When I was a lad and old Shep was a pup   Over hills and meadows we?d stray   Just a boy and his dog, we were both full of fun   We grew up together that way      I remember the time by the old swimming hole   When I would?ve drowned beyond doubt   But old Shep was right there, to the rescue he came   He jumped in and helped pull me out      Well, the years passed and rolled and old Shep, he grew old   His eyes they were fast growing dim   Then one day the doctor looked at me and said   ?I can?t do no more for him, Jim?      With hands that were tremblin?, I picked up my gun   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      Well, he crawled to my side and he looked up at me   He laid his old head on my knee   I?d lost the best friend that a boy ever had   I cried so I scarcely could see      Well, old Shep he is gone where the good doggies go   No more with old Shep will I roam   But if dogs have a Heaven, well there?s one thing I know   Old Shep has a wonderful home