A very old stray {The Old Fella Story}

[Dixie_Flyer]

Went camping this weekend at a campground on the lake, had not been there for a few years. Once there I began to walk around looking at the different sites when I noticed a very old dog. He just lay there until I got too close then he got up on three legs and hobbled away. Just judging I would say he is at least 11 years old. Well back to my story. The next afternoon he wanders into camp and just sits there looking. He looked so sad, so the wife got a bowl of our dog's food and put it down for him and he came over and ate. He then walked over to our dog and the two of them sniffed each other over and then they lay down together for the rest of the afternoon. That night he disappeared.
The next morning he was back and was a little more receptive of me. I looked at his injured leg and found that half of his rear foot was gone. It had healed and was not causing any problem except that he was walking on the stub that was left with no foot pad which causes him to limp. His front teeth were gone except for one canine tooth and it looked decayed. His eyes were tired looking and showing his age. He spent the rest of the day just laying around looking for a handout and by afternoon the campground host came around and saw him. I enquired about the dog and was told he had been there for three years and that most of the campers were tolerant of him and gave him food.
So what to do? Do you pick him up and bring him home or do you let nature take it course. He can't harm anyone, he has no teeth and he isn't a nuisance unless you don't like dogs, and no one seems to mind him being there. He is gentle and likes other animals as seen by his interaction with our dog. He still would not let me touch him but he would eat from my hand. Enough said, what would you do???

On June 28th 2008 Old Fella passed away of complications caused by bone cancer. Fella spent almost three years with his new family and became the icon of rescued old stray dogs. He will be greatly missed but his foot prints have been left in our hearts forever.

Now Charlie, the ten year old rescued Golden Lab has come to be a part of the continuing Old Fella story. (*Note, Charlie took his journey to Rainbow Bridge unexpectedly September 30, 2008)Suzie continues to charm her way into our hearts with her antics as she has grown from a puppy into a young lady. Togther they will carry on the Old Fella legacy. Come join us in their daily lives and be a part of the best feel good thread in RV.NET history. The legacy lives on.


HIghways Article Puppy Love

Old Fella Burke County Animal Rescue

[Hoops]

Richard, I wonder if the cool or cold weather effects her more, so maybe on those days she just can't seem to make it the wagon might help. It does effect Missy in her joints, I start my chemo soon and I have heard cold will effect me more then too. So we are heading to TX soon. Making it better for me and Missy. Ha

[dturm]

dogdiva wrote:
Richard....Fire ants here ih Texas are horrible and i tried everything until i heard about Over and OUt.......guaranteed to get rid of them....
I have used it for years.with wonderful results....I broadcast it over ALL the yard, especially along the edge of the yard to keep them from coming in and it works, Once a year is about all i have had to do it at the house and i carry it in the RV so before i set up in a spot, i broadcast it around the spot
I called the manufacturer about its safety for the dogs and they said it was ok but I still let it settle in the ground for a day before i let the dogs out

It is fipronil - the same stuff in Frontline. It shouldn't be a problem as long as it's not ingested.

Doug, DVM

[Dashonthedash]

Code2High wrote:
Is his digestion stabilized?

He has been fine. I am worried about the ice that built up around the steps that lead from the deck down to the yard. I am going to have to go out with him to make sure he doesn't fall. Using ice melt or chopping the ice will damage the wood. I can't use hot water because it is too cold and it will just freeze, making it much worse.

[Dixie_Flyer]

And stay out!!

[Dixie_Flyer]

Hey Doc. I heard through the grapevine ants can't stand sugar water. So just mix a pound of pure sugar with water and pour it directly on the mound and repeat every other day until you see them come out begging for mercy every time you come near.:B

[Dixie_Flyer]

Thank you Mary Lou for the information on Over and Out. Sue and I will go to Lowes this morning and buy some. I have never seen so many fire ant mounds in one yard in my life. The reviews are great, not a single negative post on the product.

The girls continue doing well, except Mama. The mornings will be cold for the next few, down in the 40's but the day time will be nice. The leaves are starting to turn colors and soon will be a blaze of reds, gold and orange. Thank goodness I don't have leaves to rake since we moved. The yard in Waynesboro was full of Pecan and Pine trees that covered the yard with leaves and pine needles. It was a major job cleaning the gutters and the yard. Now there is nothing to clean outside except the windows and patio.

There is plenty of firewood for the winter months and soon we will be settling in for a long winter's stay. I understand Colorado has already had snow.:B It is pretty to look at with the mountains in the background, but I will enjoy looking at pictures not the real stuff.

[dogdiva]

Richard....Fire ants here ih Texas are horrible and i tried everything until i heard about Over and OUt.......guaranteed to get rid of them....
I have used it for years.with wonderful results....I broadcast it over ALL the yard, especially along the edge of the yard to keep them from coming in and it works, Once a year is about all i have had to do it at the house and i carry it in the RV so before i set up in a spot, i broadcast it around the spot
I called the manufacturer about its safety for the dogs and they said it was ok but I still let it settle in the ground for a day before i let the dogs out

[Code2High]

Is his digestion stabilized?

[SGTJOE]

Good news Gary.

[Dashonthedash]

Dixie Flyer wrote:
Gary I hope all the blood works comes back on the positive side and you with the vet can find a way to keep Dash comfortable and mobile. I hope we will see the whole family in Branson next June.

The blood work all came out normal, including the thyroid values (He has been on a medication for hypothyroidism).

[Martyn]

Dashonthedash wrote:


Guess what showed up this morning?

2" of the darn stuff here in Bennett.

[Dashonthedash]

Guess what showed up this morning?

[kokosfriend]

Beautiful! I love GSDs

Barb

[Dashonthedash]

chrisnpat wrote:
They are so cute when they are little.........

I think he is still cute...

[Dixie_Flyer]

Good morning everyone. It was chilly this morning at 55 degrees. I noticed that some of the upper parts of the country were well below freezing. I now have fire wood outside ready to burn in the fireplace so Mama can cuddle up next to it and keep warm. She had a hard time last night, up and down wandering through the house. She does that when she is not comfortable. Maybe I should increase her tamamdol at night to help her sleep?

This morning I watched as she climbed the steps coming in from the back yard and she struggled a bit taking the steps one at time. The tramadol is 50mg, she weighs 80 pounds so maybe three at night instead of two will help.

The other girls are doing fine. Next weekend we leave for Myrtle Beach, SC for a three day weekend. I am looking forward to the beach as it has been a while since we have been. We still have our trip planned for Hunting Island after Christmas. That is always a fun trip with our walks on the beach and exploring the Light House trail.

FIRE ANTS!!! I have never seen so many in my life. The yard is full of their mounds and I mean large ones. I have bought all kinds of stuff to get rid of them and have found nothing that works. Once I got so fed up I poured a gallon of gasoline in a large mound and set it on fire. With the price of gas now it is not cost affective.

Okay I am going to get ready for our morning walk, talk with you later.