Posted on 07/18/2013 6:01:10 PM PDT by rhema
Schoep, the aged Bayfield, Wis., dog whose photo traveled around the world via the Internet, has passed away. He was 20 and had just marked a birthday last month.
"Schoep passed yesterday," John Unger, Schoep's owner, announced on Facebook on Thursday. "More info in the days ahead."
Unger and Schoep became Internet celebrities last summer because of Bayfield photographer Hannah Hudson's tender photograph of the pair in the waters of Lake Superior. Unger took Schoep into the chilly lake to ease the discomfort of the dog's arthritis.
Hudson captured the image July 30 and posted it the next evening on her Facebook page. Within four days it had 1.8 million views.
Gifts and monetary support poured in for Unger. That enabled him to get needed veterinary care for Schoep, a shepherd mix who was also blind and hard of hearing.
In this case, good. Schoep is no longer suffering. And he lived his life knowing he was loved beyond words. We should all be so lucky.
Today Schoep is pain free, his eyes are clear and he can hear the whispering wind once more, yes I believe there is a place in heaven for our canine friends because I have several very good dogs waiting for me to come home.
Godspeed Schoep.
Precious pup
AWWWWWWWWWW
pretty doggie
Unconditional love. You can literally see it in that photo. It’s beautiful.
Thank you for posting this...have followed John and Schoep on Facebook ever since this magical photo appeared.
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Yes....exactly what you said.
The love in this photo speaks volumes and moves me to tears every time I see it.
You said it as well as anybody good.
Godspeed Schoep.
Sorry, meant “as well as anybody could.”
Best Twilight Zone episode ever!
Dogs are wonderful, aren’t they? That God should give man such a faithful companion with such a short life (although in Schoep’s case, 20-years is WAY more than most could hope for!)... they teach us how to mourn.
Ir’s touching, but am I the only one who thought John Lennon was dead?
The Bible says our pets are in Heaven. Read Romans 8:18-21.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.