There’s a man with long, graying hair floating with his Shepherd mix sleeping in his arms and with his head […]
There’s a man with long, graying hair floating with his Shepherd mix sleeping in his arms and with his head on the man’s chest.
Here’s the story behind that photo.
John Anger took care of a dog named Schoep when the puppy was only eight months old. Now the dog is 19 years old and suffers from severe arthritis, which makes it almost impossible to sleep.
The only comfort Schoep finds now is in a daily routine that keeps him off his feet. A routine that includes being taken to the lake every day to gets some relief from the pressure on his body.
Schoep has also lost his sight due to cataracts. While his pain is difficult to watch, it’s the lengths Unger will go to comfort his friend that’s truly inspiring
Sadly, Schoep passed away in 2013. The German Shepard mix succumbing to his age just a month after celebrating his 20th birthday. Unger announced his passing in a Facebook post, writing, ‘I breathe but I cannot catch my breath.’
The famous photo of Unger and beloved friend was taken by photographer friend of his named Hannah Stonehouse Hudson. After its posting on Facebook, the photo became a viral sensation and was shared more than 200,000 times in a year.
Unger would take his canine companion to the lake as it would make his body weighless and relieve his joint pain.
Even though Schoep is gone now, the love behind that photo can be felt around the world.