James Harrison’s former dog dies of cancer

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

In his youth, the red pit bull was a controversial dog who bit the 2year-old son of James Harrison as well as the boy’s mother and another woman. Back then his name was Patron, and his very appearance scared many people. He looked as imposing and powerful as the Steelers linebacker who owned him.

There was public outcry in May 2009 from people who said the dog should be euthanized. MK Kain and her husband, Ray, thought the dog deserved a second chance, and he proved them right.

He was given a new name — Mecca — and a new life, and he was loving, loyal, obedient and happy for the rest of his life.

“I would love people to know that this dog got a second chance and made the most of every second. He loved life,” Mrs. Kain said earlier this week.

Mecca, 9, died Feb. 11 after a yearlong battle with cancer.

Mr. Kain called Mecca “my best buddy” and a “gentle giant.” In a Facebook post, Mr. Kain said, “What I mostly want to do is clear his name.”

At the Kain residence, Mecca got along with their four big rescue dogs and enjoyed greeting visitors who came to the house.

“He was especially excited when children visited. He loved them,” Mrs. Kain said.

He weighed 110 pounds at his peak, which is very large for a pit bull. His size and low-key personality suggested he might have been part mastiff, said Mrs. Kain, who has trained and rehabilitated hundreds of dog since 1990. Most had aggression problems, and some had bitten people.

Patron came to the Kains after the attack because a Steelers official knew Mr. Kain, who at that