65 years later… The Shep Story: Why We Need It… And Why It‘s A Story For Our Time.

A New Novel  Shep: ‘Loyalty Beyond All Bounds’

IOWA CITY, IA --- SEPTEMBER 27, 2007 ---  Sixty-five years ago in Ft. Benton Montana  a sheepdog named Shep died. Shep went up to every passenger train for five and one-half years, where he waited for his master’s return.  When Shep died in 1942, the story hit the AP. It was picked up by the London Daily and the New York Times.  At that time it took on meaning for those who would grieve the departure of their loved ones (those who were departing for WW2) and would wait for their safe return.

Now a new novel Shep: Loyalty Beyond All Bounds, 217 pages, $14.99.  Published by Holy Fire is now available through Barnes and Noble.com and Borders.com.This is a heartwarming story of devotion between man and his best friend.  This relevant story starts out with the protagonist, a WW1 veteran haunted by his war experience, loses his job on Black Tuesday.  This story is an antidote for those who are in the same situation today.  It gives people inspiration and hope.  It’s a story for this time! Shep’s about a stray shepherds dog who meets with a man without hope. After they meet John’s bad luck takes a complete turn. He learns all about herding sheep, falls in love and builds a house. Just when his life is complete, tragedy strikes. It’s a story of God’s love and forgiveness. 

This saga weaves in a family of Irish Immigrants, the Fitzpatrick’s and their culture of working sheep.  It takes place before the Taylor Act, where there was a free range war going on between the cowboys and the sheepherders. It has the classic idea of pulling for the literal underdog who’s on the right side defeating the over dog who’s on the wrong side which is a strong American mythology.  This is the type of story where true legends are made.It’s a tearjerker, with a redemptive ending that reaffirms one’s belief.  The classic Irish account, where life’s tragic struggle brings meaning.  Shep’s a tale that will hold the test of time, because of it’s universal themes of good triumphing over evil.  Shep’s ending is powerful!  Kevin has had people come to him, “I cried.”  Kevin had a 22 year old journalism student (Vickie) read the script. He asked her, “Did you cry?”  She said, “No, but my chin was down to my chest!”  

Some historians think that it was our relationship with dog’s that permitted us to leave the hunter gatherer state, because of the work load they took off our lives.  This story explains why Border Collies are worth their weight in gold.  The Border Collie is considered the genetic Archetype of working dogs.  They’re considered the most intelligent dogs in the world. The Author Kevin Davis started writing after he went to Hollywood.  Where he won a National Television Show Animal Pet Contest with his Border Collie, Kena “The Soccer Dog.” During Kena’s performance, the host Mario Lopez compared her soccer ability to David Beckham.  After the show his breeder, Don Marshall told Kevin that he knew someone in Hollywood.  Kevin sent his material to David Brokaw, “The Brokaw Company.” His father is Norman Brokaw, Ex-CEO of William Morris. David called Kevin and told him, “You know this stuff! You’re a producer.  Just get me a story!”

Kevin started writing screenplays and decided to turn his work into a novel format.
For Kena’s tricks go to You Tube and Search: Kena “The Soccer Dog.” Be sure to check out her smiling face.

Contact Author: Kevin Davis
                             Ph 319-338-8422
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Thursday, September 13, 2007
What I'm Into...
By Deanna Truman-Cook
Iowa City Press-Citizen

Kevin Davis’ love of border collies already has taken him to Hollywood. Now with a novel, “Shep: Loyalty Beyond All Bounds,” about the breed, the Iowa City resident is keeping his fingers crossed that it could land him a movie deal, as well. For the moment, however, he’s staying busy with readings. Davis will next read and sign copies of the book from 2 to 3 p.m. Sept. 22 at the First Avenue Hy-Vee in Iowa City. The novel is based on a true story of a sheepdog that went up to every passenger train in Fort Benton, Mon., for more than five years searching for his master, Davis said. When Shep died, after being hit by one of the trains, his story made international headlines. A statue in the dog’s likeness remains today where Shep once waited. “It is an inspiring story of devotion between man and man’s best friend,” Davis said. “The book is almost medicine for people who are going through a loss.” Davis has two border collies — Kena, 14, and Crea, 5. Kena’s soccer skills landed her a spot on “Pet Star” on Animal Planet where Mario Lopez compared her soccer ability to David Beckham’s. Her talent can be seen firsthand on videos on YouTube. And while Crea is a great dog as well and can do some phenomenal Frisbee tricks, Kena still is the star, Davis said. “She will do anything I ask,” Davis said. “It is pretty amazing.” Let us know what you think of this story...

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