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

[Dixie_Flyer]

Good morning everyone. I hope that you have a blessed day and that you and your family are healthy and at peace. Hug your family members and for those far away in distant cities call them and tell them how much you love them.

[frank-2]

So sorry, Martyn...

[Dashonthedash]

It is always hard to let go, but she will always be with you.

The hurt will surely go away,
but the memories will always stay.
We may now be far apart,
but you'll be always in my heart.
Through my soul you'll always run,
You and I, forever one.

You were always there for me
When I needed you to be
Like a friend that's tried and true
I could always count on you
Though your days on Earth are done
We will be forever one.

Now you're running young and free
But still watching over me
One thing ever will be true
So long as I remember you
Through my soul you'll always run,
You and I, forever one.

Rest in Peace, Princess.

[Dixie_Flyer]

The right words are hard to come by at a time like this. You have your memories and the tender moments that will always be in your heart. I wish you well in the days ahead and I know you will cherish the time you spent with her.

[DOTLDaddy]

They are with us for such a very short time. 😞

[Hoops]

Awww so sorry to hear of her passing. Prayers and tissues for you and yours.

[Code2High]

So sorry, Martyn...

[dturm]

Very sorry Martyn.

[kokosfriend]

Bless you for the great life you gave Princess. It is so sad, but always worth it to have them for their time

Barb

[Martyn]

Martyn wrote:

Richard - it is very hard. Currently the light of my life, Princess, is really struggling. She has very quickly developed acute arthritis in her spine and hip joints (we had x-rays Saturday) and she can hardly walk or, sometimes, even get up.

Dr. has put her on Prednisone, Tramadol and a series of 8 injections to help the joints but we, and he, fear she is going downhill fast.

She is 13 now and we know that it will not be long before we have a dreadful decision to make. I have been through this a number of times before, but this one is going to be the hardest. We think that this weekend's camping trip will be her last...

Here she is with you, me and Fella at the Colorado Old Fella Rally:

It is with a heavy heart and many tears that have to say that my darling Princess (Princess Braemar of Gunnison) went to the Rainbow Bridge this morning. She could hardly walk, was losing weight fast and had stopped eating. At 13 she had a great life and was very precious to us. She passed on in her favourite position - lying on the sofa with her head in my lap.........

[Dixie_Flyer]

Gary I hope all is well with you and Dash this morning. It was cold here last night and the fire in the fireplace felt good. The girls didn't like the popping coming from the wood as it burned, so they went to the bedroom to get away from it.

Mama is resting after eating and being outside. She is having a hard time getting around this morning but she manages. The weather here this morning looks and feels like winter. It is supposed to warm up today so I am looking forward to that. We are leaving for Myrtle Beach Friday from a little R&R. For some reason I am not that excited about going now that the time is getting closer. I think part of it has to do with Mama and her condition. Maybe once we get there I will feel better about it.

Okay, I am going to get ready to face the day, have a good one and I will talk with you later.

[Dashonthedash]

Dr. Doug, are there any new studies showing whether this rather haphazard beginning has shown any real promise or progress?

[Code2High]

Gary!

http://news.vin.com/VINNews.aspx?articleId=14031

There are more articles, not sure how many people are actually working on it. Here's a search page...

http://search.aol.com/aol/search?query=stem+cell+therapy+for+dogs+with+degenerative+myelopathy&s_it=...

[Code2High]

Dashonthedash wrote:
Izzie is apparently sending a message to Peaches, either for some perceived or prospective affront to his absolute power over the household.

Dash was much better last night, both in comfort and bowel control. It may have nothing to do with it, but I added a highly concentrated MSM supplement to his diet a couple of weeks ago, just before the accidents started. I have since read that, in concentrated doses, MSM can have a laxative effect which, combined with his already DM-weakened anal muscles, could explain the control issues. As a precaution, I have stopped all the supplements, other than his prescribed medications, until I can further gauge their effects.

That's great news. Always hard at that stage of life because when something goes wrong you think "this is it." But sometimes it isn't.... hopefully this is one of the times when you get a little more time.

Are they doing any stem cell stuff with DM like they are with arthritis? That just popped in my head...

[Dixie_Flyer]

The high today was supposed to be 54*. It is now 52* and the wind is getting colder so I think we have hit our high for today. I have a fire going in the fireplace and the wood is green so it pops a lot driving Peaches crazy. I think it is about time for a nap as the rain clouds get darker.