Dog From Viral Photo That Touched Millions Passes Away

Schoep_ungerDF
The deep bond between a man and his dog was captured in a tender moment in July of 2012. John Unger asked his friend Hannah Stonehouse Hudson to take one last photo of his beloved dog, Schoep, a 19-year-old dog with arthritis.

Unger was anticipating having to put Schoep to sleep soon due to the severity of the arthritis his dog was suffering from. So Stonehouse Hudson met her longtime friends at Lake Superior to photograph the two of them as  Unger would float Schoep in the water to try to alleviate the pain in the the elderly dog’s arthritic joints.

Stonehouse Hudson posted the now-famous photo capturing the precious moment to her Facebook page on August 1st. The powerful image went viral, spreading all over the Internet and through the media. The image touched dog lovers worldwide, causing an outpouring of support for Unger and Schoep. Donations also came in which allowed Unger to afford treatments that gave his dog another relatively pain-free year of living and continued inspiration to others.

Second Wind

Unger reported in September of 2012, “As best as I can guess, the treatments have turned back the clock on his life about a year-and-a-half to two years. I’ve taken him for walks on trails that we haven’t been on in three years. He’s not dragging his back legs like he was before. To be able to do that again with him, words can’t even describe the feeling.”

Unger continued to post photos of Schoep over the next year on Facebook. This photo from July 15, 2013 captured a recent good day they shared together.

Schoep_in_sun

“A fantastic day we had. Up early to walk and go to the beach, eat, nap, go shopping, eat, laundry, go to the beach, eat, nap and one more walk. All without the humidity, thats what made it fantastic – especially for Schoep!”

Sadly, the 20-year-old dog passed away two days later with John Unger posting on Thursday evening: “I Breathe But I Can’t Catch My Breath. Schoep Passed yesterday. More information in the days ahead.”

Unger’s friend and photographer, Hannah Stonehouse Hudson, posted on her own Facebook page that evening, “RIP Schoep. He had an amazing life and touched us all. Please keep John in your thoughts.”

The Legacy Continues

The story of Schoep and John’s friendship will continue to impact others. The image will forever remind future generations of the civilized care we humans are capable of.

To ensure this message carries on, Stonehouse Hudson started the Schoep Legacy Foundation to help lower-income families to care for pets in need.

Condolences may be sent to:

P.O. Box 434

Bayfield WI 54814 U.S.A.

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Elaine
10 years ago

RIP Schoep; 20 years – what a majestic lifespan.

Jessie Jennings
Jessie Jennings
10 years ago

Truly man’s best friend, they touch our hearts, enrich our lives immeasurably and when they pass, leave us bereft.

sepi49
sepi49
10 years ago

RIP Schoep. Now you can frolic happy, painless on Rainbow Bridge

Kenny Nowlin
Kenny Nowlin
10 years ago

I can only pray I have such a long life time with my lil girl Jackie a jackshaund jack Russell Dauschand mix..RIP Schoep Rest Well Lil Guy romp n rin play till Jack meets you someday at the rainbow bridge

Charlie Alejandro
Charlie Alejandro
10 years ago

RIP sweet furry soul, you and your master reminded us of our true nature, love and kindness for those less than our selves!! hugs to your amazing owner and may you be free of pain and frolic in Gods grace now! xoxo

Patty
Patty
10 years ago

RIP Schoep what a happy life he lived and will always be remembered:(

Edie
Edie
10 years ago

When we take a dog into our life, we know that chances are great that we will outlive our dog. Yet, we do it anyway, and they live not only in our home, but our hearts. I like to think that St. Francis takes care of our pets until we meet them again happy and healthy.

Do we know what caused Schoep to pass away?

jean
jean
10 years ago

RIP beautiful dog- may my best friends remain with me for another ten years or more please god

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