Shep's Legacy
In Fort Benton, Montana, there lies an unusual monument to the loyalty of man’s best friend. In 1936, a sheepherder fell ill and was taken to the hospital in Fort Benton, followed by his border collie, Shep. The master’s body was shipped back East by train, and for the next five-and-a-half years, the dog met every train in hopes of his master’s return.
Tragically, he was run over in 1942. On the 50th anniversary of the dog’s death, the town of Fort Benton created a bronze memorial in honor of this story of devotion. The statue, located on Front Street across from the Grand Union Hotel, serves as a reminder of the faithfulness and companionship of dogs around the world.
Tragically, he was run over in 1942. On the 50th anniversary of the dog’s death, the town of Fort Benton created a bronze memorial in honor of this story of devotion. The statue, located on Front Street across from the Grand Union Hotel, serves as a reminder of the faithfulness and companionship of dogs around the world.
