G        E            A        A7
    When I was a lad and old Shep was a pup,
         D          D7           G
    over hills and meadows we'd play,
            G           E           A           A7
    just a boy and his dog we were both full of fun,
         D        D7          G
    we grew up together that way.

         C                     G
    I remember the time at the old swimming hole,
                                      D
    when I would have drowned beyond doubt,
              G              E           A         A7
    but old Shep was right there, to the rescue he came,
        D            D7              G
    he jumped in and helped pull me out.

             G                E             A          A7
    Now the years they rolled by, and old Shep he grew old,
         D            D7          G
    his eye sight at last it grew dim,
          G           E            A           A7
    then one day the doctor looked at him and said,
       D          D7            G
    I can't do no more for him, Jim.

            C                         G
    With a hand that was trembling I picked up my gun,
                                       D
    and I aimed it at Shep's faithful head,
          G             E         A       A7
    but I just couldn't do it, I wanted to run,
       D                 D7        G
    I wished they would shoot me instead.

        C                           G
    Now old Shep is gone where the good doggies go,
                                       D
    and no more on this earth will he roam,
            G           E              A           A7
    but if dogs have a heaven there's one thing I know,
          D         D7        G
    old Shep has a wonderful home.