Old Shep

Taking a picture of Ellie laying in her box with "Shep" on the side of it reminded me of that song, "Old Shep". A few years ago, I was part of a group from church that went to a local nursing home where we sang and played music. Now we would endeavor to mix in some new songs with the old, mostly for the sake of the younger people who worked there, I suppose. BUT the older residents wanted nothing to do with them and invariably requested the old songs, which I love, too. "Old Shep" was a standard. We sang it everytime and it touched hearts everytime, including mine. We had a gentleman in our group that strummed the guitar and sang it in his beautiful baritone voice. In case you haven't heard it, I thought I would post the lyrics here for you. I'd post a video but I would want to listen to it first and am unable to do so. If anyone would want to find one and recommend it to me, I would gladly post it here! Thanks!
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 swimmin' 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.

As the years fast did roll,
Old Shep he grew old,
His eyes were fast growing dim,
And 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 wish they would shoot me instead.

He came to my side and looked up at me,
And laid his old head on my knee,
I had struck the best friend that a man ever had,
I cried so I scarcely could see.

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, there's one thing I know,
Old Shep has a wonderful home.