Shep: Our Most Loyal Dog (True Story) [Hardcover]

Sneed B. Collard III (Author), Joanna Yardley (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 31, 2011 | Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up | Series: True Story

Reliability, devotion and faithfulness: endearing qualities shared between people and their canine companions. "Shep" is the true story of a dog that became an inspiration to people around the world. Following the death of his owner in 1936, Shep watched as his body was placed on a train and shipped east. For more than five years, through rain and snow, Shep met every incoming train with hopes that he would see the man who had cared for him. Even today, people visit Fort Benton, Montana, to stand at the grave of a dog whose actions remind us of the true meaning of loyalty and heart.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4–This picture book celebrates the bond between a sheep dog and his owner. During the Depression, in north central Montana, a sheepherder passed away. Shep watched the man's coffin being loaded onto a train to be returned to his family back east. From that day forward, the loyal canine met every passenger train that arrived at the Fort Benton depot. The station manager and many townspeople noticed him and slowly discovered the details of his life. The people adopted him, feeding him and loving him, until the day he died. News of the dog's death spread throughout the country and his story was featured in Reader's Digest, Lady's Circle, and other major publications. An author's note gives additional background information. Yardley's watercolor paintings, reminiscent of Susan Jeffers's work, are warm, detailed, and textured. Dog lovers will appreciate the reverential tone of the story. A good addition for larger collections.–Linda Zeilstra Sawyer, Skokie Public Library, IL
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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press (October 31, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 158536259X
• ISBN-13: 978-1585362592
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #288,873 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is my favorite story about a dog......, January 21, 2008

By 

Lisa M. Ilminen (Missoula, MT) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Shep: Our Most Loyal Dog (True Story) (Hardcover)

I first heard the story of Shep while on a motorcycle trip through MT in 2004. A little old man in a bar told me of Fort Benton and the Shep memorial. He told me the story of Shep the loyal sheep dog who's owner had died but Shep faithfully waited each day by the train station in hopes that he would return. The local people in town wanted to take Shep in but he stayed. They fed and took care of him as much as they could until one day, Shep passed. I had to see it for myself and headed to Fort Benton. I couldn't believe it two years later when I saw a book w/the same title and wondered if it could be the "Shep" I had heard of. I was so excited when it was and his memory is in print forever. I gave away my copy already at a friend's baby shower and have to pick up another.

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow says it all!, August 12, 2011

By 

Tami M. Malcore "teacher" (Larsen, WI United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Shep: Our Most Loyal Dog (True Story) (Hardcover)

Summary: This short picture book is based on a true story that takes place in Montana during the Depression. A dog named Shep finds his owner ill. The owner is taken to a hospital where he dies. Shep, not understanding what has happened, watches as they load the casket onto a train. Lost without his devout friend, Shep remains at the train station for years, greeting each train that comes, hoping to be reunited with his owner. Through inclement weather, Shep remains faithful to the end.

My Reaction: Wow! That is all I can say. This book is so powerful! I am a dog owner (and lover) myself, and I found this book of loyalty to be extremely touching! Knowing this is based on a true story makes the book even more memorable and heartwarming! I had the privilege of meeting Sneed Collard at our school in 2011. He is a great speaker and author!