Love and Dedication: McClain County Couple Takes Care of Abandoned Dog From Afar For 11 Years

A McClain County couple is mourning the death of a dog they had been taking care of from afar for nearly 11 years after the animal was abandoned.

Marcy and James "JD" Blanton created a gravesite in memory of Yellowdog, who passed away on April 12. The Queensland blue heeler mix was believed to be 16 years old.

The Blantons said someone dumped Yellowdog at a busy intersection on the outskirts of Washington around June 2012. The couple put food on the side of the road, but Yellowdog feared strangers and ran off. They later noticed that Yellowdog was injured and believed someone had shot him.

Yellowdog retreated to a shaded area just outside the fenceline of a rancher's property next to a creek, where he healed and eventually lived. Seeing that the dog avoided people and did not want to be caught, Marcy began bringing Yellowdog home-cooked meat, kibble and water every single day when she was on her way to work in Norman.

"He didn't want to live in a backyard somewhere," said JD. "He wanted his freedom."

When JD retired in 2018, he began going with Marcy to feed Yellowdog. The couple drive 13 miles round trip every day to bring the dog full bowls of food.

"The expression on his face, the happiness that he smiled, his ears flopping. He jumped up and down around ya. I mean, how could you not give him the nutrition that he needs?" said Marcy.

The couple also bought a doghouse for Yellowdog, which they eventually replaced. They bought bedding for him as well.

"He had kind of a special little trot and one of his years would kind of flop," JD fondly recalled.

Furthermore, Marcy used a lawnmower and trimmer to cut the grass in Yellowdog's roaming area, providing the dog clear paths to his favorite trees. Marcy returned every 10 days or so to keep the grass tidy, even though it took hours out of her day each time.

Virgil, the rancher who owned the property that Yellowdog was living on, pitched in as well. Every few months, he tossed meatballs infused with worm, flea and tick medicine to Yellowdog, the Blantons said.

"It was a labor of love," said JD.

Yellowdog became a popular attraction for passers-by because he could often be seen roaming near the intersection where he was originally abandoned. His popularity grew after Marcy created a Facebook page called Yellowdog Blanton, which documented Yellowdog's progress. Some even considered Yellowdog to be the unofficial mascot of Washington.

Yellowdog appeared to be in good health throughout his life, other than a stretch in which he disappeared after being surrounded by a pack of coyotes, said the Blantons. Yellowdog somehow escaped the coyotes and returned to his area by the creek a few weeks later.

However, in April, Yellowdog fell ill. He made his way to a nearby barn, where he grew weaker. As Yellowdog laid there - dying - Marcy and JD were able to pet him for the first time. JD said he was thankful he was able to soothe Yellowdog as the animal drew his final breaths. Yellowdog passed away 10 years and 10 months after the Blantons began caring for him from afar.

"People to this (day) are telling me every time they pass this place, they still look for him. They're not used to him not being here because he's been here for so long. So he's warmed the hearts of many," said Marcy.

"A brave little buckeroo," JD said.

Marcy and JD buried Yellowdog at the area where he had called home. The gravesite featured a cross, flowers, mementos and photos of Yellowdog. JD said one of his bandanas was placed next to Yellowdog as well.

The couple planned to continue maintaining the gravesite, which had already been visited by mourners from near and far.