The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Most everyone in our section of Montana has heard the story of Shep, the amazing dog who met the train for years thinking his master was on it. His master's dead body was put on the train for burial elsewhere and Shep knew that his master would be back to get his friend.

That story is in book form. It can be found on line and in most bookstores around Montana. It is a great book to give to grandchildren or children, nephews and nieces for Christmas as it is the story of man and dog, something that there is never enough written about.

Years ago, when I was in Fort Benton with a friend, we were on the hillside where Shep is buried. We had both read the story and I had told it to him earlier in the day.

After reading the words, my friend said to me, "You know Robby, my dog would do that for me in a heartbeat if he could. More importantly, I hope you know that your dog would do the same thing for you if he was able."

At the time I guess I was sad that my friend did not make more out of the incredible story of Shep.

Fast forward to this Christmas, many years later. I have a long haired Dachshund named Fallie. Fallie was my mother's dog more than mine. They just bonded. Don't ask me how. Mother was not particularly interested in dogs, but Fallie, she took to like you would not believe. Fallie was four when mother died. He is nine now

So, five years ago, Fallie lost his main hinge pin. I know that Fallie loves me but to this day, the first thing he does when he gets up in the morning is to go into mother's bedroom and see if she is back. Talk about loyalty.

Don't get me wrong. Fallie is very loyal to me and needs my loving care as much as possible every day.

But, if he had seen mother's casket to on the train, if he could, he would go back looking for her every day. Just like he does at home.

I have told that story to other friends some who have dogs and others that do not.

The friends with dogs, all say their dog would do the very same thing if he were able.

The thing about Shep is that he was able.

And, what make's Shep's story so wonderful at Christmas is that Shep is really every dog. Every dog I have had anyway. Probably every dog you have had as well.

If you learn anything from having dogs around, it is that God endowed them with this tremendous loyalty. It is loyalty above and beyond the scope of anything even reasonable.

So, when you read about Shep, remember you are reading about your own dog as well.

Another friend put it much better than I could ever say it. He said that first of all God gave us dogs so that we could learn about amazing loyalty from them and practice it in our own lives. Then he gave us amazing grace and you know all the rest of the story.

Merry Christmas from Fallie or as he is officially known, Lucke's Fala of Lake McDonald.