Shep
How many faithful dogs served their masters well in Montana can never be known. However, one dog’s devotion is forever immortalized in Fort Benton. Shep, a mixed breed dog, became famous for waiting at the train station for the return of his master.
For five years.
What is known, is that throughout the years many people in Montana have relied on dogs to assist in everyday life and to provide companionship. Today, while dogs continue to serve in many of their traditional functions, dogs have taken on new and unique tasks that enhance the lives of their owners and the community. Therapy, medical assistance, and search and rescue are only a few of the many services dogs provide.
Today, dogs contribute more to welfare of individuals and society than perhaps any other time in the history of the human-dog bond. Additionally, over the past three decades, increased awareness of the importance of humane care and control of dogs, the enactment and enforcement of leash laws, and dog bite prevention education, have all been instrumental in drastically lowering the number of reported dog-related injuries nationwide.
At times, the media spotlight on an individual, and infrequent, case of a dog attack has given the false impression that dogs pose a significant threat to the community. Occasionally, this type of sensationalized publicity, and/or a lack of awareness of the infrequency and true causes of dog attacks, has resulted in reactive and uniformed policies directed against certain types of dogs.
In January 2009, a bill was introduced to make it illegal to own a ”pit bull” in Montana. Noting that it is still legal to be a spectator at a dog fight in Montana, Rep. Driscoll nevertheless introduced a bill that would have required that cherished pet dogs be killed, solely on account of their appearance. Dog owners in Montana were justifiably outraged. Animal professionals who understand the nature of the human/canine bond weighed in as well. Rep. Driscoll’s bill was quickly defeated.
Fortunately, most people in Montana understand the value of dogs, and the responsibility of owners to provide humane care and control.
National Canine Research Council