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 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 then pulled me out.

Now the years sped along,
And Old Shep he grew old.
His eyesight was fast growing dim.
One day the doctor looked at me and said,
"I can do no more for him Jim."

With hands that were trembling,
I picked up my gun.
And aimed it at Shep's faithful head.
I just couldn't do it;
I wanted to run;
I wished that they'd shoot me instead.

I went to his side,
And I sat on the ground.
He laid his head on my knee.
I stroked the best pal that a man ever found.
I cried so I scarcely could see.

Old Shepy he knew he was going to go,
For he reached out and nipped at my hand.
He looked up at me just as much as to say ,
"We're parting but you understand."

Old shep he has gone
Where the good doggies go
And no more with old Shep will I roam.
But if dogs have a heaven
Theres' one thing I know.
Old Shep has a wonderful home.

The line "old Shep he knew he was going to go..." alway choked me up  I just loved that song and for some reason, I had a mental image of Almanzo Wilder as the man in this song.