Shep

The following happened in Fort Benton, Montana in the not so distant past.  Anyone who enjoys the company of a pet will identify with this story.  

Following is a quotation from a placard standing in the heart of Fort Benton: 

"Shep's Vigil

"In August 1936 a casket containing a sheepherder's body was loaded on a baggage car headed east for burial.  A dog, of collie strain, watched with anxious eyes.  He was there to meet every train year after year.

"Conductor Ed Shields by 1939 pieced the dog's story together, linking Shep with the body shipped that August day.  With the real story known, Shep became famous.  Many, many well-intentioned offers to adopt him were gently declined; friends knew Shep's sole aim was to keep his vigil.  Shep died on January 12, 1942, slipping on the tracks before an oncoming train.  His passing was mourned by all who knew his story.  He was laid to rest atop the bluff above the depot; his funeral was attended by hundreds.  Reverend Ralph Underwood took as his theme Senator George Graham Vest's 'Eulogy on the  Dog,' a tribute to a dog's faithfulness to his master which Shep so fully exemplified."

The above photo is the memorial where Shep is buried.  

"Forever Faithful" is a bronze sculpture by Bob Scriver that stands beside the walking path in downtown Fort Benton.  The Missouri River makes for a great backdrop.  The "FB" on the hillside in the upper right hand side of the photo is made of field stones painted white.

The hundreds of red-coloured bricks surrounding the base of the sculpture are individual and personal memorials to Shep.  These memorial bricks have been donated by people from all over the world...even from Medicine Hat.  

Animals are thankfully an important part of life.

Photographed on November 23, 2017.