You may recall seeing the photograph a few years back. There’s a man floating around with long graying hair and his Shepherd mix sleeping in his arms and his head on the man’s chest.
This is the backstory of that photo.
Schoep was adopted as a puppy by John Unger. The elderly dog was struggling from arthritis and hip dysplasia 19 years later. Unger recognized that floating with Schoep relieved the pressure on his joints, which was the best way he knew to bring pain relief to his beloved pet.
Unger’s friend snapped a snapshot of the two of them, which went viral almost immediately.
Their tale made the news after that photo went viral. Donations began to flood in from all over the world, allowing Unger to seek different pain management options, allowing him to spend another year with his beloved Schoep.
Even if Schoep is no longer alive, the love that inspired that photograph can still be felt all around the world.
Watch the video here: