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The above photo of John Unger and his dog, Schoep, touched hearts around the world when it was first published last summer. (We posted about it here, here, here, and here.) Although Schoep seemed to be slowly slipping away at the time that the photo was taken, he has made a remarkable recovery, thanks to donations made by people from around the world to help with medical treatments.
The money left over has been used to launch Schoep’s Legacy Foundation, whose mission is to support efforts to improve animal welfare:
While the foundation is still awaiting certification from the IRS, it has already donated money to a number of Bay Area spay and neuter programs which serve low income people of Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It also helped the Chequamegon Humane Association to buy a new van.
But perhaps most interesting of all is “The Cider Project.” Based in Northern Wisconsin, it helps local shelters by providing medical and surgical care to pets that need extra help to make them more “adoptable.” The program is the brainchild of Dr. Erik Haukaas, Schoep’s veterinarian.
It’s an extraordinary story of how the kindness of strangers has allowed Schoep and his owner, John Unger, pay it forward to help many others. Schoep has also been inducted into the Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame.
Click here for the full story.
I read this article in a magazine, and read that there could be help for animals of people with low incomes. I was a nurse for 30 years and then was diagnosed with cancer, i had to quit work because of complications, then i got divorced and had to go on disabilityu. I have the most precious “westie” named Cassie. A few months ago she had a corneal abrasion and had to see a specialist, after months of care, in which i did without my meds to get hers, the vet. says she had chronic dry eye and will need eye drops for the rest of her life. I love this friend more than myself and don’t know what to do. I reall can’t afford the drop’s which are like $60.00 for a two month supply. I know that doesn’t seem like much, but my income is so limited. So when i saw this article, i thought it was worth a try to see if i could get some help for my Cassie. I really hate asking. I hope this is the right place to talk to and if it isn’t i so apoligize. Thank you so much. Carol Hershey