:26amAlso some of the idiots are fabulously wealthy – and if they could, they would train our dogs to troll the Blaze for cash
Report Post »momsense
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:00pmAmen! Semper Fi !
Report Post »eddvoss
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 10:03amGod help me be the man my dog thinks I am,
Report Post »Pattondog
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 10:00amdamn that made me tear up.
Report Post »InversionTheory
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 9:59amI couldn’t watch the video. I’m already tearing just reading the story.
My dog is 13 and in great health. Shelter dogs rule. In Mr. McClain’s name, I’m going to fulfill my long held plans to bring 2 more dogs into my home.
Report Post »momsense
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:58amGreat idea–I did that for 2 shelter dogs—–Love them.
Report Post »Monkey80
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 9:43amVery sad I hope the dog finds a good home.
Report Post »Bluebonnet
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:09pmThe story said the dog was adopted by a young couple. Many seemed to miss this. One person remarked it was back to the pound for this flea bitten dog (obviously not a dog lover)
Report Post »NOTAMUSHROOM
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 9:39amWe are codependent species. Dogs rule!
Report Post »crabbyoldman
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 12:25amNo, the cats do. They just let men and dogs think they do.
Report Post »MickeyDent
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 9:39amUmmmm….nice bad sad story. However, am I the only one once who has the opening scene to “Dark Knight” instead of Yurtie’s story as the video? LOL
Report Post »TexasArmyMomx2
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 9:56amNope, that’s what I am seeing, too. Weird.
Report Post »pspadotto
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 9:37amOk, where it says “You can watch the heartwarming story below” and you can click on some video footage…yeah, I click it and I get a scene from “The Dark Night.” Very entertaining, but not at all heartwarming.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 9:45amI saw the same video, it was twice as sad because I thought Batman had died.
Report Post »pspadotto
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 9:55amThank God I’m not the only one…I thought this job had finally gotten to me.
Report Post »SON OF JEFFERSON
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 9:28amThe best animals on earth including humans
Report Post »NOBALONEY
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:06amMan’s best friend.
Report Post »Browncoat359
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 2:23amThey may be the best thing that humans have ever done. (in some ways)
Report Post »Richard Compton
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 9:27amI don‘t think there’s anything stronger then the bond between a dog and the people they choose to love!
Report Post »Logen123
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 10:29amYou are so right. I have 2 adopted dogs – a 14 yr. old Siberian and an 8 yr. old long hair dachshund and I know they will leave me at some point but I will rescue another. There’s no love like the unconditional love of a dog. See Facebook site London Reborn. It may break your heart, but it will give you hope, too.
Report Post »SlimnRanger
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:44amThats why dogs are called mans best friend,even after you have to correct them in some manner,they will come back to you and lick your hand semingly asking for forgiviness
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 9:24am.
Report Post »They look Happy together……………
teddrunk
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 9:20amPlease no more stories like this. I know they’re supposed to be happy, but I had to put down my best friend 1 1/2 years ago. She was a great lab. She was a great friend. I feel so alone without her.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 9:30amMy Rottie is 12 now Ted, I’m dreading the day. 1.5 years is enough buddy, get a puppy and fill that hole in your heart.
Report Post »ksagpilot
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 9:43amWe had to do the same thing with our little Long Haired Dachshund we had 18 years, I went out a year later and got aniother, the love she gives makes up for the loss.
Report Post »right
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 9:44amGo to a shelter or find a rescue group and get another dog. There are so many dogs that need a home. Check into labs4rescue.com. It will give both you and the dog a best friend.
Report Post »Do it today, you won’t be sorry.
teddrunk
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 10:07amGonzo, I would, but I’m losing my sight. Would be tough to have another now.
Report Post »Browncoat359
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 10:18amTed I get how ya must be feeling,my dog was struck and killed about a month ago. He ran across the road to greet me after he was released from his kennel. He was dead before I could turn around and see him. Some hurts never go away,they just fade in their intensity.
Report Post »SgtB
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 10:27amDogs should live far longer than they do. Wild wolves can live upwards of 20 years. The difference is diet and exercise. Dogs need good food, most of ol’roy is crap. Literally. Chicken / cow digest is code for crap and they use it in almost all dog food. Also, they use euthenized animals and meat that comes from rendering plants in most dog food. Euthenized animals are put to sleep by lethal injection, then that meat is cooked and fed to your pets. They say that the drugs used breakdown in the cooking process but seeing every one of my parents‘ dogs get mouth cancer after eating years of ol’roy and the fact that none of them are blood related and getting the same cancer, I don’t believe it. My dog only gets food that I eat minus the stuff that isn’t good for her and blue buffalo dog food. She is going on 4 and still acts like she’s a pup ( I know, she’s still young). I hope she lives to be 30.
Report Post »SgtB
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 10:28amHow does losing your sight make it harder to have a dog? The blind find them very helpful I hear.
Report Post »Thighmaster
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 10:33amThen why not rescue one that would otherwise be put down and do a great service for the two of you….
Report Post »momsense
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:53amIf you loved your dog, honor her memory by giving another one a chance for a good life—–I had an Australian Shepherd for nearly 15 years. After he died and the emptiness set in I decided that was the best way to show how much I loved him——I adopted 2 older dogs ( one about to meet his maker, if I did’t take him). It was the best move I made. Do it ! You‘ll feel better and you’ll save a life.
Report Post »concealled9mms
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:02pmi agree with gonz get a new pup i did after my dog of 17 years was put down my void is now filled
Report Post »packrbackr
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 12:39pmAfter saying good bye to many in the past. Find a new companion in there honor at a no kill shelter, we have saved many this way. Never been disapointed
Report Post »Ironeagle
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 9:18amThe longer I’m married, the more I love my dog.
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 9:27am.
Report Post »You can get arrested in most states for that……….
SpankDaMonkey
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 9:39am.
Report Post »Watch out you can go to Jail in most states for that lol….
MorMice
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:17amBe careful LOL in states that you can be arrested by that
Report Post »MorMice
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:18amMost times, you are arresting in a state like that
Report Post »Mirimichi
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:32pmYes, you are right.
Lock up your wife and your dog in the garage overnight and see which one will be happy to see you in the morning.
Report Post »bkfirvine
Posted on June 25, 2011 at 7:34amIn California, you’ll be accepted as an Alternative Lifestyler and given special privileges for doing that.
Report Post »nomercy63
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 9:18amBeautiful story of love and compassion!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »RepubliCorp
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 9:28amGot me teary
Report Post »MonIIcne
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 9:29amWe sit alone all day, smoking; with our little pet friends, needing a beer and obsessing about the big scary HUMANS that are out there wanting to GET us – (when they just want to create nice, clean habitats for us to live in paid for by FEMA.)
Report Post »UlyssesP
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 9:35am@MonIIcne
Report Post »Re-up please.
RepubliCorp
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 9:45amMONIICNE do the world a favor and……………..
Report Post »smithclar3nc3
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 9:46amI know the feeling my dog is my best friend as well.
Report Post »Bluebonnet
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 9:56amYes, made me teary eyed too. Dogs are wonderful and loyal. Glad he’s with a good family now.
Report Post »NSDQ
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 9:57amANNNND How is the Scene From Batman related??
Report Post »coryf076
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 10:07amHow is the movie related to this story?
Was theblaze.com hacked again? They were hacked, or something happened last week, theblaze.com attacked my computer 10 times on Tuesday from 5:07 – 5:54 PM.
I have contacted them multiple times and they will not get back to me….even gave them screen shots of the Norton anti-virus showing theblaze.com and theblaze.com/thewire attacked my laptop.
Report Post »Whitey4West
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 10:12amcory, i agree…i caught a pretty vicious malware virus from the blaze. it was the only site opened when i was hit.
Report Post »Benji
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 10:16amHa! The Batman movie is a nice Hack!
Report Post »hauschild
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 10:21amWhat gets me “teary” is somebody treating their body so poorly that they end up dying at a young age.
Report Post »MorMice
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:15amOnce the homeless guy was dead, and the video was finished recording, they brought the pooch to the pound to be euthanized. (No one would pay the deworming and flea bath fees.)
Report Post »Cptnjarhead
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:38amwow.. just wow.
P.S.
Report Post »dont feed the trolls and they will die!
Cptnjarhead
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:45amI love it when dumb a@@es dont RTFA.
Report Post »Great story with a great ending.
or as Ron Burgundy would say “ rich and compelling ”
MonIIIcine
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:30pmThis nice and savory mix of hearty heartstrings-broth is warm enough for your cockles to thrive on.
Report Post »HUGGINGMYBABIES
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 1:06pmSEE, there is GOOD in the world and it exists in every community to some degree…..we just need to SEE more of it! HINT HINT Glenn…..this should be one of your shows…..one of your “call to action” events or brigades. You need an ARMY of flash mob-do-gooders out there sporting the GBTV t-shirts and sharing stories like this for the WORLD to see!
Report Post »chaoticupheaval
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 1:50pmI didn’t realize janeane garofalo was a member of the blaze @MonIIcne !
Report Post »AmericanSince1619
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 1:51pmGood puppy!
Report Post »imreddog
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 1:53pmIf you want a friend that will never betray you, get a dog. People a fickle.
Report Post »Onefarwanderer
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 1:54pmSweet Story. Hopefully, he and the dog are both in a better place now.
Report Post »techengineer11
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 2:42pmI’m a bit curious about his loyalty trait found in so many dogs. I wonder if thousands of years of breeding and domestication brought about this trait which we all admire in dogs. Obviously over the centuries dogs which were not as loyal or submissive to their masters did not fare as well nor did their off spring but the more loyal ones were probably allowed to hang around the tribe/group/home..
Recently we rescued a pregnant cat and although we already have 4 cats my wife insisted on keeping one of the kittens. The kitten was the most alert, most playful and most affectionate of the litter.. So it’s rather easy to see how years and years of breeding has led to this rather recent phenomena of indoor cats and dogs.
Report Post »Armed Patriot
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 3:44pmJan Erceg, thank you. In a world upside down, where you can be killed by a 12 year old for the color of your shirt, beaten for your opinion, or nearly killed in a Mickey D’s for talking to the wrong person… It is very refreshing to hear the loving kindness of a complete stranger and the compassion to carry out a mans dying wish. Good form Jan Erceg.
I know my dog Sammy is my world. She is everything to me. This story made me cry like a little girl. I think its the first time in years. Thank you. and God bless.
Report Post »Cesium
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 3:45pm@TechE… If you read “the greatest show on earth” by Richard Dawkins and similar works by other zoologists and geneticists you wouldn’t be in such “wonderment!” This topic has been written about and studied for decades. Don’t ask these kinds of questions on this site, the pea brains on here will self satisfy themselves by answering that it is god. The easy lazy way out of every question
Report Post »Armed Patriot
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 3:47pm@MorMice “Once the homeless guy was dead, and the video was finished recording, they brought the pooch to the pound to be euthanized. (No one would pay the deworming and flea bath fees.)
Your an assbag.
Report Post »Professional Infidel
Posted on June 22, 2011 at 10:34pmWhat would I ever do without mine. Thats what i want for my last wish. anybody else will come if they desire, but my significant other, (my dog) would make my death fullfilling. and complete. genuine love and care from your team mate. Wonderfull story. rest in piece.
Report Post »BehindBlueEyes
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 6:57am@coryf076
Report Post »I’ll tell you what I found. I have satellite IP and it has a daily limit of 200 megabytes download. Last week every time I would go to theblaze.com my download allowance was exceeded in a matter of minutes.
You’ll notice a video advertisement that auto-plays each time you go to a page on theblaze. If you right click the video the Adobe menu come up. Go to global settings and if peer to peer setting is enabled it constantly uses your bandwidth. I shut the option off and I no longer have the problem. However, the video still auto-plays. I haven’t found a way to stop auto play videos.
Ailene Wright
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:36amMONIICNE must not like dogs or people down on their luck. I am glad that most people have compassion. I feel sorry for those who don’t.
Report Post »MONICNE
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:19amIf you want to see a Man/Dog best friend comedy story check out “Wilfred” tonight at 10 EST on FX channel.
Report Post »