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John & Shep On Lake Superior
Posted in Blog, Dogs!, Featured Work, Personal Work | 368 comments
This 19 year old Shep being cradled in his father’s arms earlier this week in Lake Superior. Shep falls asleep every night when he is carried into the lake. I was so happy I got to capture this moment for John. By the way, John rescued Shep as an 8 month old puppy, and he’s been by his side through many adventures 
.
This Facebook post has gone viral, and I am so excited to welcome new fans from all over! I am in the midst of crazy season, and had no clue this would take off like it has. Love to everyone!! If you are interested in prints, please go here.
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Wow seen this clip on a local news site… it bought a tear to my eye…
Really beautiful and touching photograph!
i hope the best for Shep!
Hope this can help Schoep….Some years ago, I had an old dog (37kg) prone to bad arthritis. Within a week, he could be unable to stand even. The vets had said nothing further could be done back then & it “was time”. In desperation & disbelief, I found a homeopathic vet (who had also been a conventional vet before for years). She prescribed vitamin C. He very happily chewed an orange-flavoured 1000mg tablet every day that I could buy over the counter. I cant remember now whether the dose (for his body weight) was one once a day or one twice a day, but could put you in touch with her if you want. Within a couple of days on vitamin C I had a dog that had no arthritic symptoms & could do all the normal old things of his life! It was such a joy to see him again as his old self. He stayed on this for the rest of the years of his life. If ever I ran out & didnt give it to him for a day or so, he could get arthritic symptoms again. Beautiful to see the bond between Schoep & John. Good on you for the photo. Lovely to see others caring & seems there is always heartfelt help & support out there somewhere these days.
This image and story has really touched my heart, I wish the best for this man an his dog❤
This has affected me more than you will ever know… I love this man. Where can I send a donation to help with Schoep’s treatments? I want this pair to be together as long as possible!
Once in a great while, a photographer is, through luck, planning or good old serendipity, right where he or she is supposed to be. And has their camera with them. This photo is an overpowering demonstration of the emotional power of a “simple” photo. This is am image for the ages, particularly for all of us caring for or having cared for an elderly pet or any one else. Thank you Hannah.
Saw the video on my local news in San Diego CA, balled by eyes out. I feel the love this great man has for his beloved dog, Schoep. I have 5 dogs of my own. They are my children, and very loved and spoiled. I ordered this picture to hang on my wall with all my dog pictures. To bad people can’t have the same love for each other. This is a picture people need to learn from. Thank you Juhn Unger for showing your love and compassion for Schoep. Its very clear Schoep gives the love and compassion, unconditionally back to you. Thank you Hannah for sharing it.
For a dog to trust like that says something about the owner…….beautiful moment you captured thank you for sharing it
A friend of mine shared this on her facebook page the other day. I was moved so deeply and began to research the photographer and the story. Of course every time you pull up the internet this picture and story is somewhere to be seen and I have to say I am drawn to it every time. I think whats so compelling is the obvious look of complete trust and love you see on the dogs face. Shep is at peace and you can not only see it but feel it. I will hold this image forever. Thanks for sharing this incredible personal moment with the world.
The most “touching” photo I have seen in years! A man’s love for his best friend!!!
My eyes teared up, my heart was full seeing John Unger holding his wonderful friend with such love. Dogs give so much love and John gives so much love back. Please convey to John Unger, I am so touched.
Joe
This picture is Amazing as well as the story!! When reading I couldn’t help but cry, Very touching!! Thanks for posting!! We need more stories like this!
Great human interest photo. I have a rescue, she is so loving, unconditional. She has re-enforced my ability in helping kids that are in need…..
Beautiful photo which touched my heart! I didn’t know the entire story when it landed on my sister’s facebook page, but my comment was, “I’d fall asleep in his arms also!” Tonight the story made nightly news in Hampton Roads, Virginia and it brought tears to my eyes. The loss of a loved one is tough; our furry friends are just like children. God bless you John and Schep……I hope you have more years with Schep with donations coming in!
Is this man JOHN NOAKES? Is this dog SHEP?
Or maybe it’s just a coincidence… they have the same names…
John Noakes is now about 80 years old and the dog Shep is now a star in the sky.
Be still my beating heart – the love I feel that comes from you, John and Schoep, brings tears to my eyes everytime I see you – and that is Daily!! – John and Schoep your love story sits on a branch in my heart which is wonderfully overwhelming – I am happy to say it will never leave me – much much love and peace to you both – you have spread a beautfiful light which you had but just couldn’t see – I hope it is dazzling you both Now!!
Thank you for the beautiful photo. John you are an amazing man.The unconditional love you have for Shep,brings tears to my eyes.Bless you.
Has your vet offered to prescribe Meta-Cam, a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug (liquid) to treat his arthritis?
Peaches and Cream, 2 aussies, are our “kids”. Last Sept., Peaches was diagnosed with Chronic kidney disease. By Nov. 27th, she was gone. Cream, now age 14, has had 2 surgeries, removing fatty (and other) tumors. We adopted Bentley, a 16 mo. old aussie, recently, to keep Cream company. Our hearts go out to you and your buddy. We wish that God had designed for pets to live as long as humans do.
Thanks for this wonderful photo!
the most incrediable photo I’ve ever seen…..God Bless this man and his dog……..
my dog is shepard foxhound mix he is 15 and almost blind and has hip pain i massage him. that picture of your dog looks just like my cody thanks for caring…
I will never forget this image. The poignancy and love that it shows will stay with me always, and I wish John & Shep the best. When soulmates find each other as they did, it is one of the most valuable relationships this life has to offer.
Is John married?!? He’s a keeper!
We just saw Shep’s story on our local news, there is not a dry eye in the house. We are serial animal rescuers who have a 14 year old Border Collie mix named Chloe, she is our life. Chloe actually saved our lives during a home invasion, she chased a man with butcher knives out of our bedroom. The most wonderful thing she has ever done has nothing to do with that awful episode her unconditional love is her greatest gift. We also rescued another Border Collie his name is Pepper he was 10 years old and his people had died. Everyone thought we were crazy to adopt a dog that old. We can’t imagine not adopting him. He has a forever home and he is approaching 15. Your husbands emotion is palpable, we wish you all the best with Shep’s journey.
真是让人感动得很啊~~~有主的狗就是幸福。
I was overwhelmed with emotion by this photo. I thought of dogs past — Schatzi, my Shepherd and Tucker, my Golden and I hoped I gave them 1/10th the comfort that John has given his Shep. And I hugged my Shepherd mix rescue, Kiki, a little more today. Thank you for your seeing lens and your loving heart. What a powerful combination.
Hi John,
I understand your love for Schoep………….I recently had to put down my 15 yr. old Lad ( Charlie ). We had the same kind of bond that you 2 have. I’m not sure if you’re a Believer or not but a friend suggested a book for me to read , which brought me so much comfort. The book is called ” Cold noses at the Pearly Gates “. You will see Schoep again! Everything I read in that book was confirmed for me this past Sunday while I was in Church. I glanced up at the ceiling of the Church and there he was….Charlie smiling like he always did when he was really happy or really excited. Just so there was no confusion, I could also smell his fur as clear as day! The Lord arranged that for us! He knew it would be great for Charlie to let me know he’s OK and happy and huge for me to know the very same things. Charlie is happy and in no more pain and that is such a relief to know. If you ever want to chat, I’m always available. Good luck John and God Bless You for loving one of God’s gifts the way that you have. P.J.
As my wife told me today, this picture makes you feel in peace…It´s a very very beautiful picture, and make me love my dog, and all the dogs much more than yesterday…And for it´s owner, I hope that all humans give pets all the love he´s giving to Schoepp….Thanks for this wonderful moment…
Thank you Hannah for capturing this loving moment between John and Shep. Shep looks so relaxed and peaceful. This picture brought me to tears. Pets are amazing companions. I wish more owners were like John. Prayers for both of them.
THERE ARE NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE THIS PHOTO OF JOHN AND SHEP. THE ANGELS ARE SINGING AS THEY WATCH OVER THEM! CAN’T TAKE MY EYES OFF THIS PICTURE. SOON, I WILL FRAME IT
PAMELA
What a wonderful story of the bond between a man and his dog. If only we as humans could love one another, as this man and his dog love each other. Amazing and beautiful.
It is a beautiful and very touching photo… Thanks!
Hannah,
Your picture is marvelous. That’s the image of true friendship, love and compassion…
Thank you for sharing this one…
This picture and story has restored some of my faith in humanity……Love you John and Shep…..
Esta imagen es impresionante, me ha llegado al corazón, créeme que si tuviera que hacerlo por mi perrita que se llama motita, tiene 12 años y también esta cieguita, haría lo mismo que tu john, te felicito y espero que pases todo el tiempo que puedas con Shep y cuando el se “duerma”, no te preocupes el se convertirá en una estrella y guiara tu camino.
I just have to say this photo moved me to tears and I can’t stop thinking about it. You have captured such a beautiful, intimate moment between best friends and has someone who has lost a beloved dog I too would have done anything to make her more comfortable.
Cada vez que veo esta fotografía, me emociona. Al mismo tiempo me alegra que si hay personas que amen a sus mascotas, además, me siento muy identificada con John.
Saludos desde Chile (Sudamérica)
Isabel
“A righteous man takes care of the needs of his animals.”
~Proverbs 12:10
John Unger is no doubt a righteous man…..enough said!
God bless you John & Shep
The story of John & Shep is beautiful and their love is captured in the picture. Thank you for sharing! <3
Every time I gaze at this photograph, I am brought to my knees. So much LOVE. Thank you Hannah, John … and most dearly, SCHOEP.
i might have a remedy that could work for your dog please call me when you can it worked for my dog gave him 2 mor e yrs i got to have him around thanx 562/434-2611 im in long beach calf
What a amazing story and photo, That’s the true meaning of Man’s best Friend, and what the best friend brings to man, LOVE
I know because I lost my best friend Katie (Golden Retreiver) after 13 years of good and bad times. She was always there for me. So hang in there John. My heart and prays are with you
Thank you, John, for loving this dog as he deserves to be loved.
Thank you Hannah for taking and publishing this photo! John, I am so grateful to see you show your love for your faithful friend. His soul and yours are linked I believe, and your dear friend definitely knows how much you love him. I sure do hope there is a rainbow bridge
Shep and John i love you both and have a blessed day.
What a gift to have captured this moment. Our dogs bring out the best in us – we are so lucky to have them by our sides. Beautiful photo – thank you.
I am so in love with both of them! Beautiful. Simply beautiful. Peace and God’s blessings to you,Hannah, and to John & Shep.
Five days ago I had to put down my best companion, a 10 years old german shepard named Socrates, and I am still crying every day for him, I just can’t hold it, I feel a hole in my soul. I was aside him for one week giving him intravenous drip myself and receiving the veterinarian at home. He struggled there his last battle, I did all that was possible but had to put him down, his kidneys were just beyond recovery, and I watched him there during his last heartbeats, giving him the last caresses in his head. To see this picture now at this moment of my life is just so touching I can’t express it with words. Unconditional love, the only true love. Good bye my Socrates I will miss you always pal, so much. Thanks for our great adventure together my friend.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful photo! It shows what unconditional love truly is ♥
I am so touched…to tears actually! Lately in my area there have been several incidents of unbelievable torture and cruelty of innocent animals….and I have felt crushed by what has happened…Then I get the privilege of seeing this picture and reading the story over and over….I love this man and his dog….they show what we should strive to do and have in our own lives!!! May God continue to bless them!