The bond between a man and his dog can be a terrific force. You may recall a photo that circulated a few years ago, showcasing this unique connection.
The picture depicted a man with long, gray hair, cradling his dog as they floated in a body of water. But do you know the heartfelt story behind this image?
The man in the photo is John Unger from Bayfield, Wisconsin, and the dog is his Shepherd Mix named Schoep. Their companionship has spanned 19 years. John adopted Schoep when he was just a puppy, who had been mistreated by his previous owner, and took several months to trust him again.
John’s world came crashing down when he discovered that Schoep was battling arthritis and hip dysplasia. Faced with the heartbreaking possibility of having to put Schoep down, John decided to alleviate his beloved pet’s pain and reduce the strain on his joints in a rather unconventional way.
John learned that water therapy was beneficial for people with arthritis. This inspired him to try the same with Schoep. He brought his dog to a cherished spot – Lake Superior. John aimed to utilize the soothing warmth of the lake during summer to help Schoep relax and feel weightless.
Given the dire prognosis from the vet, John reached out to his photographer friend, Hannah Stonehouse Hudson. He hoped she could capture a poignant photo of Schoep, just in case the worst happened. The resulting image quickly gained global attention.
As the photo went viral, the tale of John and Schoep touched hearts worldwide. Generous individuals began donating to aid John in continuing his efforts to alleviate Schoep’s discomfort. Thanks to these donations, John was able to explore other pain management methods.
Despite Schoep’s eventual passing, the love encapsulated in that picture continues to resonate around the globe, reminding us all of the powerful bonds between a man and his dog.
Please share this beautiful story! ❤️