Cat. #1068 (MFH #264) - As sung by Raymond Sanders, Mountain View, Arkansas on May 12, 1970
VERSE 1
When I was a boy an' ole Shep was a pup
O'er hills an' valleys, we'd play
Just a boy an' his dog, we were both full of fun
We grew up together that way
Well, I remember at th ole swimin' hole
When I would have drown, beyond doubt
Ole Shep was right there, to th rescue he came
To jump in an ' help me get out
VERSE 2
Years swiftly passed an' ole Shep's grownin' old
He eye sight was fast growin' dim
Till one day th Doctor looked at him an' said,
I've done all for him I can, Jim
Then with hand, that was tremblin' I picked up my gun
I aimed it at Shep's faithful head
I just couldn't do it, I wanted to run
I wish they would shoot me instead
VERSE 3
I went over to him, I set down on th gound
He laid his head on my knee
I stroked th best pal that a man ever had
I cried till I scarecely could see
Ole shep he knew, he was goin' to go
So, he raised up an' licked at my hand
He looked up at me, just as much as to say,
I hate to, but you understand
VERSE 4
Now ole Shep is gone where th good doggies go
No more with ole Shep will I roam
An' if dogs have a Heaven, there's one thing I know
Ole Shep has a wonderful home