Perhaps you remember Schoep the arthritic dog and his owner Joe Unger. Images of Joe holding Schoep, floating in Lake Superior to ease the pain in the poor dog’s joints, went viral on the internet about 3 years ago.
It’s no wonder the pair became a sensation. Their story was so incredibly touching, the images of them so heartwarming, that they resonated with humans the world over. When Schoep passed, every one who knew of Joe and his pup mourned the dog’s passing.
“He was my life,” Joe said. He has a collection of mementos and gifts sent by people from around the globe. Recently, Joe has found another way to commemorate the memory of Schoep. With a new dog.
“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,” Joe said.
Bear, who is one year old, was surrendered to a nearby shelter with several other dogs. When Joe learned of the need to find the pups homes and met the adoptable dogs, he was instantly drawn to Bear.
“It was just unison. It was just you know, in love from the moment they said hello to each other,” said a worker from the shelter who eventually recognized Joe from the internet.
Though Joe and Bear haven’t known each other long, the chemistry between them has already begun to form. They’re learning how to take walks together and play, and Joe is very glad to have such a good dog back in his life.
We wish them all the best, and so can you. Just visit Joe’s Facebook page. Below you’ll find more wonderful imagery of Joe and his new pup Bear.
