This classic country song was written by Red Foley in 1933 about his childhood dog, a German Shepherd Dog named Hoover, that met a tragic end. A young Elvis sang it in his first public performance at the age of ten.

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 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

posted by Marina Kanavaki