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A dying wish granted: Homeless man reunited with his dog in Cedar Rapids
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Kevin McClain holds his dog Yurt during their final reunion on May 11 at the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy. McCain, who was battling lung caner, was homeless when paramedics took him to the hospital and he was separated from Yurt. Volunteers and Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control described Yurt as inconsolable when he was brought to the shelter. (Diana Gilchrist/Area Ambulance Service)
A community came together to grant a homeless man his last wish in Cedar Rapids.
That dying wish was to see his dog, Yurtie, one more time. It was a simple request, but one that meant the world to him in his final days.
People involved with the man’s last wish describe it as something they’ll never forget.
Now that he’s gone, they’ll always cherish the memories of the man and his best friend.
“She is full of energy and just brings so much love and energy into the home,” said Yurtie’s new owner, Kate Ungs.
Yurtie, also known as Yurt, is getting used to her new home after being adopted by Kate and Eric Ungs of Marion.
“When we first saw her online in the bio it said ‘has a very compelling story,’ but you know, at the time those were just words,” Eric Ungs said.
Yurt used to live with a homeless man, 57-year-old Kevin McClain, in his car in Cedar Rapids. But a month ago, he became ill with lung cancer.
Paramedics rushed him to Mercy Medical Center and later to Hospice House. Yurt went to the animal shelter.
“In the transition of moving him over from our ambulance cot to the bed, he told me ‘I have a dog,’” said Area Ambulance Service Paramedic Specialist Jan Erceg, who volunteers at the same animal shelter where Yurt was taken.
“He said her name is Yurt and at that moment, that was my ‘Aha’ moment,” Erceg said.
From the day Yurt and Kevin were separated, he asked to see her. It was his dying wish.
Kevin McClain holds his dog Yurt during their final reunion on May 11 at the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy. McCain, who was battling lung caner, was homeless when paramedics took him to the hospital and he was separated from Yurt. Volunteers and Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control described Yurt as inconsolable when he was brought to the shelter. (Diana Gilchrist/Area Ambulance Service)
The Hospice House, Ambulance Service and shelter teamed up to make it happen.
“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 said.
“It was a couple days later that Kevin did pass away here at the Hospice House. So it just really seemed to work so perfect,” said Brandi Garrett, patient care coordinator at Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House.
In the end, Yurt was there for her owner, even in death.
That’s a true companion that the Ungs know they’re now lucky to have.
“She’s our family and we’re her family, just a tight knit group,” Eric Ungs said.
May Mr. McClain rest in peace, May the Ungs cherish their new blessing, and may we all recognize those that went the extra mile to reunite Yurt and Kevin.
Remember dog spelled backwards is GOD…simply recognizing that we are never walk alone. Thanks be to GOD!
Man, this room sure is dusty! There must be something in my eyes!
No doubt Mike, I think I’m having the same “dust” problem here as well…
Great story Jill!
No doubt Mike, I think I’m having the same “dust” problem here as well…
Great story Jill!
What a surprise to see you here, Kari !
I follow the gazette on FB. This story brought sadness, joy and faith to the readers and I was reminded to give is to get….:) @ Rita
Thanks, Jill, what a great story! And thanks to all the kind people who helped with this.
This is one of the most touching articles I have ever seen…reading this at work and hard to fight back the tears…our pets can really get into our hearts, that’s for sure. This must have been the only bit of love this homeless man ever had…unconditional love from his faithful pet…a piece of Kevin lives on in Yurt.
What a great gift to give to bestow upon Mr.McClain and Yurt. What a great story to share with us. Those involved in assisting this man to die with peace, dignity, and his Yurt, should feel so good about what you put into motion. Pass it on…
This is easily one of the most heartfelt and true love stories of all times. God speed to everyone involved with this man and his dog.
I wasn’t a bit surprised by this when I read that Jan Erceg was involved. She’s a great, long-time paramedic and truly cares about her patients. Kuddos, Jan!
With all of the little problems we all deal with day in and day out this story sure puts things in perspective.
A touching story. Everyone involved in making this happen is due a round of applause. Dogs have a special relationship with humans — truly best friends, be the humans kings or paupers.
I am glad people came together to make this happen for Mr. McCain and for Yurt. I hope it gave Yurt some comfort to know that she was there for him when Mr. McCain when he needed her the most as well. Very sweet story.
I bought a truck from Kevin a couple years ago, he used to come where I worked and was always real friendly. Sad to see he has passed on now, but at least he got to see his dog one last time.
Interesting to see some one who knew Mr. Mcclain. It appears that you knew him for a period of time. Curiosity-wise, I was wondering what his life like and how he was able to sponsor himself and Yurtie.