Dave Guard/Gretchen Guard

I met a nice old man today, oh, yes, oh, and he sure had a lot to say, a good long time ago.
I've led a soldier's occupation, oh, yes, oh, in every part of this big nation, a good long time ago.
I've seen the world and roamed its placed, oh, yes, oh. I guess I've been in a million places, a good long time ago.
But there are times when soldiering gets lonely, you long for friendly company.
So when you find an unfamiliar city, here's advice that always worked for me.

When your train gets into town, oh, yes, oh, just make a bee line to the pound, a good long time ago.
Don't just wander helter-skelter, oh, yes, oh, seek the nearest animal shelter, a good long time ago.
You soon will find the truest of companions. A little dog can melt a heart of stone.
Just when you think you're up a dreary canyon, a puppy's love can bring you close to home.

Find a store and buy some twine, oh, yes, oh. Now tie the doggie to the line, a good long time ago.
Thus prepared for any weather, oh, yes, oh. Dog and man will stand together, a good long time ago.
For mothers warn their daughters of the dangers of soldiers in their quest for girls.
Never, never speak to strangers unless their from the canine world.

A sweet young maid in passing by, oh, yes, oh, saw my smile but made no reply, a good long time ago.
The puppy fixed his gaze upon her, oh, yes, oh, two steps more and she was a goner, a good long time ago.
The sands of time have swept away the heart aches, the tears, the parting, and the pain.
The pup I gave her for a keep sake will always remind me of what's her name (what's her name?)