Old Shep

Now, when I was a lad and old Shep was a pup

Over hills and valleys we strayed

Just a boy and his dog, we were both full of fun

We growed up together that way

I remember the time at the old swimmin' hole

Where I would have drowned, beyond doubt

But old Shep was right there, to the rescue he came

He jumped in and helped drag me out

Now, the years rolled along and at last he grew old

His eyesight was, well, fast growin' dim

Then one day the doctor looked at me and said

"I can't do no more for him, Jim."

So, with tremblin' hand, I picked up my gun

And aimed it at Shep's faithful head

But I, I just couldn't do it, I wanted to run

I wished they'd shoot me instead

So I threw down that old gun and ran right up to his side

He laid his faithful old head right on my knee

And friends, I stroked the best pal that a man ever found

I even cried so I could scarcely see

Now, old Shep, he knew, knew he was gonna go

'Cause he reached down and licked at my hand

Then he looked up at me just as much as to say

"I hate it too, but you understand."

Now old Shep has gone where the good doggies go

And no more with old Shep will I roam

But if dogs have a heaven, there's one thing I know

Old Shep has a wonderful home