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    For one dedicated dog owner, a picture didn't only lead to thousands of words, but thousands of dollars as well. According to the (U.K.) Daily Mail, John Unger, who was photographed calming his arthritic dog Schoep to sleep in Lake Superior, has received so many donations from animals lovers touched by the photo that he is starting his own foundation to help other pet owners.

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    The image of Unger soothing his ailing dog spread around the world, inspiring donations from as far as Saudi Arabia and Japan. Unger has used the sizeable amount of money not going to Schoep's treatment to start the Schoep Legacy Foundation to assist low-income families with aging pets. 

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    The money that has gone to Schoep's treatment has given the dog extra energy and wags in his tail. The pooch is now getting top-notch care for his arthritis and, most importantly, more time with his owner. 

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    "Schoep is doing incredible right now," Unger told the Daily Mail. "The therapies that the people have donated -- it's like turning back the clock a year and a half."

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    Schoep's vet agrees. Dr. Erik Haukass said he and Unger were planning on putting Schoep to sleep this summer, but the kindness of strangers has allowed the dog many more healthy months. 

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    When Unger realized that he was giving donations that far surpassed what was needed for Schoep's care, he decided to use the funds to help other canines. 

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    The $25,000 surplus will be used to assist low-income owners with aging dogs in need, and to help spay and neuter new pets. 

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    "The idea is to pay it forward; give it to other organizations, to help out other animals in the area and use the money in the spirit it was given," Dr Haukass told the Daily Mail. 

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    Unger has also found himself providing emotional support for pet owners with heartbreaking stories. He has been counseling the handful of people who have sent him letters in emotional distress over the loss of a pet. These are feelings that Unger understands, having battled severe depression.

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    Unger admitted to having thoughts of suicide when his long-time girlfriend left him. He thanks Schoep for saving his life and snapping him out of that dark place. In return, Unger has been dedicated to doing whatever he can for his furry savior. 

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    This promise lead Unger to take Schoep to Lake Superior to help lull the aging and arthritic dog to sleep. Not able to afford the $200 treatments for his dog's pain, Unger found that the soothing water of the lake was the best thing he could provide. 

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    Now, with the help of numerous animal lovers, Schoep has received the joint laser treatments he needed along with pain medication. The effects have been heart-warming for Unger and Schoep's vet. "He sleeps through the night. He's interested in going for more walks during the day," Dr Haukass told the Daily Mail. "He walks with less of a limp. His ears are standing up and his tail is wagging better."