John Unger with Schoep in Lake Superior (Hannah Stonehouse Hudson/StonehousePhoto.com/Facebook)
A photograph of a man wading in Lake Superior with his 19-year-old arthritic dog captured the hearts of millions when it was posted online last month--an outpouring that inspired the dog's owner to launch a foundation to help low-income families care for their aging canines.
John Unger says Schoep's Legacy Foundation has raised more than $25,000 since Unger and his dog, Schoep, were photographed by a friend, who posted the image to Facebook.
Before the photo was taken, Unger and his veterinarian had been considering putting Schoep down.
"Without treatment, John and I were talking about euthanasia at the end of July," Erik Haukass, the vet, told the Daily Mail. But through the unsolicited donations from people who saw the photo, Unger was able to treat Schoep and extend his life.
"Schoep is doing incredible right now," Unger said. 'The therapies that the people have donated--it's like turning back the clock a year and a half."
The foundation was created, Haukass added, when the pair "realized we had received more money than we would reasonably spend on Schoep's care."
"It could help another 30 or 40 Schoeps," Haukass said.
The "Official Fan Page of Schoep and John" has more than 20,000 "likes," and Hudson has been selling prints of the photo to benefit the cause.
"This 19-year-old (Schoep) is being cradled in his father's arms last night in Lake Superior," Hannah Stonehouse Hudson, the photographer, wrote in the Facebook post that sparked the outpouring. "Schoep falls asleep every night when he is carried into the lake. The buoyancy of the water soothes his arthritic bones. Lake Superior is very warm right now, so the temperature of the water is perfect. I was so happy I got to capture this moment for John. By the way, John rescued Schoep as an 8-month-old puppy, and he's been by his side through many adventures."
Because of the public's generosity, Schoep has been getting expensive joint laser treatments to reduce pain and swelling related to arthritis.
"He's walking so much faster," the 49-year-old Unger said. "It's unbelievable."
Article from Yahoo News.
To love an animal like this is a privilege, not a burden….I have never ever seen a more poignant photo of a man and his dog in my entire life….
13 comments:
Crying...that is so awesome..
deb
I hope to God that is how Abbey feels when she falls asleep on the recliner with me, and I hope to God I can do the same thing with her in the end of her life....
What a beautiful post and story. I wanted to thank you for your sweet comment about our little Max. It really helped to know that other people were thinking about us in our time of sorrow. Hope you are having a great week!
Isn't this story the best!! Animals are so special!!
chris
That is beautiful~ I shall have sweet dreams tonight~
Isn't this so sweet? Being from MN, this story was on our local news. The dog gets excited when they get to the lake because he knows it's time to float around in the warm water! They also showed his house, and someone donated a huge comfy dog bed for him. So now he's sleeping through the night without pain! It just brings tears to your eyes...very speacial!
Thank you for sharing :)
Erica
that is so awesome! and 19 is pretty darn old for a dog! I had a cat that lived to be 19. what a wonderful story, thanks for sharing it with all of us animal lovers!
xoxo and happy day
Sandy, This story just makes me weep. The tenderness between these two can teach us so much about compassion.
I am so in love with Meri's hat. Boy do I need her as a teacher as well. How genius to add ornaments and fabric. LOVE IT!
PS How do you know the address of your Etsy shop? I don't know my own to put it on my blog. Can you help! E
*sigh* makes a person want to go wake up her snoring, over fed, healthy dog and give her a hug :-)
big hugs,
Cheryl
This was on our NBC station one night and is very touching. So glad it went viral! That's how we are in Minnesota: NICE!
Sandy, All your help decorating at Meri's was so worth the effort! What an amazing Christmas display. You are all going to have such fun! Elizabeth
Hi Sandi Sweetie...
I saw this article and love this share. Is there anything more precious than the love between a pet and their owner?
Thank you for the comment on my precious Rasha. It was such a hard time for Tony and I. We sat and held her, there were two doves outside, they were on the back fence around the patio. After the doves flew off, Rasha lifted her head and was gone. They came to guide her home. I know this.
Today I missed her deep bark, her wet nose nudges and just the warmth of having her close. We had her for 12 years, so God was gracious to share her with us. The time allowed is never long enough.
Have a wonderful weekend sweet friend. Many hugs and much love, Sherry
Wow, what an amazing story! So glad many others will be helped because of this man's love for his dog.
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