This Man Takes His Sick Dog to a Lake Every Day to Ease His Pain

A beautiful love story between a man and his dog touched hearts around the world.

In August 2012, a photo went viral showing John Unger holding his 19-year-old dog, Schoep, in his arms as they floated peacefully in a lake.

The story began years earlier when John discovered that Schoep was suffering from severe arthritis and that his condition was worsening. To ease his beloved companion’s pain, John began taking him to the lake, where the warm water provided relief.

He asked his friend, photographer Hannah Stonehouse Hudson, to capture this special moment. The photo quickly went viral on social media, sparking a wave of support and anonymous donations to help with Schoep’s medical care.

John had adopted Schoep with his ex-fiancée, and after their breakup, he remained committed to caring for the dog. Schoep had even saved John’s life during a dark period in his past.

Sadly, Schoep passed away in July 2013, leaving John heartbroken. However, a new chapter began in 2015 when John welcomed a new dog named Bear, continuing his journey with another loyal companion.