You might remember John Unger, the devoted dog dad whose love for his boy was captured by photographer Hannah Stonehouse Hudson in a snapshot that was seen around the world. It has been over a year since Schoep passed, and now John has opened his heart to a new shelter dog.
A senior dog in his late teens, Schoep suffered from arthritis that made it difficult to walk, and even swim, which he loved. So John tenderly held his beloved dog, often for hours, in the soothing waters of Lake Superior. Sometimes Schoep was so relaxed that he’d fall asleep in his dad’s arms.
“He was my life,” John said.
When Hannah’s beautiful photo surfaced online, the pair became instant celebrities amongst dog lovers, and their bond touched the hearts of everyone who read the story that went along with the photo.
John was battling depression 20 years ago when he came across Schoep in a shelter.
“He saved me that night and I could only do my very best for him after that,” John told USA Today.
And he did. He loved his dog til the very end, even celebrating Schoep’s 20th birthday. It wasn’t long after that Schoep departed this world, leaving John with a gigantic hole in his heart.
“It was really tough after Schoep left, and [I] didn’t know what to do with my time,” he explained.
As the months passed, John thought about getting another dog, but nothing felt right.
“It was re-learning how to live and once I learned that and once I got through the toughness of his love that’s when I started searching again,” he said.
Several days ago, a handful of dogs were surrendered to the Northwoods Humane Society in Wyoming, Minnesota. Year-old Bear was one of them.
“It was just unison. It was just you know, in love from the moment they said hello to each other,” said shelter worker Kim Molitor.
It’s been less than a week now, and John and Bear are still getting to know one another, such as whether Bear prefers a stick or a ball.
Though it is difficult to move on from Schoep, John knows he has to take a chance on love.
“I talk to him still. Thank him for everything.”
Bear!!
Lucky dog.
lucky dog indeed
❤
Yeah Jon! Schoep is looking down with pride! Blessed baby.
that is one lucky dog. He will be so very loved. Bear could not have found a better home.
Awesome! God bless!
I tear up every time I see that picture of Schoep and John. SO very happy that John has found a new friend. They bring so much happiness and John has so much love to give.
Me too…that photo gets me every time. My 18 1/2-year-old cat Fluffy passed away from lung cancer last November, and the thing with a pet friend that you’ve had that long is that you’ve gone through so much with them. A part of you dies with them, you know. It hurts like hell no matter how long you’ve been with them, even for a day. But you can see in that photo how much they love each other, how close they are after 20 years together. I’m trying to be extra good because when I die, I want to go wherever my pets have gone.
” I’m trying to be extra good because when I die, I want to go wherever my pets have gone.”
Absolutely awesome.
Trust me Karin, I believe you will. And they will be waiting for you.
Beautifully written Karin
Same here
Hooray!!!!!! That’s awesome to hear! Congrats! And that’s one very lucky pup!!!
awesome <3
beautiful story
Bear doesn’t know it yet, but he just hit the jackpot. And so did John.
Sherry Mulloy
Lee Affleck check this out
so happy for John and Bear! sad to hear about Shoeps’ passing, but wow – 20 years! wonderful, and so clearly loved. 🙂
It is a tribute to Schoep for John to adopt another dog and love again. The new dog will be different, but also a loving relationship. Good for both!
Very happy for you. Bear is a very lucky boy to have you in his life and know that Schoep is looking down and wagging his tail because you are helping another dog have an amazing life
❤️
I remember the story. What a lovely story. What a lovely man.
Congrats on the new rescure
<3
Best Wishes for a grrreat life together <3
How great. I know that his new dog will never replace Shoep but that is one lucky dog!
Wonderful news! Congrats to John and his new best friend! Schoep will always be remembered!
God bless!
Fortunate for both of them. Two hearts repaired.
Cool!
His love for the new dog truly honors Shoep and the love they had for each other. Blessings.
That’s one lucky pup
How amazing! ❤️
God bless the hole in my heart seems to be sinking deeper n deeper over my loss
So glad you found someone to love again, Schoep will always be with you
Bumble Gee
So wonderful that another shelter dog gets to have you as his human..
Schoep is looking down on you with a big smile and a wag of his tail. His love will live on in your heart and by sharing it with your new family member.
Wonderful news!!! They will help each other. ♡♡♡♡
So happy for you John. Bear is one very lucky puppy and he’s adorable.
Yay…that will.be a blessed relationship!!!
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Ur a great man John and I know u and ur new buddy will b totally happy together!!
Lucky dog
That’s a lucky dog!
Congratulations so happy for you! Lucky doggy!
Do good thing, it is all we can ask.
Awesome! John is a great person.
♥
This guy rocks!
John!!!! Congrats!!! God Bless you, Bear!!
<3
Yay!
So awesome!!! That’s one lucky dog!!!
thanks for the heartwarm and a good cry.
You are a wonderful man John, God Bless you and your new friend!
Julia, my Maggie was 14 1/2. It took awhile. Just like our humans Loves, they want us to live on and be happy. If it lasts a long time and you feel more down, talk to a pro. Hugs.
They need us, we need them…
What a great guy…this is the kind of owner every dog deserves.
So very happy you’ve found love again. Your sweet Schoep would LOVE the fact that you are spreading love with others.
🙂 it’s been one of the greatest news I’ve heard lately
That’s so brilliant but my heart broke, thinking about the loss of my Sambo bubby boy.
It’s so difficult. Lost my Gracie dog after 18 yrs and two battles with cancer. Two years later we found Buster Posey almost a twin and it was immediate mutual love. Enjoy your new companion
Aww what a wonderful man, our pets are our famliy
Any dog would belucky to have him as a doggy dad!
That is what we’re supposed to do, we’re supposed to cry and then in our friends memory we are supposed to make a home for a new friend.i can only save them one dog at a time
It took me about six to eight months after Thor then this guy came through the door and crawled into my lap and heart. He is a little blanket eating oddball and he is great.
What a good person you are John!!
Congrats John and Bear !
Best wishes and puppy love to you John Unger. Always keep your heart open for love from a Furbaby. Schoep will FOREVER be in your heart
Congratulations
the heart knows when it is time…after following his story and his devotion to Schoep id say this new baby has found a wonderful man to love him…best of luck to them both <3
Yay!
Schoep would be so proud of his dad. Without learning to love Schoep the way he did, Bear wouldn’t be a part of the wonderful man’s heart too!
Lucky dog!!#
aaaawwww, a new chapter in both of your lives, much love to you both xx
I am in love with this man!
10 dogs later, the best tribute to a darling dog is to welcome home another one. Happiness to u both, oh and lotsa licks and hugs!
God speed!
god bless you, this will be a lucky dog, a man who LOVES his dog….will never forget Schoep…
Wow.
Bless him and his new pal!
That’s a guy with a good heart!
Wonderful ♥
Love this story
I know how he feels. Such a great man!
I still miss my Grady Boy who looked just like Schoep and was my light in life until almost 14 years. I rescued Ginger, a tripod 6 months later and even though she will never fill Grady’s paws, she brings me lots of love and happiness. So happy that you have gotten a new partner in life. He looks adorable. I also had a pup named Bear.
Very kind heart
Bear will be a very loved dog. I’m glad John finally found a new pup to share his life with.
What a lucky boy
God bless you..
Beautiful
Wonderful! Schoep will always be with you.
Lucky dog!
Such joyful news…thank you for sharing!
I’m tearing up and I haven’t even read the article yet.
Bless you John- thank you for opening your heart to another rescue doggie- Schoep will be smiling!!!!! <3
I believe that Shoep would have wanted to share John with another dog in need <3