Ryan Jessen thought he just had a migraine, but it was worse than anyone could have imagined.
The 33-year-old California man suffered a ventricular brain hemorrhage and quickly fell into a coma he would never wake.
His family gathered around his hospital bed to say goodbye, they realized they were missing Ryan’s best friend and devoted dog, Mollie.
The hospital agreed to let Ryan’s family bring his dog, Mollie, inside to say goodbye.
“So she’d know why her human never came home,” Ryan’s sister, Michelle, explained in a Facebook post. “If you knew my brother, he really loved his sweet dog.”
A 30-second video of the dog sniffing her owner as the man lays lifeless in a hospital bed, surrounded by tubes and machines, has gone viral with more than 22 million views since it was posted.
Ryan died on Nov. 30 just one day before the video was posted.
“We [released] him, with gratitude, to give the gift of life through the organ donor program to waiting recipients,” Michelle said. “We have personally, and prayerfully, received much support, for which we are gratefully indebted to each and every kindness. It happened so quickly.”
A 17-year-old boy in California, whose birthday is on Christmas, received Ryan’s heart, the family said.
“As sad as it is to lose Ryan, we know his heart is going to bring so much joy to the family of the recipient,” Michelle said. “I wish Ryan could know what a difference his heart will make for that young man.”
Michelle assured everyone that Mollie will stay in the family.
Source: Pet Lover, CBS News