The Story Behind The Photo Of The Man With The Sleeping Dog

Photo by Hannah Stonehouse Hudson.

Everyday I see stories about men being abusive to both their human and animal companions. This photo and the story behind it is why I created the Dog Files. It’s how a REAL man should act toward his family, animals included. A special thanks to Hannah Stonehouse Hudson, the photographer who captured this special moment.

Make sure you watch the video at the bottom.

Kenn Bell
Dog Files Creator

Minnesota – A man and his best friend are getting worldwide attention after a picture of the pair floating on Lake Superior spread through social media. The dog’s owner has shared the reason behind the trips to the lake.

For the last 18 years, John Unger has had a constant companion in his dog Shoep, but time is taking its toll.

The Shepherd mix has lost his sight and age has also brought arthritis. It’s pain and stiffness that offers little relief.

But, in the shallow water of Lake Superior, owner and pet find a temporary peace. The water takes weight off tired joints.

In John’s arms, there’s no urge to swim, only to sleep – a few moments of serenity from sore limbs.

People from around the world have been so moved by a picture, they’ve been calling Schoep’s vet offering to pay for the dog’s medication and treatment.

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avonlady
avonlady
11 years ago

LOVE says it all..I would do anything for my bff..she is by my side for the good and the bad..I feel the love these 2 have for each other..me and my ‘Puppy’ who is 7 share that love..she is a rescue also

Nicole Edwards
11 years ago

yes this is amazing and the world needs more people like him..

Deanna Franz
11 years ago

that photo ad his love for his dog isso amazing , thanks for poisting this.
this photo
.

Rienstra Pat
11 years ago

And God will look down on you and say “Good job and thank you for the love you gave Shoep! This is the love I send to you and your loved ones. When it is Shoeps time to come home I will be here for him to love and care for him untillllll youand all his loved ones join him here.” On behalf of all dog lovers thank you you are a great man!

Janet Coppens
11 years ago

So very wonderful to know and to see something truly beautiful and oh so loving between a very special man and his very special furbaby…may God bless both of them. We read about and hear about so many horrific things that man inflicts on helpless animals and it is horrifying and sickening to say the least. But…here is one of the most touching and lovely relationships between man and his dog…I just cannot describe the happiness I feel just knowing about these two….

Shukie Lara-scott
11 years ago

So sweet ! I wish everyone loved their pets as much as him . My dog has the same problem. I take him to doggie pool called k9h2o it helps so much

Theresa (& Prudence)
Theresa (& Prudence)
11 years ago

Everytime I see this picture, I feel a bit better about people. Thank you for sharing the background story.

Leanne Field
Leanne Field
11 years ago

Every time I have seen this posted on Facebook it has brought tears to my eyes. The bond and love shared between you and your dog is irreplaceable and cherished. I know I have that with mine and I can only hope and pray he lives as long as “Shoep” has cause I’ve heard that dogs that are loved…I mean really loved….live longer than others. God bless John and his buddy “Shoep”…I love stories like this!

Virginia Rodriguez
11 years ago

God bless John and his buddy, Shoep <3

Virginia Rodriguez
11 years ago

God bless John and his buddy, Shoep <3

Teresa Smith
11 years ago

Warms my heart

Christine Lines
11 years ago

thanks for sharring such a touching video god bless them both xx

Rose
Rose
11 years ago

Good man hey I am looking for a guy like you I wish you were younger lol,,I foster a blind and deaf dogs I have 2 right now and I love them so special

Mona/Nessa
Mona/Nessa
11 years ago

GO DOGGY O T^T DONT GO STILL KEEP ON MOVING FORWARD TILL U CANT ANYMORE

fabnob2
fabnob2
11 years ago

I unashamedly wept as I watched this vid. My own Border Collie is in a very semilar predicament currently. She has been my constant loyal companion for nearly 14 years. It must be very close the end now but I won’t let her sufffer too much.
Don H

domfan05
domfan05
11 years ago

That is just so beautiful, it brought a BIG lump to my throat!!

Nydia Manent
Nydia Manent
11 years ago

A picture tells a thousand words! I love you!

Kerry Oldridge
Kerry Oldridge
11 years ago

You are truly a beautiful man who knows how to love.
Hugs to you and Shoep!

veronica
veronica
11 years ago

I am crying everytime I watch this video 🙁

Chris B.
Chris B.
11 years ago

Oh, tears…..My girl is 17 and we’re going through the same thing. So hard to know that my shadow & bff won’t be with me much longer. I just feel blessed that I’m the one who got to be her person for all these years….

annteve
annteve
10 years ago

I cried; this is so beautiful.

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