He Was a Good Dog
Rochester, Minnesota
2026
I don’t know why this particular graffiti appeared on this switch box, but the name Shep always makes me think of dogs. If I’m remembering correctly, my father’s family had a dog named Shep when he was growing up. But the main reason the name makes me think of dogs is because of a rather poignant story of devotion and loyalty about a dog named Shep in Ft. Benton, Montana. You can read that story here. Suffice it to say, Shep’s story was remarkable enough that a monument to him was built in the middle of town. We should all have a friend so faithful.
I think that Ft Benton story is supposed to be heartwarming, but it made me sad.
I don’t remember hearing about our dads having a dog named Shep, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. .
I think perhaps the story is supposed to be poignant rather than heartwarming or sad, but I get your point.
On further thought I decided I was likely mistaken about our dads having a dog named Shep. Now I think maybe it was Rover, but that may not be true either. I do specifically remember my dad once mentioning a dog’s name and my reaction being that it was an old, almost cliche dog name by today’s standards anyway. At least they didn’t name it Fido!
Sweet, sweet story. I just saw Heart of the Beast last night about another devoted dog and his owner. They never stop giving.
You got that right about the giving. I just watched the trailer for Heart of the Beast, seems like a good watch.