I've got more or less the same words, and it was, apparently, a Red Foley song.

OLD SHEP

When I was a lad and Old Shep was a pup
Over hills and valleys we'd stray,
Just a boy and a 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 have drowned beyond doubt,
But Old Shep, he was there, to the rescue he came,
He jumped in and helped pull me out.

The years rolled on by and Old Shep he grew old,
His eyesight was fast growing dim,
Then one day the doctor looked at him and said
"I can't do no more for him, Jim".

With hands that were trembling I picked up my gun
And 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.

I went to his side, I sat on the ground,
Old Shep laid his head on my knee;
I stroked the best pal a man ever had,
I cried till I scarcely could see.

Old Sheppie, he knew he was goin' to go
For he reached up and licked at my hand,
Then he looked at me just as much as to say
"We're parting but I understand".

Now Old Sheppie he's 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.



By Red Foley. As sung by the Rambling Jack Elliott on Stateside LP SL 10143, "Country Style".