This is not a sad story.
Its a story of hope and salvation.
He had one thing in the world that meant anything to him.
He gave it a life he couldnt as a dying gesture.
If I could say one thing to the guy it would be "Well done sir".
Unless he was trying to eat the dog before he died.
He was homeless after all.
At the risk of repeating myself the guy still died of cancer, yay this story is completely full of win.
Nice way to turn it into a joke, yes that was a clever move.