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Photograph of man and his arthritic dog raises so much money they've started a foundation to save other animals | Mail Online
'His tail is wagging again!' Owner of arthritic dog Schoep who touched the world shares intimate pictures of his recovery
A few months ago, Schoep, 19, was in so much pain John Unger, 49, thought he was close to the end
A photographer offered to take a final photo of the two on Lake Superior
The image of the arthritic dog inspired donations to help with his care
The Schoep Legacy Foundation will offer help to low-income families to care for their animals
By Emily Anne Epstein
PUBLISHED: 18:54 EST, 25 September 2012 | UPDATED: 03:41 EST, 26 September 2012
Comments (91)
Share
The stunning photograph of a man lulling his arthritic dog to sleep in Lake Superior has touched so many people that John Unger, 49, and his dog Schoep, 19, have started a foundation to help other dogs in need.
The Schoep Legacy Foundation has raised more than $25,000 to help low-income families care for their aging dogs thanks to donations from people as far away as Saudi Arabia and Japan, all inspired by the gorgeous image.
Mr Unger's good friend Hannah Stonehouse Hudson, who is a professional photographer, captured the heartbreaking moment between the man and his aging rescue dog in Wisconsin when Mr Unger thought his best friend was at the end of his life.
But thanks to the generosity of strangers, Schoep has been receiving top-notch care and is wagging his tail more than ever before, allowing Mr Unger and his dog more time together.
Inspiration
Inspiration: The stunning photograph of a man lulling his arthritic dog to sleep in Lake Superior has touched so many people that John Unger and his dog Schoep have started a foundation to help other dogs in need
pals
Schoep and John
Giving: The Schoep Legacy Foundation has raised more than $25,000 to help low-income families care for their aging dogs thanks to donations from people as far away as Saudi Arabia and Japan
'Schoep is doing incredible right now,' Mr Unger said to MailOnline. 'The therapies that the people have donated - it's like turning back the clock a year and a half.'
Dr Erik Haukass, Schoep's veterinarian, said that the 19-year-old dog is doing very well and that they are optimistic the treatments will allow Mr Unger and Schoep many more months.
More...
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The REAL story of Britain's servant class (and it wasn't exactly Downton Abbey): New BBC series reveals what it was really like downstairs
'He saved MY life... I just want to help him in return': Owner of sick dog whose picture touched the nation's hearts reveals how loyal companion stopped him from suicide
'Without treatment, John and I were talking about euthanasia at the end of July,' Dr Haukass said.
He was on the front line when the donations to Schoep's care came in, shocked by their magnitude.
'I've never seen anything like this before,' he said. 'We realized we had received more money than we would reasonably spend on Schoep's care.'
Dip
Dip: Thanks to the generosity of strangers, Schoep has been receiving top-notch care and is wagging his tail more than ever before, allowing Mr Unger and his dog more time together
Schoep and John
Schoep and John
Together: Dr Erik Haukass, Schoep's veterinarian, said that the 19-year-old dog is doing very well and that they are optimistic the treatments will allow Mr Unger and Schoep many more months
Swim
Swim: Together with Mr Unger and Mrs Hudson, the three formed Schoep's Legacy Foundation
Together with Mr Unger and Mrs Hudson, the three formed Schoep's Legacy Foundation.
'The idea is to pay it forward; give it to other organizations, to help out other animals in the area and use the money in the spirit it was given,' Dr Haukass said.
All Better
All Better: The $25,000 will be used in a variety of ways to help low-income families care for their animals
The $25,000 will be used in a variety of ways to help low-income families care for their animals, both in the care of older pets and the spaying and neutering of new pets.
'It could help another 30 or 40 Schoeps,' Dr Haukass said.
'It's incredible to be in a position to help others,' Mr Unger said.
But beyond helping other animals, Mr Unger said that he's found himself counseling people who have had to deal with a devastating loss in their lives.
Along with donations, people have been sending Mr Unger their personal stories of woe.
'They're going through some depression of their own. They're very deep and emotional letters. Those are the ones that hit home a lot,' Mr Unger said.
'But they look at the picture that Hannah took and it helps them have a better time with it. That's pretty extraordinary.'
Mr Unger knows first hand about love and loss.
He and his ex-fiancée adopted Schoep 19 years ago, but when the relationship ended, Mr Unger was on the brink of suicide.
'To be honest with you, I don’t think I’d be here if I didn’t have Schoep with me (that night). He just snapped me out of it. I don’t know how to explain it. He just snapped me out of it. … I just want to do whatever I can for this dog because he basically saved my ass,' he said.
Beginning
Beginning: Mr Unger adopted Schoep, who is named after a famous brand of Wisconsin ice cream, when he was just a puppy
PUPPY LOVE: HOW JOHN AND SCHOEP BECAME BEST FRIENDS
John Unger, 49, adopted Schoep, who is named after a famous brand of Wisconsin ice cream, when he was just a puppy and it was love at first sight.
Buddies: Schoep and Mr Unger have been together for 19 years
Buddies: Schoep and Mr Unger have been together for 19 years
He and his ex-fiancée had been searching for a rescue dog for a year, going to dozens of humane societies.
'We wanted every single dog,' Mr Unger said to the MailOnline.
'We just hadn't found the right one.'
His then-fiancée they spotted the pup at the Ozaukee Animal Shelter 19 years ago.
'We fell in love with her immediately,' Mr Unger told the MailOnline.
Schoep was in a cage with another dog, possibly his mother, crouched in the back quietly staring at the corner with his back to Mr Unger.
'I knew - that's him,' Mr Unger said.
At the time Schoep was named Tramp by the shelter staff and showed signs of abuse.
'He didn't even know what toys were,' Mr Unger said.
'I really wanted this dog because I wanted him to enjoy life.'
The couple worked hard to establish the trust of the dog and eventually brought out its 'full potential'.
Sleepy
Sleepy: He and his ex-fiancée had been searching for a rescue dog for a year, going to dozens of humane societies
young
woof
Adopted: Schoep was in a cage with another dog, possibly his mother, crouched in the back quietly staring at the corner with his back to Mr Unger
Vintage
Vintage: At the time Schoep was named Tramp by the shelter staff and showed signs of abuse
When Schoep was in so much pain, it is Mr Unger's time to return the favor.
Suffering from excruciating arthritis, the animal was not sleeping through the night and could barely walk.
‘Schoep falls asleep every night when he is carried into the lake. The buoyancy of the water soothes his arthritic bones. Lake Superior is very warm right now, so the temp of the water is perfect,' Mrs Hudson explained.
Mr Unger could not afford the costly treatments, which at $200 dollars a session, would ease Schoep's pain.
But after Mrs Hudson's photograph traveled across the world, thousands of dollars came pouring in.
Treatment
Treatment: Schoep has been getting joint laser treatments, which reduce pain and swelling while healing the animal's limbs, as well as pain medication from the Bay Area Animal Hospital
Gift:
Gift: 'He's walking so much faster,' Mr Unger said. 'His stride, his gait, is longer. It's unbelievable'
Friends
Friends: 'He sleeps through the night. He's interested in going for more walks during the day,' Dr Haukass said. 'He walks with less of a limp. His ears are standing up and his tail is wagging better'
'We didn't expect any of this,' Mr Unger said. 'Then, when the donations did start coming in for his care, they didn't stop.'
Schoep has been getting joint laser treatments, which reduce pain and swelling while healing the animal's limbs, as well as pain medication from the Bay Area Animal Hospital.
'He's walking so much faster,' Mr Unger said. 'His stride, his gait, is longer. It's unbelievable.'
Dr Haukass has also seen a change in the animal.
'He sleeps through the night. He's interested in going for more walks during the day,' Dr Haukass said. 'He walks with less of a limp. His ears are standing up and his tail is wagging better.'
JOHN AND SCHOEP: THE STORY BEHIND THE PHOTOGRAPH
'I took Schoep in for a check up because he was limping,' Mr Unger said.
The doctor recommend pain medication, but said that it may be temporary or not help at all.
Inspired: This image has touched thousands
Inspired: This image has touched thousands
Then, Mr Unger said, the doctor told him, ' "If there isn't any improvement, we should probably..." a good vet wont say "put him down," but he said at that point I may start to want to think about it.'
Faced with the possibility of losing his best friend, he called up Mrs Hudson for an impromptu session.
She met the pair at sunset on Lake Superior, because Schoep's cataracts prevent him from seeing in sunlight.
'She couldn't believe he fell asleep in my arms,' Mr Unger said.
Mrs Hudson watched the man and his dog float around the lake for maybe five minutes before Schoep began to get cold and shake.
Mr Unger said he had to take him out of the water to let him warm up and was worried she hadn't had the chance to snap an image.
'I didn't think she even took one picture,' he said. 'But then she told me she got what she wanted.'
Read more: Photograph of man and his arthritic dog raises so much money they've started a foundation to save other animals | Mail Online
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
'His tail is wagging again!' Owner of arthritic dog Schoep who touched the world shares intimate pictures of his recovery
A few months ago, Schoep, 19, was in so much pain John Unger, 49, thought he was close to the end
A photographer offered to take a final photo of the two on Lake Superior
The image of the arthritic dog inspired donations to help with his care
The Schoep Legacy Foundation will offer help to low-income families to care for their animals
By Emily Anne Epstein
PUBLISHED: 18:54 EST, 25 September 2012 | UPDATED: 03:41 EST, 26 September 2012
Comments (91)
Share
The stunning photograph of a man lulling his arthritic dog to sleep in Lake Superior has touched so many people that John Unger, 49, and his dog Schoep, 19, have started a foundation to help other dogs in need.
The Schoep Legacy Foundation has raised more than $25,000 to help low-income families care for their aging dogs thanks to donations from people as far away as Saudi Arabia and Japan, all inspired by the gorgeous image.
Mr Unger's good friend Hannah Stonehouse Hudson, who is a professional photographer, captured the heartbreaking moment between the man and his aging rescue dog in Wisconsin when Mr Unger thought his best friend was at the end of his life.
But thanks to the generosity of strangers, Schoep has been receiving top-notch care and is wagging his tail more than ever before, allowing Mr Unger and his dog more time together.
Inspiration
Inspiration: The stunning photograph of a man lulling his arthritic dog to sleep in Lake Superior has touched so many people that John Unger and his dog Schoep have started a foundation to help other dogs in need
pals
Schoep and John
Giving: The Schoep Legacy Foundation has raised more than $25,000 to help low-income families care for their aging dogs thanks to donations from people as far away as Saudi Arabia and Japan
'Schoep is doing incredible right now,' Mr Unger said to MailOnline. 'The therapies that the people have donated - it's like turning back the clock a year and a half.'
Dr Erik Haukass, Schoep's veterinarian, said that the 19-year-old dog is doing very well and that they are optimistic the treatments will allow Mr Unger and Schoep many more months.
More...
Doctors rebuild man's face with part of his leg bone after fireworks accident 'blew the left side clean off'
The REAL story of Britain's servant class (and it wasn't exactly Downton Abbey): New BBC series reveals what it was really like downstairs
'He saved MY life... I just want to help him in return': Owner of sick dog whose picture touched the nation's hearts reveals how loyal companion stopped him from suicide
'Without treatment, John and I were talking about euthanasia at the end of July,' Dr Haukass said.
He was on the front line when the donations to Schoep's care came in, shocked by their magnitude.
'I've never seen anything like this before,' he said. 'We realized we had received more money than we would reasonably spend on Schoep's care.'
Dip
Dip: Thanks to the generosity of strangers, Schoep has been receiving top-notch care and is wagging his tail more than ever before, allowing Mr Unger and his dog more time together
Schoep and John
Schoep and John
Together: Dr Erik Haukass, Schoep's veterinarian, said that the 19-year-old dog is doing very well and that they are optimistic the treatments will allow Mr Unger and Schoep many more months
Swim
Swim: Together with Mr Unger and Mrs Hudson, the three formed Schoep's Legacy Foundation
Together with Mr Unger and Mrs Hudson, the three formed Schoep's Legacy Foundation.
'The idea is to pay it forward; give it to other organizations, to help out other animals in the area and use the money in the spirit it was given,' Dr Haukass said.
All Better
All Better: The $25,000 will be used in a variety of ways to help low-income families care for their animals
The $25,000 will be used in a variety of ways to help low-income families care for their animals, both in the care of older pets and the spaying and neutering of new pets.
'It could help another 30 or 40 Schoeps,' Dr Haukass said.
'It's incredible to be in a position to help others,' Mr Unger said.
But beyond helping other animals, Mr Unger said that he's found himself counseling people who have had to deal with a devastating loss in their lives.
Along with donations, people have been sending Mr Unger their personal stories of woe.
'They're going through some depression of their own. They're very deep and emotional letters. Those are the ones that hit home a lot,' Mr Unger said.
'But they look at the picture that Hannah took and it helps them have a better time with it. That's pretty extraordinary.'
Mr Unger knows first hand about love and loss.
He and his ex-fiancée adopted Schoep 19 years ago, but when the relationship ended, Mr Unger was on the brink of suicide.
'To be honest with you, I don’t think I’d be here if I didn’t have Schoep with me (that night). He just snapped me out of it. I don’t know how to explain it. He just snapped me out of it. … I just want to do whatever I can for this dog because he basically saved my ass,' he said.
Beginning
Beginning: Mr Unger adopted Schoep, who is named after a famous brand of Wisconsin ice cream, when he was just a puppy
PUPPY LOVE: HOW JOHN AND SCHOEP BECAME BEST FRIENDS
John Unger, 49, adopted Schoep, who is named after a famous brand of Wisconsin ice cream, when he was just a puppy and it was love at first sight.
Buddies: Schoep and Mr Unger have been together for 19 years
Buddies: Schoep and Mr Unger have been together for 19 years
He and his ex-fiancée had been searching for a rescue dog for a year, going to dozens of humane societies.
'We wanted every single dog,' Mr Unger said to the MailOnline.
'We just hadn't found the right one.'
His then-fiancée they spotted the pup at the Ozaukee Animal Shelter 19 years ago.
'We fell in love with her immediately,' Mr Unger told the MailOnline.
Schoep was in a cage with another dog, possibly his mother, crouched in the back quietly staring at the corner with his back to Mr Unger.
'I knew - that's him,' Mr Unger said.
At the time Schoep was named Tramp by the shelter staff and showed signs of abuse.
'He didn't even know what toys were,' Mr Unger said.
'I really wanted this dog because I wanted him to enjoy life.'
The couple worked hard to establish the trust of the dog and eventually brought out its 'full potential'.
Sleepy
Sleepy: He and his ex-fiancée had been searching for a rescue dog for a year, going to dozens of humane societies
young
woof
Adopted: Schoep was in a cage with another dog, possibly his mother, crouched in the back quietly staring at the corner with his back to Mr Unger
Vintage
Vintage: At the time Schoep was named Tramp by the shelter staff and showed signs of abuse
When Schoep was in so much pain, it is Mr Unger's time to return the favor.
Suffering from excruciating arthritis, the animal was not sleeping through the night and could barely walk.
‘Schoep falls asleep every night when he is carried into the lake. The buoyancy of the water soothes his arthritic bones. Lake Superior is very warm right now, so the temp of the water is perfect,' Mrs Hudson explained.
Mr Unger could not afford the costly treatments, which at $200 dollars a session, would ease Schoep's pain.
But after Mrs Hudson's photograph traveled across the world, thousands of dollars came pouring in.
Treatment
Treatment: Schoep has been getting joint laser treatments, which reduce pain and swelling while healing the animal's limbs, as well as pain medication from the Bay Area Animal Hospital
Gift:
Gift: 'He's walking so much faster,' Mr Unger said. 'His stride, his gait, is longer. It's unbelievable'
Friends
Friends: 'He sleeps through the night. He's interested in going for more walks during the day,' Dr Haukass said. 'He walks with less of a limp. His ears are standing up and his tail is wagging better'
'We didn't expect any of this,' Mr Unger said. 'Then, when the donations did start coming in for his care, they didn't stop.'
Schoep has been getting joint laser treatments, which reduce pain and swelling while healing the animal's limbs, as well as pain medication from the Bay Area Animal Hospital.
'He's walking so much faster,' Mr Unger said. 'His stride, his gait, is longer. It's unbelievable.'
Dr Haukass has also seen a change in the animal.
'He sleeps through the night. He's interested in going for more walks during the day,' Dr Haukass said. 'He walks with less of a limp. His ears are standing up and his tail is wagging better.'
JOHN AND SCHOEP: THE STORY BEHIND THE PHOTOGRAPH
'I took Schoep in for a check up because he was limping,' Mr Unger said.
The doctor recommend pain medication, but said that it may be temporary or not help at all.
Inspired: This image has touched thousands
Inspired: This image has touched thousands
Then, Mr Unger said, the doctor told him, ' "If there isn't any improvement, we should probably..." a good vet wont say "put him down," but he said at that point I may start to want to think about it.'
Faced with the possibility of losing his best friend, he called up Mrs Hudson for an impromptu session.
She met the pair at sunset on Lake Superior, because Schoep's cataracts prevent him from seeing in sunlight.
'She couldn't believe he fell asleep in my arms,' Mr Unger said.
Mrs Hudson watched the man and his dog float around the lake for maybe five minutes before Schoep began to get cold and shake.
Mr Unger said he had to take him out of the water to let him warm up and was worried she hadn't had the chance to snap an image.
'I didn't think she even took one picture,' he said. 'But then she told me she got what she wanted.'
Read more: Photograph of man and his arthritic dog raises so much money they've started a foundation to save other animals | Mail Online
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook