When I was a lad and old Shep was a pup,
over hills and meadows we'd play,
just a boy and his dog we were both full of fun,
we grew up together that way.


I remember the time at the old swimming hole,
when I would have drowned beyond doubt,
but old Shep was right there, to the rescue he came
he jumped in and helped pull me out.


Now the years they rolled by, and old Shep he grew old,
his eye sight at last it grew dim,
then one day the doctor looked at him and said,
I can't do no more for him, Jim.

With a hand that was trembling I picked up my gun,
and I aimed it at Shep's faithful head,
but I just couldn't do it, I wanted to run,
I wished they would shoot me instead.


Now old Shep is gone where the good doggies go,
and no more on this earth will he roam,
but if dogs have a heaven there's one thing I know,
old Shep has a wonderful home.