McCain, 51, of Palmdale could be the poster guy for our lousy economy.
After his marriage broke up, he lost his job, his house, his car -- and last week, after struggling for months to feed and take care of his dog, Floppy, he came to the conclusion that he had to let go of the last thing that gave him hope.
Julia Pennington, a volunteer with A Dog's Life Rescue in west L.A., just happened to be at the Lancaster animal shelter when McCain brought Floppy in.
She began recording the process on her iPhone.
"He's a great dog," William told her. "He deserves a second chance."
Before long, the emails and video started going out to Julia's network of animal rescue contacts, seeking help for both William and Floppy.
Rebecca Chambliss of San Pedro was among those who quickly responded, arranging for a foster home in San Pedro with John Karmelich (pictured below).
But it doesn't end there.
The remarkable part of this story for me is the many offers of help for William that came pouring in: possible job offers, housing, a computer.
Here is a sampling of the emails I've received (and have passed on to those involved in the story; others have come in to Rebecca and Julia). When I caught up on my work emails late Christmas Eve night after church, I felt like I was watching the end of "It's A Wonderful Life" while reading many of these:
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"I've been looking for a direct effect charity to give to because i like donating money that DIRECTLY effects people's lives. i want to help this man out and pay for everything for his dog. it doesn't matter how hard times get, saying goodbye to your loyal best friend isn't an option. please please give him my contact info and tell him someone's interested in paying for everything regarding his dog. the food, dog sitting, the vet... whatever he needs, he gets... and then some."
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My heart is breaking for Mr. McCain, I have two dogs of my own and cannot imagine life without them!
My dogs have been my anchor and my emotional rock when my marriage was falling apart and when I lost my brother and both parents in three years.
I know how deeply one can love a pet and how much comfort they bring.
Unfortunately, I cannot foster Floppy, but have posted the article on my FB page in hopes that someone can. I'd LOVE to see master and pup reunited when possible!!!
I would, however, like to pass on that Sharp Solar in Huntington Beach will be hiring soon, various positions and am hoping Mr. McCain might qualify and be interested.
Good luck to him, and to Floppy...they are in my heart this holiday!!
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I am the Regional Sales Manager for an online advertising company called iPromote I'm very interested in reviewing Mr. McCain's resume with a view to offering him a job. I did not find any other contact other than yours and my hope is that you may pass this mesage along to him please. Happy Holidays
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Hello...
my name is Ernie ____. I read the story regarding the plight of floppy and I would like to make an offer to work with me in a gift Card and gifting business.
I really think it would help him out.
If you or he are interested in hearing more about it, please contact me at ____.
Daily Breeze reporter Donna Littlejohn has shared her homes with a succession of wonderful, funny, and occasionally difficult canines -- Muffin, Fritz, Ellie, Mercy, Pilgrim and now Cowboy, an Australian shepherd-border collie, and Tess, a border collie. From strong-willed terriers to weirdly obsessed Australian shepherds, they've invaded her world with boundless energy, wet noses, muddy paws and soggy tennis balls. But they've really brought so much more than that -- like laughter and joy, some unexpected life lessons, and more than a few tears along the way.
Josh Grossberg grew up with the usual array of animals: goldfish, dogs, hamsters, parakeets and turtles. He now owns the loudest dog in the South Bay(Video: Rocket the Dog) and is the least popular person on his block. He spends his free time in dog parks, pet shops and always has an extra plastic bag in his pocket just in case. He also has a cat.
Daily Breeze reporter Donna Littlejohn has shared her homes with a succession of wonderful, funny, and occasionally difficult canines -- Muffin, Fritz, Ellie, Mercy, Pilgrim and now Cowboy, an Australian shepherd-border collie, and Tess, a border collie. From strong-willed terriers to weirdly obsessed Australian shepherds, they've invaded her world with boundless energy, wet noses, muddy paws and soggy tennis balls. But they've really brought so much more than that -- like laughter and joy, some unexpected life lessons, and more than a few tears along the way.
Josh Grossberg grew up with the usual array of animals: goldfish, dogs, hamsters, parakeets and turtles. He now owns the loudest dog in the South Bay(Video: Rocket the Dog) and is the least popular person on his block. He spends his free time in dog parks, pet shops and always has an extra plastic bag in his pocket just in case. He also has a cat.