---

I am a canine of noble birth

A German Shepherd Dog - courageous, alert!

I protect my master to earn my keep

In grassy fields I guard his sheep

Of me I've heard it often said

"No finer dog has yet been bred"

---

The times have changed, a new day's dawned

Alas, I find myself in a foreign land.

I am a canine of noble birth

I protect no man, I guard no herd;

Stripped of my birthright I carry on

A lonely vigil for times long gone.

When I learned how to treat a lamb,

Or how to control a powerful ram,

When I had to chase the wolves from their prey

To keep the flock calm, and from going astray.

When I was taught to stand my ground

To defend my master when troubles abound

There was no limit to what I could do

My courage and loyalty saw me through

---

Now I am told I was bred for "show"

Do I deserve to be dropped this low?

In the canine world I am the King,

I do not care for the dog show ring.

It bores me till the day I die

Why can I no longer do my part

And serve mankind with all my heart?

My heritage demands of me

To be what I was born to be,

Return my birthright that once was mine

 

A CHANCE TO LAY MY LIFE ON THE LINE