John and Schoep :(

I saw that, too. Run/swim/float free, sweet Schoep.

 Schoep's passing is all over my FB feed.   Someone did a lovely tribute / memorial framed photo, too.  That pic of them in the lake really touched so many.  RIP Schoep, you were loved.

I saw this sad news yesterday and it made me teary, too.  The photo that went viral last year was so incredibly touching . . . I can't imagine how sad John is feeling about his loss of Schoep; they clearly had a very deep connection --- 20 years is amazing.  I hope it helps him to know that so many people around the world are sharing some of his grief.  I also hope it gives him some comfort to imagine Schoep running pain-free and agile at the Bridge.  Run free, Schoep. 

Foxy made it to 19 and I **really** thot I was "ok" when I lost him. He wasn't "sick" for a long time ... and altho I had to help him over the Bridge I was "ok" all thru it -- I blab blab blab'd to Foxy all the way up to the vets and while we were waiting for Dr. B that Foxy had to be SURE and find Prissy, and Pip and everyone else "we knew" ... and on and on and on I went. My dogs "hear" about Rainbow Bridge all the time so he was well aware that all the dogs I was mentioning were no longer living. I was SO PROUD of myself -- I didn't break down ... because I'd done everything possible to ensure his life here was pain free and I didn't "rush" his passing. It really ****really**** resonated with me in John's story about Shoep -- how much he owed Schoep and I really really respected John's efforts to ensure Shoep lived pain free even if it took enormous effort on John's part. A man all of us can respect deeply huh? But the night after Foxy crossed the Bridge -- frankly I just plain started to puke. bottom line?? I had talked myself into being "ok" but I'd lost one of the best friends I will ever have in this life. Just plain delayed shock. My first thot when I heard John lost Shoep was ... omg that poor man. NOW he has to completely re-organize his life. He's been devoted to his best friend's care to such a degree that now he has to re-train himself to live again. It puts a whole different slant on grieving. And that kind of grief takes a good while to sort thru. It will be interesting to see ... and I hope we DO see what happens to him, and I hope it's good. I hope he has a good network of real friends to help him. And honestly? I sincerely hope Shoep finds an angel and takes them aside and says "Ok -- how do I talk to the Alpha of all Alphas -- because John's going to need somebuddy and I need to help pick that dog out." Too many of us have seen or experienced that in our own lives -- we lose a dog that is incredibly, powerfully connected to us (or a friend) and suddenly -- at just the perfect time, the "right" dog finds their way into our lives. (and yeah Charlie -- I'm talking about you!!!)

John and Schoep's story was one that touched my heart some time ago...Run Free Schoep.  

John how lucky that you and Schoep had each other and knew that amazing bond.   I know your world will be turned upside down now, a day will come when your heart will heal and a fresh bond can be formed.   Thanks for sharing your story, we will look forward to the next chapter.

(((John))) Run and swim free, Schoep. I am sure there was a very large contingent at the Bridge ready to greet you.