Love & care touches everyone
Update:
On the 18th of July 2013, Schoep passed away at the old age of 20 years old.
John Unger with Schoep in Lake Superior (Hannah Stonehouse Hudson)
Dear friends,
Something incredible has gone viral and touched the hearts of thousands… There is a picture of a man and dog which is currently going viral on the Internet. We usually see dogs displaying traits of loyalty and affection towards humans… but this picture showed a man reciprocating his love back to his dog companion.
Every day in North America, John Unger brings his 19 year old arthritic dog, Schoep, to a lake a mile away from his house. The arthritis stiffens Schoep’s muscle, making him unable to relax and sleep properly… Being in the lake allows Schoep’s joints to relax and provide him with some time of uninterrupted sleep.
Reading about Unger and Schoep brings back many memories… I remember when Mumu was very young, he had a horrible allergic reaction which made his paws swell up. His paws would swell to the size of a ball! When he was only 6 months old, Mumu had to go through an operation because of that… it really broke my heart to see Mumu having to go through so much pain. I couldn’t even hug him when he cried because of the stitches on his paws. I learnt my lesson that time to never allow Mumu to run in the garden due to his sensitive paws… which is why I now have a doggy stroller for him to go out. I can understand John Unger’s deep love for his dog. John has great compassion and humanity. Schoep helped John to manifest this. All of us should be kind to animals always.
Do watch the video on John and Schoep. I hope that everyone will treat their animal companion in the same manner. It is so amazing how one picture on Facebook can move so many people… it shows how many kind-hearted people there are out there…I am very happy to know so many kind people out there still. I thank them all. I thank Schoep and John.
Tsem Rinpoche
Viral photo helps 19-year-old arthritic dog recover
A photograph of a man wading in Lake Superior with his 19-year-old arthritic dog captured the hearts of millions when it was posted online last month–an outpouring that inspired the dog’s owner to launch a foundation to help low-income families care for their aging canines.
John Unger says Schoep’s Legacy Foundation has raised more than $25,000 since Unger and his dog, Schoep, were photographed by a friend, who posted the image to Facebook.
Before the photo was taken, Unger and his veterinarian had been considering putting Schoep down.
“Without treatment, John and I were talking about euthanasia at the end of July,” Erik Haukass, the vet, told the Daily Mail. But through the unsolicited donations from people who saw the photo, Unger was able to treat Schoep and extend his life.
“Schoep is doing incredible right now,” Unger said. ‘The therapies that the people have donated–it’s like turning back the clock a year and a half.”
The foundation was created, Haukass added, when the pair “realized we had received more money than we would reasonably spend on Schoep’s care.”
“It could help another 30 or 40 Schoeps,” Haukass said.
The “Official Fan Page of Schoep and John” has more than 20,000 “likes,” and Hudson has been selling prints of the photo to benefit the cause.
“This 19-year-old [Schoep is] being cradled in his father’s arms last night in Lake Superior,” Hannah Stonehouse Hudson, the photographer, wrote in the Facebook post that sparked the outpouring. “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 temperature of the water is perfect. I was so happy I got to capture this moment for John. By the way, John rescued Schoep as an 8-month-old puppy, and he’s been by his side through many adventures.”
Hudson, a professional photographer, told the Pioneer Press that business is booming since the photo of Unger and Schoep was published–so much so that she recently hired her first employee plus an intern.
“I would say a 30 percent increase in shoots,” Hudson said. “Who knew a favor to a friend would turn into this? It’s completely surreal.”
Because of the public’s generosity, Schoep has been getting expensive joint laser treatments to reduce pain and swelling related to arthritis.
“He’s walking so much faster,” the 49-year-old Unger said. “It’s unbelievable.”
On CBS4
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/doginwater.mp4
Another report about Schoep on abc7 News
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/ManSwimsWithHisArthriticDogToEasePain.mp4
Please support us so that we can continue to bring you more Dharma:
If you are in the United States, please note that your offerings and contributions are tax deductible. ~ the tsemrinpoche.com blog team
Lovely story of master and pet doggy.
This is so touching, there’s a very special bond between Schoep and John. Some people will just do anything and give up anything to protect their pets and very ironically, some people will just do whatever it takes to torture an animal and be famous. Weird world full will weird people …
It is just truly amazing that John is giving so much love back to his dog, caring for it when it needs him most. I am very happy that there are really pet owners that love their pets so much, going to that extra mile just for the comfort of their lovely pets. I really hope more people can be like that, if most of us are like that and care for the well being of animals, they will not suffer that much anymore.
I just wanted to update everyone that Schoep finally passed away today: http://www.today.com/pets/dog-pictured-floating-sleep-owners-arms-has-died-6C10680004 No details have been released yet as to how he passed away.
After the Internet raised awareness about Schoep and his condition, John was able to raise enough funds to treat Schoep’s arthritis and extend his life for another 1.5 to 2 years. Except Rinpoche, I don’t know many other people who would go to such lengths for their dogs, treating them like family rather than just another object or possession.
Dear Rinpoche,
It really touched me and even made me cry a bit because this unbreakable bond between a dog and a human is so strong and even after the dog went blind his owner John never gave up on him or ever have the thought of giving him away because he is old or sending him tho a dog shelter to let him rot.
Again this is another person that has very strong compassion for a old, sick and bling dog, needless to say instead of doing his work to benefit his own self he still takes his dog for his daily soak in Lake Superior.
It is no surprise why people all around the world should not be touched and not send any gifts to John, John and his love for his dog, Schoep is truly a one in a million story of true compassion in a human being to an animal.
To me it is truly very heartbreaking and sad to see lots of animals being slaughtered and abused everyday just for our own pleasure.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this very touching article!
Love
Jutika
Thank you for posting this, It is a truly touching story of love between human and animals..
This is a great to learn from Mr John Unger. Pets also need love and concern from their Owner.
very rare, nowadays.tx for sharing.
nice & heartwarming =)
现在的人，都是以自己的方便与利益为主，只为了解决自己的问题，而不顾其他的事，即使伤害到其他的人，事，物，都不加理会。难的有像这一篇的报道，可以启发我们来多注意身边人事物的需求，启发我们的内在本来就有的慈悲心，让我们可以回到人的本性，快乐的生活。谢谢仁波切。
A truly incredible story about pure love and devotion. I just love it when such people are still around. Do wish if all people are like that
Unger shows such good qualities of loyalty, devotion, determination, kindness, consistency, patience and generousity. He did not just put his dog down and respect the fact that Schoep also has the right to live till the day comes. This is a very good reminder for us who complaint about our old aged folks at home! If we should take care a our pet who do not give birth to us, what more our parents who brought us to the world, raise us and educate us? No one should be mistreat due to our ignorance. Everyone has the equal right to be loved, live and well taken care of!
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this wonderful story. This man is truly an example for mankind to follow. Having compassion for your animals is a must. If we have a pet, that pet is part of our family and we should treat it as such.
This is very touching, to see the love shared between John and Schoep. Real love is showing kindness and sincerity to one another, (whatever form the parties may be in), respecting each other, being loyal and caring. This is evident between John and Schoep despite it being a man-dog relationship. The care and thought that John has for Schoep is amazing, and if one person can love animals this much, so can all of us.
John Unger did show his love and kindness to animals, i always wish humans with humans, humans and animals to get along together with peace, taking care of each others and harmony. 🙂
The true love can like a viral spreading in anywhere, anytime and all sentient beings not only human. The story of John Unger and his 19 years old arthritis dog really moved me a lot. Everyday John Unger brought his arthritis dog go to a lake a mile away from his house, hopefully that his puppy feel less pain and can have a short relax and peace period time.
According to John Unger’s friend John rescued the dog, named Schoep while it is only 8 months puppy.
John’s true love towards his puppy made his photography friend Hudson feel touched and amazed his love to his puppy. In between that John discussed about euthanasia for Schoep end of July, however because of the perfect captured from Hudson who uploaded into facebook created an unexpected huge impact in public. A lot of donation came in because of the capture showed the true love of an owner towards his puppy.
Then the Schoep’s Legacy Foundation had established and raised more than $25, 000 since Unger and his puppy’s photo posted to Facebook. Now the money can help 30 to 40 Schoeps.
Amazing!!! An image can attract so many people like it. Don’t you click LIKE or not? If not, please watch the short video, it is very nice and touched.
Nowadays the social media power was so big and the impact is huge.
Due to my childhood bad experience with dog & my grandparent had never allow my family members to rare pets, to be frank, i have never like dogs. Until i have watched Hachiko movie, and through Rinpoche’s blog of promoting caring for animals, i started to change my mind.
And this video clip, it totally touched my heart on how Unger the pet’s owner treated Schoep. Dog deserves love, cares just like human being!
I hope Schoep will have less suffering by now…
Thank you Rinpoche sharing this true love story !! it is really touching my heart !! Schoep really fortunate can meet his very kind hearted owner–John Unger,he shows us what is real compassion !!May this story can inspire more many pet owners love and treat well of their pets !!”Be kind to animals ,dun hurt them !!”
Dear Rinpoche, Thank You for sharing this wonderful post.It’s very amazing to see things like that. How many humans r able to do things like what John did? I really respect him for that. I’m very happy for the doggy, not in the sense of him having sickness but having a wonderful and caring master that takes well care of him.
It is a very beautiful story which is full of love and compassion. How much kindness and care John gave to Schoep reminds me about how Rinpoche loves mumu and all his adorable dogs. I see unconditional love. No boundary between human and dog. Looking at the picture that John holding Schoep in the water. What John wanted was just to let Schoep could relief his pain and sleep peacefully.
The first thing came to my mind was my old mother, who has pain too just like Schoep when she walk. I find Schoep very very lucky to have someone like John, who can do so much for him. My old mother do not have that kind of karma to have someone who can love her that way. What have I done for my old parents, someone who had gave birth to us and brought me up. May I dedicate my merits for her to have endless painless and peaceful nights to come.
When there is someone in need such as a helpless baby or child to needs care and nurturing or even an old parent who have physical difficulties, we shouldn’t see it as a burden but a way to make us a better, caring person. As such, there is no difference between humans and animals. Animals need care and love too. The difference is they can’t say thank you. Therefore, the love and care one shows for an animal such as John Unger is purely unconditional.
I also like how karma works for the photographer. Just by lending her skills out of kindness and generosity without expectations, her business increased. So believe or not, karma really do work this way and this is just one proof.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing the lovely story/videos.
I just cried and cried when i watched the video. The words that stuck in my mind are LOVE, DEVOTION & COMMITMENT (as narrated in the videos ) How absolutely true!
Having pets is more than being just a pet owner , the pet is a family member that deserves the same care, love , devotion and commitment that we have for our parents, children and everyone around us. in a way, they deserves even more, as they show us such undivided unconditional love that some humans do not even show to their own families.
I am deeply touched how John Unger has gone all the way out for Schoep. If only there are more of people like John in this world,showing the devotion and love for another being, what a much better place this would be !I fully understands the way John feels for Schoep, i would lay my life down for my ‘babies'(the 4 legged ones).
Having animals in our lives are a true gift. We must never disregard this amazing wondrous blessing !
May the Buddhas bless John Unger and Schoep !
m encanta el video porq soy de las personas q aman los animales y el señor q tiene a su perrito enfermo es un verdadero ser humano porq lo cuida sin importarle nad no cm mucha gente hoy en dia q si su perrito estuviera enfermo ya lo fueran abandonado de verdad es muy lindo
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this post..
This guy really so compassionate and patient to taking care this dog.. Really so touching 🙂
Some people may view that Schoep is disadvantaged – yes, physically he is. But he has received so much care and love from John that makes me feel a tad jealous. Schoep may not be able to utter his thanks to John but we can be very sure that John knows how Schoep feels.
Another real life example of kindness and real love between human beings and animals. This heartwarming story is truly inspiring. For those who have pet at home or going to adopt a pet, will you be inspired by John’s actions and accept your pet if unfortunately one day they are physically unwell like Schoep?
Thank Rinpoche for the sharing of this touching story, it show Love is no border.
Dear RinpoChe, thank you for the sharing of this touching story . Is really wonderful that John took care of Schoep . It proves so much that things work out so well when we put our mind to it . I will try to treat my Fifi the best I could.
What a beautiful story and so heartwarming to hear of such kindness from a fellow human being. There are far too many bad stories out there these days of the kinds of inhumane torture that people inflict on animals, for such very, very small gains. It’s wonderful to know that there are people who still value and care for animals as equals, understanding that they have as much capacity for pain, feeling, happiness and love as we do. Bravo John Unger and may there be many, many more like you
Dear Rinpoche,such a beautiful story!!!! Thanks so much for sharing !!
Thank you ! Rinpoche , for sharing this story. This dog lover really amazed me with his patience and love for his dog. It also brought back many painful memories i had with my “sam” , he had bone cancer on his right front leg and it was so bad that it was gangrened , brings back painful memories to think that there was nothing i could do to alleviate his pain . I was advised by the vet that amputation was not gonna help my 14 year old german shepard crossed doberman as the cancer was also attacking his tongue ! Alas , i relented with the vet to put him to sleep as he was in such pain . I would like to believe that i did the right thing for him , looking back it was as though my sam knew what had to be done and was “expecting” the vets arrival that dreadful day. I made that decision for him with my father and brother , it was our family guard dog , i was a teenager then. Watching the video , made me think if i could have done more for Sam.
Thank you for the sharing Rinpoche.It shows that John Unger is a person who value the the companionship of the pet who he made into a dear friend over the years.His compassion for his pet did not weaken even when it got difficult with age as he could have taken the easy way out by getting a new one.
This is more than we could say in some relationship within the human realm,when it got difficult,we tend to take the easy way out without giving it a second thought.
Thanks Rinpoche for sharing such a touching story between Unger and his dog. Unger loves his sick dog so much that he is trying to soothe him in the lake and allow him to have a good sleep. If all people show their love towards their pets and all animals, the world would be full of happiness and harmony.
As we get older we worry ” Who is going to take care of my beloved companion when I go? ”
We worry they might outlive us, and be treated cruelly in the end.
That is why we need more caring people who will sacrifice their time, money to care for our animal
friends even till the end. Wonderful story of love.
What John Unger said really touched me. John appreciate Schoep a lot, and he sees Schoep as his old best friend, even though Schoep is a dog.
I read one article which is in Chinese on internet, that John has attempted to commit suicide many years back after he broke up with his fiancée. That time Schoep was the one who be with John and John says Schoep is the one who saved his life.
John also says that he couldn’t give Schoep the best food as he doesn’t has much money but Schoep gives him everything no matter how the situation is. And even now, John is giving everything he could to Schoep before Schoep die.
I agree with Rinpoche, there are still many kind-hearted people out there who cares about animals. Because of these people, Schoep is better now! And I thank John for launching a foundation to help other owners to save their old dogs/pets! Medical bill for animals can be very expensive, and animals might not have the chance to get treatment because of this. Animals have no insurance, they have nothing except our love and care. Therefore we must help.
I’ve fund raised for a stray dog’s medical bill before, and I’m glad there were many kind-hearted people to give their help. If physically you couldn’t help all the animals, you can always donate a little money for them. 🙂
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this amazing and touching story. It is a very good example and inspirational for us to love and care for pets and animals. Do not just abandoned aged pets but taking extra care and love them.
Such a heart warming story. John has such a good heart and am glad to see that this picture has gone viral. May it trigger the goodness in many more hearts. I’m glad that john is able to take such good care of his special friend, Schoep and I particularly loved it that John shares the funds he received with the many other people who loves their beloved pets but are not able to give such treatment.
I have gone thru many years of seeing a few of my beloved dogs getting old and not well. It’s very sad as they wish to still play and greet you the same way they used to but all they could do is to look at you with such sad eyes because they can’t move much anymore… It’s terrible if we do not have the funds to ease their pain, try all the possible treatment and tests, and give as much comfort. John sharing the funds he received shows where his heart is… and I am happy to know of people like John!
i was very touched by this post because of how John would take his his dog Schoep to the lake every day because he has arthritis which makes him not sleep properly but he can sleep in the water because water eases muscles and John would just keep him afloat for a period of time to get his dog some rest. which makes me happy because i know that some people in the world have very kind hearts.
A true pure love by John for his beloved dog unconditionally. An action that many as human lack in doing the same, whether to human or animals. Inspiring and touching to note and learn from. Animals deserve to be treated the same too even they could not reciprocate.
Julien and I had the honor of reading this post with Rinpoche when he came to visit Julien in the hospital.
Kindness and love to an animal is kinder than to another human. Why? Because the animal can’t e express back. I find that people who love animals and will do all good for animals are extremely kind. Sometimes when people are kind they get something back even if it is not intended. So there is reason to be nice. But with animals, it just shows real altruism.
Julien is really fortunate to have a mama like you to share stories of compassion with him. Imagine if every child has the same priviledge as Julien? Schools should incorporate such stories in their daily syllabus and/or even start programmes that encourages the young to develop empathy.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this heartwarming story.It is rare to read about man going a step further for sick old pet, this surely will inspired many. This gives me an inspiration of never giving up on old age and sicking pets, no matter how difficult one must go through and be a better and compassionate person. Animals and all breathing things have life, and we shouldn’t just brush aside just like that. Give a chance to the animals and plants a chance to live. We should go a step further for the one around us including animals and plants. Poor Schoep, wish he has a speedy recovery. For those who wish to contribute to Schoep, here’s the link : http://www.johnandschoep.com/donate-2/
Thank You Rinpoche for such wonderful posting, it’s very touching.
Schoep is very fortunate to have John Unger’s true love and care for him. Also thanks to those who has kindly donated medical funds to support Schoep, and allowed John to do much better for Schoep.
May this story will draw more attention to those who has abused their animals.
用心对待任何人的人很可贵。可以那么将心比心的人真的更可贵。
狗狗对人类忠心，守候着主人，但当狗狗生病时，主人能这么坚强及用心的照料狗儿。
这些例子真的须要让世人学习的好榜样！每次看见自己的狗儿有说不出的痛苦时，自己也会很痛苦！
John，真的很让人骄傲，好榜样！
It’s very touching and heartwarming to see the video,Mr John Unger is so compassionate, he spends so much time and take such good care of his pet dog Schoep for so many years.I hope all the pets owners can take him as an example. Actually, happiness comes from helping and benefiting others! Thank you Rinpoche for always reminding us the unconditional loves for others.
So touching. I can relate and feel John’s love and concern for Schoep as I have an 11 year old shih tzu too who is now blind and has epilepsy which has affected his nerves. Its so painful to see them in this condition. Our pets are helpless and depend on our kindness to treat them well. Thank you Rinpoche for always sharing messages of compassion to us. Mumu is a very lucky doggie to have Rinpoche.
Thank you Rinpoche for the sharing.
John Unger really shows us what love all about. His cares towards Schoep is so inspiring. That is unconditional and true compassion.
He never give up and yet he does whatever thing that he could. I love this spirit.
One of the way to be happy is to give unconditionally. With no expectation of return we can give anytime, anyway & to anyone. The end result we rejoice for seeing things change for good or better.
The love that shown by John Unger to his pet dog Schoep is just incredible. its very touching to see the amount of love, care and effort to take care the old and sick dog who is in pain, especially when Schoep take a short sleep while floating on the water. I wish all dog owners are like that
I can’t take eyes off Schope’s face in the photo, it is absolutely relax and serene. Like a child fallen asleep in his mother’s arms. That’s what touched million’s hearts hence donation had poured in.
It is inspiring and it shows that when we treat another fellow sentient beings equally, sincerely and with purest motivation, the feeling is infectious !
Next time, before you order chicken rice for lunch – think of Schope and Unger.
What I learnt from this post is that no matter human/animals, if we truly and sincerely care about the being, we would go all out and help them. just like how Rinpoche helps animals. Truly inspiring!
Thank you John for showing us that humans can be compassionate when they want to.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this touching story with us.
Life can be only seen with the love a man can give to an animal. A very touching story, and being a kid who is still young and knowing the different kind of people in the world and to also know the heart people can give to the loved ones is just SIMPLY AMAZING.
Amazing! People in this world are just simply amazing. Whether a man or a women, people always think for the better of the other people and their life ahead. Thank you god for making people to embrace the struggle, and always under whatever condition be it a man or even an animal, people always have a heart for them.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story of Schoep and Unger. The picture truly caught the bond between man and dog. I wish that all pet owners will realize that their pets are not to have only for fun, but to also share the hard times… it is a relationship that must last a lifetime.
真的很感动 Mr.John 所做的一切，看到Schoep拐着脚走路的样子，都觉得心疼，更何况是陪了它十八年的主人…从小无论是从课本或一些小故事，我们学会了，狗是人类最忠诚的朋友..但反而我们从未被教育身为人类对动物也应该尽的忠诚和责任。
而这新闻却恰好唤醒我们‘无知’的一面， 因为他人的善良与慈悲，触动了我们心底的愧疚，也明白尊重生命的重要！！我们要爱护动物，即使我们做不到爱它，但也千万别伤害他们~~
谢谢仁波切分享这感人的故事~~
p/s: 刚刚和一位朋友分享了以上的影片，她也说再听下去，眼泪就要掉了，很感动！！
Thank you Rinpoche for the posting. I’m very touched by the actions of John Unger who dearly cared for his dog all the way even his dog Schoep is suffering from arthritis. John Unger actions alone has inspired many around the world.
On many occasions, we see dogs being very loyal to human, but mostly human are only nice to dogs with conditions. Most will not go as far as what John will do for Schoep.
Rinpoche has mentioned that being kind to animals is one good way to improve our kindness, because when we are kind to animals, they cannot say thank you. As such, we need to be kind to animals without agenda. Many times when we are kind to another person, we expect them to be nice to us and treat us nicely, but we can’t expect the same from animal because they can’t say “thank you” and treat us nice (most of the time). As such, we can train our unconditioned kindness.
I’m also very glad to see John receives many support, both financially and warm messages.
It is always inspiring to see such acts from human. It shows there is still hope for compassion, and there is still hope for world peace.
Amazing story of a man with a big heart and his lovely companion – Scheop . This inspiring story remind me I must Always aware and remember, regardless how sick our pet is, how old they are, we must not take their life for granted .
Animals don’t talk do not mean they have no feeling. All pet lovers should do the same as Unger. Do not abandoned aged pets but taking extra care and love to our pets.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this post.
Very touching article that shows the amount of compassion human has and the power of social media in today’s world. It is not easy to find people to help other people unconditionally, more over it is helping animal who can’t say thank you or repay us with any material reward, but John Unger is showing us that love should be unconditional through this cyber space…
读了仁波切的这遍文章分享后。。。很感触和感动，因为当你对这世间某些事情绝望和人情冷漠的时候。。这遍报道能够给你带来希望和晓得人间还是有爱有温馨。这遍真人真事的主人对狗狗的关怀和无限的爱值得世人去学习，主人如何每天不放弃的陪伴狗狗身边关怀它，尤其带着狗狗游入海里帮助它减轻痛楚。
希望透过这遍报道，使我们领悟和倍养一颗慈悲心，因为现在这个世界真正需要。。。。爱。
This is so beautiful. This man is wonderful. It is a truly touching story between man and his best friend 😀 Thanks John Unger. You are a real man for showing compassion. Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this wonderful post.
Shelly tai On16otc at 1:59pm
This a amazing story it really show us the true compassion. For human to show kindness to another human is easy but to put it on animal i think not many of us can do. Thanks Rinpoche for sharing this video with us.
So moving to see the bonds between a man and his dog companion. This occurrence amongst human beings is also a rarity.
Thank John and Schoep for showing what true care is all about.
Like John Linger, we know Rinpoche has as much deep love for mumu, if not deeper than John. It really would be heart-wrenching pain for both the compassionate dog-lover owners when their pets suffer in pain. Nevertheless, both the animals in a lucky way met with super-kind owners to eliminate their pains and suferings. Such amazing story really touches many peoples’ hearts and draws heartfelt tears from the animals lovers – thus making the manifestation of a good and extensive animals sanctuary seem compulsory and fast in Malaysia!
The love John has for Schoep is as deep as the waters in Lake Superior. John would definitely do something when the waters in the lake freezes up in winter. Not only funds were raised but also a boost in sales for Hudson. One good deed deserves another. A real lesson in how our actions when taken to benefit someone can create postive results.
This is a beautiful video of compassion and true love. Animals sufferings are much greater than human beings as they cannot expressed the pain and sorrow. Schope is very fortunate to have such a great and dedicated friend to take so good care of him.
Thank you, Rinpoche, for sharing this with us and showing us what real compassion is all about.
This story told us that when every chance we meet another sentient being, will bring a chance for us to learn and to manifest us best quality of life toward others. By trying the best of us to looking after & care after another being welfare. When specially we practice our Dharma quality. We care others more then our self (… forget all about myself, myself, myself..) At the end of one day, we found what we presume as problems is actually never a problems at all. I think i am still not good in this. May i aware and can create/make a different to other each days.
This story literally restored my faith in humanity! John is so kind to really treat his pet dog according to the dogs’ needs and not what he thinks the dog needs. Nowadays I see pet owners fussing over their pets and forcing their pets to wear clothes even though it is clearly uncomfortable for them. Let this be a message to all pet owners to prioritize their pets’ needs first, instead of their own needs. Pets should have their feelings and needs respected too. I really salute John for taking the extra mile to help Schoep recover from his arthritis
This is a very lovely and touching between two minds, one a human another an animal. In the video it was mentioned that old age is catching up with Schoep, a very powerful message to all us here. Live life with kindness and care while we are still alive. It will be too late to regret what we had not done. Time is forever but our life here is short.
Love and care is beyond human to human. It is to all beings including animal.
From the post and video, I can experience that so much love and care that John has towards Schoep. It really touches me very much. Schoep is so relax and in peace when he is in the water.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing the post. I still need a lot to work on myself to extend more love and care to animals and stray cats and dogs.
If only more people are like this man, there will be no more sufferings n pain for all sentient beings. Regretfully my lab. passed away last year at the age of 5 yrs due to muscle collaspe and the vet. sugguested us to put her to sleep to release her sufferings since she can’t take any food or drinks at all. I miss and think of her all the time as she is the best companion in my daily meditation and the only peace in my mind is that I have thought her to do meditation n say mantras to her daily. I also request the lama to do puja for her when she passed away!
John was aware of what is happening to his dog and he knew he had to let Schoep go at some point in time and he choose to keep the better memories of Schoep with him when that happens, hence the photograph.
A picture speaks a thousand words, it is Love and Care, even for the sick and helpless. Very touching and inspiring.
Here is a man who is not only kind but very committed to love and take care of his pet dog till the very end. It reminds me of a marriage vow ’till death do us part’. With the pain relief that Schoep is getting and his daily dip in the lake, I will not be surprise that he may live longer than any other dogs with his condition. I am also touched by John Unger’s wish for Schoep’s passing to be peaceful if it happens one day. This is really undying love for his pet dog. It’s very moving.
Rinpoche, I read this story when it first came out and I will never forget it – the photo really captured the love that he has for his old dog. As a dog lover, I know there is no love like the love of an old dog! What a compassionate man!! Thanks for sharing.
For those who are interested, here is Schoep and John’s facebook fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/Schoep.and.John
And their official website:
http://www.johnandschoep.com/
Its good that John is keeping the world updated about Schoep’s progress. Transparency is so very important after receiving donations and support from the public.
I found the videos touching beyond words. Its not just the care that John gives to his long time companion, but also the support and compassion from so many people around the world including Malaysia (kudos whoever you are) to help this poor old dog. That really is spontaneous helping without any agenda. May everyone do the same for their own pets and not treat them like an accessory or slave.
Watching this video again strengthens my hope that Kechara’s animal sanctuary will manifest someday. We could do that same for so many unwanted and abandoned animals (and in Malaysia there are so many). I know that we would provide a good home, and plenty of care and affection for all animals who come there.
John’s love for Schoep is very tangible and I guess I can understand it as someone who has also received years of unconditional love and loyalty from a good and true friend who just happens to be a dog. The way John cares for his friend speaks of so much gratitude from receiving 19 years of companionship and love. It is hard to express in words how I feel seeing Schoep rest his head against John’s chest as John cradles Schope. No words are exchanged and yet so much said. It is a long and very gentle goodbye.
This story appeals to so many because it stirs a chord in all of us, that is the tremendous capacity to love another when agendas and emotional afflictions don’t get in the way.
I hope Schoep spends the rest of his life with as little pain as possible. Thank you John for stirring up kindness is so many.
Thank you for this video Rinpoche. I showed this my son as this man sets such a good example on how to treat animals. You can see he cares for and loves his dog very much. As a result the dog completely trusts him.
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Love is not limited to human to human. But human to animal too! John really loves his dog there is no doubt. A dog does not say thank you in return and we most likely cannot take anything back to us. It is a true and pure love between John and Schoep. Keeping a pet is indirectly cultivating our compassion, tolerance and respect to others.
I think I have seen this picture somewhere, but just didnt get into the reading somehow.
This picture again captured my heart, for there is a dog and the picture is so peaceful.
It is truly oh-too-easy to euthanize an animal, when we all thought that this is a better thing for them. They cannot speak, so when the needle is put into their bodies, they can only accept it. This is very cruel. I really do not wish I would do it one day. When things get too tough, is euthanizing a better way??
Both videos are very touching, with the most touching moments being near the end of the tapes. There is really a tremendous amount of love that John has towards his dog, his simple thought of giving Schoep sometimes of good sleep make him go to the lake everyday. This is really a tremendous amount of commitment and love involved. I believe not many dog lovers will do that.
Our world should have more people like John, because with more Johns, our societies all combined together will make a much more loving place.
Thank you for sharing, Rinpoche. I like John Unger’s creativity in his solution. He really wanted his dog to find relief, found a way, and invested time into it. I think the inclination of most people is to take their dog to the vet, or buy a new pillow, then hope it improves on its own.
It’s nice to see Schoep excited about the water. Nobody likes to see older pets suffer or pass away. At around 20 years… that’s a huge portion of the owner’s life they have been together.
Oh my Buddha, this is so touching…
John Unger treats Schoep like his own beloved son. I really touched by what he has done to Schoep. Seeing Schoep lying peacefully in the arms of John, it show how much compassion we can be.
Thanks Rinpoche for sharing this…it’s so heart warming.
Tonite we have a puja/prayer sponsored by a cat owner to bless their cat. To me , this is a special puja because normally people will sponsored for their kids, relatives, friends, but these sponsors; have sponsored for their cat. During the Puja, they even attended to do together the prayer. The love for their cat is so great. I am touched by looking at their acts. While i am immersed in this “love” feeling, and thinking that seldom we will meet people who truly love their pets and treat their pets like one of their family’s member , not just a pet; i saw this article. This article, the man loves for his dog is unbelievable, the care from the heart is so pure and sincere. Just by thinking, have to bring the dog daily, persistently to wading, to me, this is not an easy job task.
Now a day, if the dog is too old, injured , not “beautiful” anymore, the owner will just “throw” the pets away. Today’s puja and this article touching me deeply that we should treat the pets as one of the family member not a toy. Well, at least if not family member at least we do not throw the pets when they are old.
I have never owned any pets in my adult life. I remember I was bitten by my neighbor’s dog when I was about 5 or 6 years old and had to take a anti rabies jab. Since then I guess I am not prone to pets. Having said that, I like dogs generally more than cats as I am afraid of cats’ claws and canine teeth as it’s seems very sharp. Haha.
Watching this video and article makes me feel the love that John Unger feels for Schoep. Having been his companion for more than 18 years, John must see Schoep as a close friend. John did not treat Schoep as a pet that could be euthanized but as a friend that who deserved all efforts to save his life and lessen Schoep’s suffering. That is real compassion.
It makes me contemplate deeper and examine myself on why I have never showed love and compassion to animals. I sincerely want to develop that. It is not enough to meditate about mother sentient beings but not feel anything for living beings around us except our friends and family. Thank you Rinpoche for bringing this seed of realization to me.
With folded hands!
This is another incredible story of kindness towards animals that can’t talk and say thank you to you. Animals also suffer from illnesses very similar to humans but they can’t communicate with us, so most of the time we don’t know they are sick unless we take them to the vet. But how many of us would actually do that and spend a lot of money taking care of our pets.
忠诚是没有阶级、宗族、语言、人或动物之分！
一份真诚的心，不需要任何的语言表达！就像一个美丽的歌声， 已经可以让我们感动铭记于心！
佛陀生长在古印度， 但是想在所有的教佛都已经弘扬到世界各地！
狗是我们人类的忠诚朋友，每一天都守候在主人身边，难得会有不一样的新闻，还很有意义，主人陪伴忠诚的狗渡过它熬难的时刻。
在狗生病的阶段.主人确没有放弃狗狗的生命。没有把狗狗拿去人道毁灭，还很有爱心与耐心带狗狗到海里游泳减轻痛楚，John Unger先生善良和慈悲非常很感人。
用一颗慈悲的心去爱与关怀。。。。。爱与关怀是没有分人或是动物。。。。
心寬可包容天地，慈悲可渡眾生。。。
It is heart warming to read such love for a dog existed, a great bond between the dog and the owner. Om Mani Padme Hum.
Thank you, Rinpoche, for this tender and heartwarming story.
First John Unger rescues Schoep when he was 8 months old. Then, instead of growing up into a healthy dog to run around with, Schoep develops arthritis. Then John lovingly takes him to swim in lake Superior to ease his pain. John’s friend captures the two in a picture and posts the picture on Facebook. The picture and story capture the hearts and minds of many people and funds were raised spontaneously. The money raised was able to pay for treatment for Schoep much to the joy of both the 19 year-old dog and his ‘dad’ John.
Rinpoche’s own love for Mumu is very much of the same depth as John’s for Schoep.
This is an amazing story…. what karma Schoep must have to have a loving owner like Unger. Schoep had the bad karma to suffer so much, yet at the same time, the good karma to have Unger look after him so well. And because of Unger’s care, via this serendipitous photo, so much funds was raised to finance the expensive treatments to alleviate his pain with enough extra to help other animals via the foundation. And the photographer who took the photo is also benefiting from the situation with increased business.
What is so touching is Unger’s waiting for Shoep’s time to pass away… he wonders if this is the last dip in the lake… what a reminder of the inevitability of death and impermanence…
thank you for sharing…
As always, thank you Rinpoche for this beautiful post about true love and dedication. Thank you also, Rinpoche, for sharing this story that also shows the power of humanity when we reach out and contribute to someone else. People who were touched by the story of John and Schoep took action and did something to help to make a positive difference in a stranger’s life. It is such unconditional giving that makes our world worth waking up to.
May this story also inspire us to take action to make positive difference.
I feel very Happy for Schoep & MuMu as they both have a Kind Hearted owner.
Thnaks.
So touching, makes me wanna cry 🙁 Poor baby in so much pain and suffer, May Schoep be bless! Tayata Om Bekanze Bekanze Maha Bekanze Bekanze Radza Samugateh Soha.
How incredibly touching and heartwarming an example of truly focusing out. Truly an example of purest love and compassion at work. This post made me want to find out more about Schoep and John Unger and I am happy to have read the following article below which was about a month plus ago. It is amazing to know that Schoep has been given some comfort in his old age…
What is truly remarkable, is the out-pouring of help from strangers and the love and dedication John has for Schoep. As a dog lover myself, I cannot imagine having to face what John went through with the mere thought of having to put his beloved Schoel down!
Article from Digital Journal – Aug 24, 2012
Schoep the dog, made famous by a viral photo on Facebook, is still undergoing laser treatment and his pain is greatly reduced. ‘I almost got a bark out of him a few nights ago,’ says Unger.
Digital Journal recently reported that Schoep, the now famous 19-year-old arthritic dog owned by John Unger, was undergoing laser treatment, thanks to the generous donations received after a photo of the two of them went viral on Facebook.
Unger and Schoep were captured in a beautiful photo by photographer Hannah Stonehouse Hudson of Stonehouse Photography, taking a therapeutic evening swim in Lake Superior. The warmth of the water soothed Schoep’s pain and helped him to sleep.
On Tuesday, Unger updated their Facebook page with the message, “He’s doing great! He is happier, wagging his tail even harder and faster now. He also loves his new tempur-pedic dog bed, a gift sent to him from a friend. He sleeps so much better.”
http://youtu.be/Agtf_uNB8zE
The video above shows Schoep undergoing his fifth laser treatment at the Bay Area Animal Hospital in Ashland, Wisconsin, with Sarah D. Myers, DVM. Myers says that Schoep an excellent patient and most dogs do not behave so well when undergoing the treatment.
“Schoep is moving faster, holding his head up higher, even his ears are standing up more and more.” says Unger, “He’s faster, I almost got a bark out of him a few nights ago.”
Talking about the treatments, Myers says, “Schoep had three treatments the first week, two this week, one next week.”
Dr. Erik Haukaas DVM reports, “Schoep is much more active and alert since we started his treatments. His pain is greatly reduced, and he is moving around easier. We are planning on continuing his therapy laser treatments on a weekly basis, and his other medications/supplements as needed.”
Read more: http://digitaljournal.com/article/331493#ixzz29NglHFI1
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for sharing this incredibly touching story.How do they steal our hearts the way they do?They give so much and ask so little in return.We should love and take care of them in their time of need and not abandon them.
Rest well,Rinpoche.
What an amazing and touching account of a perfect example of pure love between a man and his furry companion. It touches a chord in all of us because all of us know what real love is and we can definitely feel if its real and we resonate with such love and kindness. Its amazing how much John Unger loves his dog and its kinda inspirational for all of us to have similar if not the same love and care towards our pets and animals.
How many of us can do that, the love to an animal. Sometime to an human some of us don’t do that also. Thanks to John Unger, you are showing us a real compassion.
Life can only be incredible when we instill with love and care. Long life and good life is nothing without these. To give love and care to people, animals and others in our life is always good qualities we should have, thank you, Rinpoche.
Thank you Rinpoche for posting this. It is a truly touching story of love between two sentient beings. John Unger is a man with a great heart and my eyes well up at the thought that this friendship will end when Schoep dies. What a great thing to do to care for his aging pet until the very end. Kudos to John Unger. May all pet owners be similarly inspired to do the same for their aging pets.
以往所读到的报道都是忠诚的狗狗守候在主人身旁，难得读到这一则这么有意义的新闻是主人陪伴忠诚的狗狗渡过它难熬的阶段。
John Unger先生并没有放弃狗狗的生命，反而很善良和慈悲的对待它而没有将它人道毁灭。甚至还带同狗狗到海里出游泳减轻它的痛楚，实在很感人！
John Unger是我们的好榜样！
Thanks Rinpoche for sharing this wonderful story. Raising a dog is life time commitment. We need to love them as part of family even they are in ill.