The world is mourning with a man who lost his dog Wednesday.

John Unger and his elderly dog, Schoep, became Internet celebrities last summer because of Bayfield, Wis., photographer Hannah Stonehouse Hudson's photograph of the pair in the waters of Lake Superior. Unger took Schoep into the lake regularly to ease the discomfort of the dog's arthritis.

People from Texas to Japan to Slovakia gave money to help pay Schoep's veterinary bills, medications and laser treatments.

It gave the faithful companions another year together.

Schoep turned 20 on June 15. He died 26 days later. On Thursday, a photo of a paw print in the sand was posted on the Official Fan Page of Schoep and John on Facebook. The caption read:

The reaction to Unger's loss was immediate.

By early Thursday evening, 10,622 had "liked" the photo; it had been shared 10,413 times; and 27,183 had commented, including:

"You'd be hard pressed to find another dog in this world that is and was loved more -- RIP, Schoep."

"You helped give him a long and beautiful life."

"You and Schoep were all that a dog and human should be to each other. Please know that prayers are flowing your way from everywhere."

After Stonehouse Hudson's photo went viral, Unger's Facebook page was a way for animal lovers to keep up on the John & Schoep story. Unger frequently posted photos and greetings. The last update -- before the announcement of Schoep's death -- was on Monday. It featured a photograph of Schoep falling asleep in a sunny field of wildflowers. The status update was a happy one:

A fantastic day we had. Up early to walk and go to the beach, eat, nap, go shopping, eat, laundry, go to the beach, eat, nap and one more walk. All without the humidity, that's what made it fantastic -- especially for Schoep!

On Thursday, a reader thanked Unger, 49, who has worked as a local caretaker and handyman:

"Your daily posts have gotten me through my toughest days and I'm so sorry to hear the news. Hugs and prayers from Las Vegas. ..."

When reached on Thursday, Stonehouse Hudson focused on the positive: "Schoep and John had an amazing relationship ... I hope that people can give John some space and privacy for now ... he just lost his best friend."

Stonehouse Hudson has had some tough days, too. In January, her husband died after his snowmobile crashed through the ice of Lake Superior near Bayfield.

"I know what it feels like to lose a being you have shared every moment with," she said. "It's like losing a limb -- and I'm sure John is feeling that right now."

Efforts to reach Unger on Thursday evening were unsuccessful. Last fall, though, Unger talked with the Pioneer Press about what the world had given him and his dog:

"Every morning," he said, "I look at Schoep and think about how we quite literally have another day to share together because of the kindness of people."

At first, Unger said, he felt guilty about accepting donations.

"But then," Unger said, "one person wrote to me and said, 'Look at what you've given to us, this picture by Hannah. This picture means more than anything.' That helped me realize that I gave the world something, too."