A 19-year-old dog had a very difficult time due to the disease that limited his movements in the last few years. However, he had the joy of enjoying the best care and all the love that his favorite person had to give him.

In the northern U.S. state of Wisconsin, the story of Unger, the senior dog who accompanied his owner at all times, moved the networks after a photo was shared swimming with his father in the lake.

Dog swims in the lake next to his adoptive father to ease his pain until the last moment.

This beautiful little dog suffered from arthritis, he could not rest or sleep peacefully because of the pain caused by the disease, so daily his adoptive father, John Unger, took him to the lake so that the puppy could relax his body in the water.

The man adopted the dog when he was only 8 months old, at that time he lived with his fiancée, but the relationship did not work out and they kept shared custody of the dog, soon after, Unger kept him for good.

The dog’s name was Schoep.

While they say that a dog is man’s best friend, Schoep was everything to Unger, he was his main companion and salvation when loneliness and depression took hold of him.

For Unger, his dog saved his life. In this regard he commented:

“To be honest, I don’t think I would be here if I hadn’t had Schoep. He got me out of it, I don’t know how to explain it. I would do anything for him, because he basically saved my life.

Time passed and ailments were inevitable, due to his advanced age Schoep suffered from arthritis, a disease that caused him so much pain that even the veterinarian suggested putting him to sleep, but Unger disagreed. For the last few years, the man cared for him and did everything he could to ease his pain.

In an attempt to soothe the puppy’s joints and muscles, Unger would take him to the lake where Schoep would often fall asleep in the arms of his owner, who tenderly held him and cuddled him as one would cradle a baby in his arms.

The touching scene was captured by Hannah Stonehouese, Unger’s friend, a photographer who accompanied him one day and managed to record the moment.

The photo was shared on social media and soon found its way into the hearts of thousands of Internet users. Hannat tells that it was an impromptu session, in this regard he said:

“We had been trying to meet for weeks, but my schedule with the agency wouldn’t let me. Finally we met and in just five minutes I got the photo. It’s not a pose, I hate poses, they never capture the true essence of anything.”

It didn’t take long for the photo to go viral, so much so that thousands of people rallied and made donations for Schoep to receive laser treatment to alleviate his arthritis.

A sign of his popularity is that the image of him sleeping in his father’s arms in the lake has been reproduced on T-shirts, posters and even mugs.

Although the disease was already well advanced as was his age, this beautiful little dog closed his eyes for good shortly before his 20th birthday. Through the networks Unger made known the unfortunate news.

“I breathe, but I can’t breathe. Schoep died yesterday.”

With the remaining donations Unger created Schoep Legacy Foundation, to help other pet owners with similar problems. This adorable dog crossed the rainbow and earned his wings and was much loved.

For Unger his furry companion is gone but his memory will always be alive. Let’s send all our prayers to Schoep who rests in heaven.