A California family arranged a special goodbye between a dying man and his cherished canine companion last month. Ryan Jessen, 33, was hospitalized at Rideout Memorial Hospital in Marysville with a ventricular brain hemorrhage and connected to a ventilator when his relatives brought Mollie, his dog of six years, for a final visit before his death on November 30.
His 32-year-old sister Michelle captured the touching moment on video and shared it on Facebook with close ones. "Accepting my brother wouldn't regain consciousness was devastating," Michelle told TODAY. "We felt Mollie needed closure and wanted to help her understand the situation."
Ryan first encountered Mollie approximately six years earlier while walking through a cemetery near his parents' home in Sutter, California. She was a stray, described by Michelle as a "small flea-covered puppy." Their connection grew so strong that the family believed Mollie should visit the hospital to grasp why her owner wouldn't return home.
Un dolor de cabeza que resultó letal: el video del último ... (Source: www.infobae.com)
"Ryan had such a kind heart, and our entire family loves dogs," Michelle explained. "Typically, Mollie would excitedly rush to him and jump up, but she approached him very cautiously at the hospital."
Millions have viewed the video, offering support and sharing personal grief stories. "Our faith has been crucial in facing this tragedy," Michelle said. "The overwhelming support from people has been incredibly meaningful."
Doctors suggested to the family that Ryan's high blood pressure might have contributed to the brain hemorrhage. "We wish we could point to a specific cause, but we simply don't have answers," Michelle noted.
Ryan donated seven organs, including his heart, which will benefit a 17-year-old California boy whose birthday falls on Christmas. The family hopes Ryan's story will promote organ donation awareness.
Dog visits hospital to say goodbye to her dying owner | The ... (Source: www.independent.co.uk)
Mollie now resides with Ryan's parents in Sutter. "She'll continue experiencing Ryan's love through our family," Michelle said. "Many people expressed concern about Mollie, and keeping her apart from us was unimaginable."
How loyal dog Finney guarded her dead owner's body for 3 months
A devoted dog stayed with her lifeless owner for nearly a quarter-year on a walking route - the famished canine weighed merely 6lb after eating insects and small rodents, while protecting herself in the Colorado highlands.
Richard Moore, 71, and his black and white Jack Russell terrier, Finney, vanished during a trek on August 19 at Blackhead Peak, situated in the San Juan Mountains in Colorado.
Loyal dog survives 10 weeks in Colorado Mountains, found ... (Source: m.economictimes.com)
The exhaustive hunt for Richard and his pet was the 'most thorough' in the Sheriff's crew's memory - and even with additional dogs looking for Finney and staff shouting his name across the mountains, they found nothing.
The missing walker's remains were later found by a regional hunter on October 30 in the Lower Blanco drainage area - and miraculously, small Finney remained at his side.
Recovery teams who arrived to retrieve Moore's body managed to entice faithful Finney away from his remains using canned pet food - after steadfastly remaining for three months.
The thin animal still wore her purple neckband with 'Finney' inscribed on the tag, but staff noted it was so loose it hung from her neck.
Meet Finney, the Loyal Dog Who Survived 72 Days in ... (Source: snowbrains.com)
Finney, who likely had to guard against other animals during the stressful 72 days and nights by herself in the mountains, had extended scratches on her snout.
The hungry dog clutched the food container with her teeth, refusing to release it and relishing each mouthful, as she had probably survived on bugs and small mammals since disappearing.
It was only when the group presented starving Finney with wet beef dog food that she approached, allowing Roy Vega, Archuleta County's Deputy Director of Emergency Management, to catch her in a blanket.
With only a nearby spring for drinking water, Finney's weight had dropped by half - leaving her at just six pounds.
The hunt for the walker ended on September 22, after 2,100 hours. Crews had utilized nine canines and five helicopters, plus 175 air and ground teams to locate him.
Ryan Foster, the sheriff's emergency management commander, explained to the Gazette: "The day they discovered him there was a wilderness fire, and then a message arrived. A hunter texted his son in the city that he had located a corpse and a dog."
"I phoned the sheriff and said 'I believe we've found Rich.'"
"News came in that the dog was still living. And that the hunter couldn't capture her because she was nervous. We exclaimed 'No way, this is unbelievable!'"
He mentioned that applause and celebrations spread among the group, because although they had lost Rich, they called it a miracle that his pet was still breathing.
Dana Holby, Richard's spouse of 34 years, had been sleepless for two and a half months when a sheriff knocked at her door with the update.
Speaking to The Denver Gazette, she stated: "I'm simply thankful that she accompanied him. Rich did not wish to grow elderly. He wanted to scale mountains until he couldn't, so here we are."
Holby remarked that she had frequently cautioned her husband against hiking Blackhead Peak solo.
The small dog was "a slight brightness at the tunnel's end," Sheriff Mike Le Roux stated.
Currently, Holby spreads her husband's garments throughout the house for Finney to detect his scent - and allows the small dog to press her nose against her pillow during nighttime.
The pair, who have "rescued each other from grief" now travel everywhere jointly.
The walking path to Blackhead's 12,500-foot summit spans roughly three miles with a climb of 2,500 feet. The trail to the summit is described as "rough, rocky, and steep, but the final section is an unmaintained" social route.
One day after Moore's remains were located, staff from the Archuleta County Sheriff's Office and search and rescue flew to the area to retrieve the victim.
Moore's death reason hasn't been revealed, but officials indicated that criminal activity wasn't suspected, The Denzer Gazette reported.
Moore resided in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, and was attempting to climb a mountain just eastward.
Loyal dog found alive by dead owner's body almost three ... (Source: www.tyla.com)
Taos Search and Rescue described the recovery actions on their Facebook page.
Delinda Vanne-Brightyn, a team participant, narrated her efforts to find Moore. In her statement, she mentioned responding to the initial quest with her certified K9 companion named Akio Yodasan.
"Our search covered the area just below the peak's top and directly westward, moving down the mountainside toward his vehicle's location," Vanne-Brightyn noted.
She described the weather and challenges her group encountered.
"The winds blew straight from the West/Southwest," she wrote. "The terrain was extremely steep, requiring helicopter insertion. His body was located 2.5 miles east of the summit beneath our helicopter drop point."
She offered her sympathies to the family and expressed satisfaction they "received some closure and recovered their dog."
Many people shared online condolences with the family, commenting on Finney's exceptional nature, and expressed thanks to the search and recovery teams.
"It's incredible that the dog remained by him. They truly are man's most loyal companion," one person remarked.
"Praise to the search crew for their persistence," said another commenter.
"Thank you for saving them and thank you Buddy for staying with him!"
Another individual described the situation as "heartbreaking" but felt comfort that Moore had company. They stated, "dogs show such loyalty; he did not die alone."
Dog Goes to Closed Store Daily then Leaves, One Evening Poor Boy Notices and
Follows It — Story of the Day
A boy from a low-income family who worked at a warehouse near a shut-down bicycle shop noticed a rugged-looking dog visiting the store every day without fail. Intrigued about where it went, he followed it one afternoon and uncovered a heartbreaking secret.
An 18-year-old named Chris was experienced in street work and had seen many stray animals. However, Ollie, a Shiba Inu, was quite different. He was friendly, well-behaved, and too clean to be a stray.
When Chris first saw Ollie, he was standing in front of a closed bike shop, just staring at the large glass windows. His friends at work told him that the dog belonged to the shop owner, who suddenly stopped coming for several weeks.
Chris was upset whenever he saw Ollie. He loved dogs and was annoyed that someone could abandon their pet and just disappear. One day, before going to a café for lunch, he patted Ollie’s head and softly said, “Hey there, Ollie… Want a sandwich, boy?”
After that, every lunchtime, Ollie would run to Chris, wagging his tail happily at the sight of his lunchbox. Instead of eating the food, the dog would grab it and run off with the meal clenched in his jaws.
Watching Ollie leave with the food daily and return to the same spot until closing time made Chris worried and curious. At first, he thought Ollie might be bringing food to puppies or a litter, but Ollie was a male, and his odd actions didn’t make sense.
Every day, Chris saw Ollie’s energy decrease. His once-shiny coat grew dull, and he appeared distressed. Chris wondered if he’d been abandoned, but he couldn’t understand exactly what was wrong.
One afternoon, Chris saw Ollie wag his tail, lick his chops at the sight of the sandwich, then suddenly snatch it and dash away as usual. He wondered, “If Ollie doesn’t have puppies and his owner left him, where does he take the food every day?”
Chris called out, “Ollie, where are you going?” as he ran after the dog, but Ollie didn’t stop or look back. He disappeared from view, leaving Chris confused and frustrated. He simply shook his head and headed back to work, the image of Ollie running off with the food stuck in his mind.
Later that evening, as Chris stepped outside into the cold night to go home, he saw Ollie sitting outside the closed bike shop. The dog looked at the glass, whined softly, and when Chris approached, his heart sank at his loneliness. The bond had grown strong over the past days, and Chris realized Ollie was not just a strange dog but a loyal friend.
He silently promised never to let Ollie feel alone again. He kneeled, gently stroked Ollie’s head, and softly said, “You’re not alone, buddy. I’m here.” Moved by compassion, Chris decided to take Ollie home, but there was a problem—his girlfriend Mila, who didn’t like pets, especially dogs.
Chris knew adding a dog to their apartment might cause issues. That evening, he offered Ollie a cookie and put a leash on him. At first, Ollie was scared and tried to pull away, but Chris calmed him and took him along. Excited and anxious, Chris walked home with him, knowing Mila wouldn’t be happy about a new pet.
When they arrived, Mila’s anger was clear when she saw Ollie hiding behind Chris’s legs and looking up with big, pleading eyes. Ollie wagged his tail and slowly approached her, extending his paw in a gesture. Tears filled Mila’s eyes as she touched his paw, soft pads meeting her hand. When Chris told her about Ollie’s care, her attitude softened, and she agreed to keep him.
A few weeks later, Chris and Mila happily brought Max, the German Shepherd they rescued later, home from the shelter. They became a happy family of dog lovers.
What lessons does this story teach?
Never give up on your pet, even if you think it can survive alone. The world can be cruel.
Dogs display pure, genuine loyalty. Ollie’s actions proved that love and sacrifice matter—feeding a trapped dog and protecting his friend, Max.
Share this story if you think it might inspire someone or brighten their day.
Abandoned Pitbull Loses Faith in Humanity — Until a Cancer Patient Shows Him
What Love Means
Dogs do not ask for much: only a cozy bed, gentle strokes, and a reason to be happy. But on a cold October night, an elderly Pitbull saw his reason disappear as his owner left him on the street. Heartbroken and alone, he lost faith in humans — until a compassionate stranger arrived and changed his world.
They say a dog's heart never breaks — it just expands to hold more love. But on that chilly October evening, an old black Pitbull would learn how deeply humans could betray that love.
The unfamiliar street was empty when a man named Tom stopped his car. In the backseat, the senior dog slept peacefully, his decade of loyalty about to be met with the worst betrayal. Tom quickly opened the door, frustration clear in his tone as he ordered, "GET OUT!"
A black Pitbull sitting in a car | Source: Midjourney
The old dog's tail wagged slightly, trusting eyes full of hope as he looked at the only human he'd known for ten years. Tom roughly grabbed his worn-out bed from the trunk, threw it onto the curb, and unhooked the leash with impatience. He scattered some treats on the ground and muttered, "Stupid vet bills... not worth the trouble anymore."
As the trusting dog lowered his head to eat, Tom didn't glance back. He jumped into his car and slammed the door shut. The engine roared, and tires screeched on the pavement.
From his rearview mirror, he saw the exact moment the dog realized what was happening. The innocence in those loyal eyes shifted to panic. The Pitbull desperately ran after the car, barking in confusion as the night swallowed his cries.
The poor dog ran until his legs gave out, his yelps echoing through the vacant street. But Tom pressed harder on the gas, not slowing down even as the barks turned into heart-wrenching howls. He turned up the radio, drowning out the sound of the loyal dog he had just broken.
"I'm sorry. Please go away," Tom whispered, gripping the wheel so tightly his knuckles turned white. "The vet bills... I can't pay for them anymore."
The dog's yelps faded into silence, replaced by an overwhelming quiet that hurt louder than words.
A desperate dog runs on the street at night | Source: Midjourney
Hours seemed like years. The lonely dog stayed on his bed, staring at the spot where his owner had disappeared. Every passing vehicle made his ears perk, his tail hopeful, then drooping when it wasn’t Tom. Rain began to soak his black fur, but he refused to leave the spot. Maybe if he stayed right here, his owner would realize his mistake and come back. The treats on the wet pavement remained untouched. He wouldn’t eat until his owner returned.
Thunder rolled overhead, and hesitantly, the old dog limped toward a nearby bridge. His joints ached from the cold and the frantic run, but the emotional pain was worse. He curled up in the driest corner he could find, his brown eyes constantly watching the road.
"He'll come back," his loyal heart seemed to insist. "He has to come back. He loves me. I love him. He’s my person."
A lonely Pitbull lying on the street, waiting | Source: Midjourney
Days blended into each other. The dog mostly survived on rain puddles and scraps from passing cars. He developed a routine — checking his bed in the morning, hiding behind trees when strangers appeared, watching every vehicle with hope, and returning to the bridge at night.
Some kind people tried to approach him with food, but he backed away, too scared to trust again. What if they left him too? Better to stay hungry than to risk heartbreak again.
One blazing afternoon, he dragged himself back to see if his bed was still there, only to find it gone. Someone had taken it. That last link to home was missing. Overhead, vultures lazily soared in the burning sky, seemingly knowing his strength was fading. The old dog watched them with heavy eyes, his once proud head lowering onto the hot concrete.
Every breath was a struggle now. Days without proper food or water had worn him down. His black fur was matted and dusty, ribs visible through his frail frame. As his eyelids grew heavy, he remembered Johnny’s warm home, the soft bed, the gentle scratches behind his ears — memories now seeming like cruel dreams.
The vultures circled lower, their shadows darkening his weakened body. He tried to stand one last time, but his legs refused to obey. His eyes closed as dizziness overtook him, and just before he lost consciousness, a single thought crossed his mind:
A lonely dog lying on the street in extreme heat | Source: Midjourney
Through his blurry vision, he saw a blurry figure kneeling beside him. Cold water dripped onto his face, and he weakly lifted his head, too exhausted to resist.
"Hey there, old friend," a soft voice said. A gentle hand stroked his matted fur. "You must be so thirsty."
The man held a water bottle to his cracked lips. The dog hesitated, then, driven by thirst, lapped weakly. His tail gently thumped the pavement.
"That’s it, buddy. Take it easy." The man’s voice cracked as he watched the dog drink desperate for water. "You’ve been out here a long time, haven’t you?"
His legs trembled as he tried to stand, but his strength was gone. The man carefully tore off his jacket and gently wrapped it around the trembling dog.
"I’ve got you," he whispered, lifting the fragile dog into his arms. The dog tensed at first but then relaxed into the warmth of human touch he had missed for so long. "Let’s get you some help, friend."
As the man carried him to the car, the dog rested his head on the stranger’s chest, feeling his steady heartbeat. For the first time in days, he felt safe enough to close his eyes.
"Johnny," Dr. Sarah explained, "he’s dehydrated and underweight, but his age seems to be okay. The worn collar marks suggest he’s been someone’s pet for years."
Johnny watched the old dog through the window of the exam room. "I’ll take him."
"Are you sure? With his age and your condition—"
"Everybody deserves a second chance," Johnny said softly, touching the port in his chest where his recent chemo had been given. "Some of us more than once."
The drive home felt longer than usual. Johnny kept checking the rearview mirror at the old dog curled up in the back. The dog had fallen into a deep sleep, occasionally whimpering in dreams. Every sound struck Johnny’s heart.
When they reached home, Johnny saw his young daughter Kelly playing outside while his wife, Samantha, watered their plants. Kelly saw the car first and ran over.
"Daddy’s home!" she shouted, but paused in surprise when she saw the bundle of black fur in the backseat. "Daddy, who… who is that?"
Samantha approached, eyes widening at the sight of the dog.
"Johnny, what… oh my God, where did you find him?"
"Sam, I know what you’re thinking," Johnny said, voice cracking, "but if you'd seen him lying there..." he paused. "He was just waiting to die... until I found him."
The dog shifted slightly in the back, lifting his head at the sound of voices. His tired eyes saw Samantha’s, and something — a mix of fear, resignation, and a tiny flicker of hope — broke her heart.
"Johnny, we can’t just..." Samantha started to protest, then saw the gentle look in his eyes again.
"Let’s call him Benjamin. Yeah, Benjamin!" Johnny beamed. "After Dad."
Their daughter Kelly peeked from behind her mother. "Why does he look so scared, Daddy?"
"Sometimes," Johnny replied softly, "the heart needs time to remember how to trust again, sweetheart."
But Benjamin was still wary. Quietly, he moved to the farthest corner of the room, pressing against the wall with his tail tucked close, eyes flickering between the people, waiting for them to disappear.
For two weeks, Benjamin observed his new family from shadows and doorways. He ate only when no one watched, flinched at sudden movements, and slept with one eye open. They showed patience, respecting his space but also giving love.
Kelly sat near him, reading aloud softly. Samantha left treats where he could find them easily. Johnny sat quietly nearby, offering silent companionship and gentle strokes.
Then one morning, Samantha's excited voice filled the house. "Johnny! Oh my God… come quickly!"
They found Kelly in the living room, gently placing a pink hairband with a bow on Benjamin's head. The old dog sat still, and for the first time since arriving, his tail wagged slowly across the floor.
"There," Kelly said happily, adding her touch to his nose. "Now you’re beautiful…!"
Benjamin responded with a gentle lick on her face, making her giggle. Samantha took Johnny’s hand, and both fought back tears at the sight.
"That’s it, Benji," Johnny whispered, full of emotion. "You’re home now. Truly home."
As Benjamin’s trust grew, so did his love for his new family. He enjoyed morning walks with Johnny, playtime with Kelly, and cuddles in the evening with Samantha. He became friends with Polly, the female Pitbull next door, and gradually, the scared dog who hid under the bridge faded away.
One Saturday morning, Johnny brought home a bag of cement and a small wooden frame. His hands trembled slightly from chemo, but his eyes sparkled with excitement.
"What are you doing?" Samantha asked, watching him pour the wet mixture into the frame on the patio.
"Making something special," Johnny answered, smoothing the surface with a small trowel. Benjamin watched curiously, tail wagging. "Some families have fancy portraits on their walls, but I thought we could make something more personal."
He pressed his hand into the fresh cement, leaving a print. "Your turn," he told Samantha and Kelly, who giggled as they added their handprints next to his. Finally, he gently pressed Benjamin’s paw into the last space, the dog staying still, as if understanding how important this was.
A dog's paw print in wet cement | Source: Midjourney
"Perfect," Johnny said, imagining the finished piece on the wall. "We’re family!"
Benjamin wagged his tail, looking up at Johnny with total trust. The man who saved him was getting thinner, spending more time resting, but his love remained steady.
"Dogs leave paw prints on our hearts," Johnny whispered, scratching behind Benjamin’s ears. "And you, old friend, have made the biggest mark of all."
Days went by, and Johnny’s health worsened. The hospital room was quiet, except for monitors. Benjamin stayed beside him, resting his head on Johnny’s hand. He hadn’t left his side since the day Johnny was admitted.
"When I’m gone, tell him. Don’t let him think I left him like they did. Dogs understand death better than we do."
Samantha wiped her tears. "I promise."
Benjamin’s tail gently tapped the sterile floor, his eyes fixed on Johnny’s pale face. That silent moment passed, as human and dog shared a quiet farewell beyond words.
Two days later, as dawn lit the sky in soft pinks and golds, Johnny quietly passed away.
The autumn breeze rustled through the empty trees at the graveyard, scattering crimson leaves over the fresh earth. Samantha gently tugged Benjamin’s leash, but the old dog stayed still, pressed against Johnny’s headstone as if trying to absorb its chill into his warmth.
His paws scratched at the dirt, and soft whimpers left his throat — not cries of abandonment, but deep mourning for his family.
"Come on, boy," she whispered, tears falling. "We need to go home."
Benjamin whined quietly, eyes fixed on Johnny’s engraved name. His paw softly touched the stone, as if trying to reach his beloved owner.
The house felt empty after Johnny’s death. Every room echoed with memories, footsteps that weren’t there, a presence that was gone.
At night, Samantha found Kelly curled in Johnny’s old armchair, holding his unwashed sweater that still had his scent. They stayed silent, sharing a sadness too deep for words.
"Mommy," Kelly said one night, voice trembling, "does Daddy know we miss him?"
Samantha fought her tears, comforting her daughter. "Yes, sweetheart. He sees us every day from heaven."
Kelly’s eyes lit up with a new idea. She ran to the garden, where Johnny’s old project—a little toy mailbox with a pink bow—was placed among flowers. They had painted it together, claiming it was their special link to fairyland.
Carefully, Kelly folded and placed a letter into the tiny mailbox, writing: "Dear Daddy, Benjamin sleeps in your chair now. I think he’s keeping it warm for you."
Samantha watched from nearby, her heart breaking again. Benjamin lay in his usual spot, waiting. His eyes tracked every movement, every sound — as he had done outside on that street months ago. But now, he wasn’t waiting for someone to return. He was watching over the family Johnny had left.
One morning, Samantha woke to find Benjamin’s bed empty. Her stomach clenched with worry. She searched the house calling his name until she saw the back door slightly open — unlocked. Quickly, she grabbed her coat and keys, knowing exactly where he might be.
In the early dawn, dew still clung to the grass at the cemetery. Through the gates, she saw a familiar black figure curled beside Johnny’s headstone. Benjamin had found his way there again, walking three miles in the dark.
When she shifted closer, she knelt beside him, gently stroking his graying fur, noticing how white it had become since Johnny’s death.
"It's okay, boy. We miss him too," she whispered. "Remember what your dad told you — you're not just his dog, you're his son. You're now the man of the house. Come home, come to us."
Benjamin’s paw reached out, softly touching her hand. Understanding and acceptance shone in his eyes. He had learned that goodbyes weren’t always about abandonment, and love endured even beyond death.
Years went by. Benjamin aged, his muzzle white and his body weaker, but his dedication didn’t fade. He watched over his family with the fierce love Johnny had shown him, becoming their guardian.
He grew close with Polly, the female Pitbull nearby, sharing gentle moments that eased his fears. But fate still had more in store.
One morning, Samantha found him struggling to breathe. The vet confirmed it — his kidneys were failing, and he couldn’t fight anymore.
Benjamin mustered his remaining strength, wagging his tail and lifting his paws to Samantha and Kelly, as if saying, "Don’t be sad. I’ll see Dad now."
They stayed with him, sharing stories about Johnny and promising lasting love.
They buried Benjamin beside Johnny, reuniting father and son at last. Samantha and Kelly stood by the fresh grave, their hearts heavy as Lisa, a neighbor returning from a month away, approached with tears.
"I’m sorry about Benjamin," she said softly, embracing them. "I wish I had been here."
She paused, wiping her eyes. "Polly had her puppies while I was gone. The vet says one little boy has a white star on his chest — just like Benjamin."
A grieving woman and her daughter at a graveyard | Source: Midjourney
A few weeks later, as the puppies were ready to be adopted, Samantha and Kelly visited Lisa’s home. Among the playful pups, one small black one with a white star immediately ran to Kelly. His calm eyes held the same soulful look.
Kelly named him "Hope," and as she watched him play with Johnny’s old tennis ball, they felt the love circle close. Some things are meant to be.
"Mom," Kelly said quietly, pointing at the framed cement prints on the wall. "We’re still family."
Hope barked happily, tail wagging just like his father’s used to do. As he settled in Johnny’s old chair, Samantha smiled through her tears. Their house, built on second chances and unconditional love, had found its heart again—filled with hope.
