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

[Dashonthedash]

Richard, have you talked to your vet about acupuncture for Mama? My vet says it not only helps relieve pain, but it stimulates the nerves, which is Dash's main problem. Hydrotherapy is also a good option.

[dogdiva]

OH !!! how we love our furbabies and Oh!! how hard it is to see them slowing down,,,,but WE slow down and we compensate, so we must compensate for our beloved companions,,,,,,whatever it takes,!! if it be diapers, a belly band to help them up and down, or special cuddling and massage,or cooking everything and anything to get them to eat!!! WE will do it,,,,and a positive attitude works wonders....Their unconditional love and trust they give us , heals us and helps us get thru each day knowing the day will come when we must face just having memories ....

[Dixie_Flyer]

Today has been a good day as far as being at the beach. Mama however still struggles trying to walk. We limit our outside activities with her so she doesn't get down. Next week I am going to have X-rays done to see what we are dealing with. I don't want to be blind sided like I was with Fella and Levi.

I have thought about a heating pad for Mama but she is so hot natured I don't believe she would go for it. Anyway we will do the best we can until next week and then I will have the vet take another look and see if there is anything going on we haven't noticed before.

[Granted]

My Tascha also is moving really slow. She dosen't limp but just takes it slow and easy. She just turned 9 last month but age 9 for a Shar pei is a good age. I just pray we have her around for many more years. She has always been my heart dog. We got her at 3 months old so we are the only home she remembers. Breeder said she was the bad puppy in the litter and they had to confine her by herself at times. She does love being the boss but she is my sweetheart.

[Dashonthedash]

Hope Mama does better, but the cold is not good for old bones. Dash is going in for his second acupuncture treatment today; I hope it can help him. His appetite is still good, and his general demeanor is great, but his mobility issues are getting worse, and he continues to have problems with bowel control. It is always difficult to let go, but it may be more so with this particular dog. Dash and I have gone through so much together, and still every time I lean over him, I get a bath from the World's Largest Tongue. It is almost 13 years since I lost Max, but I still see him every time I look at Dash. I still call him "Mini-Max", a nickname I gave him because of the way he shadowed old Max when he was a pup. He was the first-born of his litter, and his breeder called him "The Instigator" because of the way he started things with his siblings and always tried to be the one in control. After 13+ years, he hasn't changed a bit: I believe he thinks that the entire household will fall apart without him. He may be right.

[dogdiva]

Have you tried letting Mama sleep on a heating pad set on low and perhaps a little massage in the morning will help her

[Dixie_Flyer]

The temp went lower than expected this morning as it was 55 degrees. There is a brisk wind blowing out of the North East makinig it fell much colder. We had a good night's sleep after the music next door stopped so I guess we know now what to expect from our next door neighbors across the fence. The restaurant next door to the campground has live entertainment playing loud music outside.

Mama is having a hard time this morning moving around. Her front shoulder as well as her hips are bothering her. She keeps trying to be active with the other girls but it is more of a struggle every day.

The beach here is busy but it is beautiful. Last night you could hear the waves pounding into the beach as the wind picked up making the waves larger. Sue and I will explore the area today to see what is going on. ave a blessed day an I will talk with you later.

[Dandy_Dan]

Hi There, Today is 10-11-12. That won't happen again. We are camping just north of Columbus. There are only 6 rigs in our group but this is the Halloween Weekend for the campgrounds and it is full according to the office. Tommow night is Trick-R-Treat for the kids and then an ice cream social. Should be a fun weekend. Anna and Sarah were really excited to get in the truck and get with the program. Hope all are going to have a good weekend. Hopefully it will warm up a little here.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Last night I held the prayer meeting service at church for our pastor while he is out of town and I enjoyed it very much. Today I will finish getting the camper ready for our trip to Myrtle Beach. I have already pulled the camper up to the house and the girls get excited every time they go out the door and see it sitting there. Mama will put her front paws on the camper steps waiting for me to open the door so she can go inside.

It was 46 outside this morning when I got up and the outlook for the future is cold at night. The day time temps will be in the 60's and seventy's for the next few days. Myrtle Beach will be warmer while we are there with no rain and plenty of sunshine in the forecast. It is already the 11th of October, time is flying by and soon it will be November. Thanksgiving has always been a time for families getting together and giving thanks for the blessing of the past year. We have so much to be thankful for this year with our good health and the ability to have traveled this summer to see so many of our friends and family.

Okay I need to get ready to face the day, so have a blessed on and I will talk with you later.

[chrisnpat]

Im very sorry for your loss Martyn.....Rest in Peace Princess.......

[SGTJOE]

Beer Belly wrote:
I know the feeling all too well. Last year we gave Frisco (17 y/o) his freedom from a body that was failing him.....as a pup he would curl up on my chest and fall asleep, and thats the same way he went for his final sleep, curled up on my chest. It's a tough decision to make, but you make it truly knowing that as much as it hurts, it's the right choice to make.

Thanks for that beautiful poem, I saved it.

[Beer_Belly]

I know the feeling all too well. Last year we gave Frisco (17 y/o) his freedom from a body that was failing him.....as a pup he would curl up on my chest and fall asleep, and thats the same way he went for his final sleep, curled up on my chest. It's a tough decision to make, but you make it truly knowing that as much as it hurts, it's the right choice to make.

[Martyn]

Thanks to everyone for your kind words, best wishes and poems. Liane and I appreciate them very much.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Rick that is beautiful, thank you.

[Beer_Belly]

You're giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.


But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.


So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic, that will
Once more make me whole.


The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it's the only way.


That strength is why I've followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I've loved you all these years...
My partner 'til the end.


Please, understand just what this gift,
You're giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost,
And all my dignity.


You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.


So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you,
To now grant me this appeal.


Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.


And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll stay.


I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I'll run,
...a young dog once again.