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

[ETexan]

So sorry, it's not easy saying goodbye.

[Martyn]

Gary - so sorry for your loss.

Having been through the same thing with Princess ,a short time ago, I know exactly what your emotions are right now.

You and Dash are in my thoughts and prayers.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Boy I slept so hard I didn't wake up until eight this morning. I finished my Christmas shopping yesterday. Ava one of the twin daughters went with me to help out. It is so nice to have family so close by.

I heard from Robin another daughter who got married about a year ago. Her step daughter works for the CDC in Atlanta and she told Robin and ED she was going to build them a log cabin on the property after the first of the year as a wedding and Christmas present. Isn't God good!

The fur babies are doing well this morning. It is cold outside with a stiff wind blowing in some bad weather. The mountains help protect us from a lot of the winter snow but sometimes the snow clouds will slip through and give us a good dusting. It looks that way this morning with low clouds that are black and heavy looking, I have plenty of wood for the fire place on the back deck so let it blow, snow or whatever it is going to do.

Gary I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you will have a blessed day.

[Code2High]

So sorry Gary...

[SGTJOE]

So sorry Gary.

[dobermans2]

Gary,
Bless you for helping your best friend on his journey to the Bridge. Many of us on this forum have had to make the same decision. You know you have done the right thing. Thinking of you tonight.

[campincandice]

I'm so sorry Gary... It's so hard to lose our best friends!

[Dashonthedash]

Thank you for your words of comfort. It's funny how things go full circle. When I wrote about the time I first picked Dash from his litter, I commented how he gave me kisses when I held him. I hugged him while he lay on the mat with the catheter in his leg waiting for the final injection, and he turned his head and gave me a kiss. It was both a final "Thank you" as well as a comforting, "Don't worry, I will be fine, and I will always be with you".

[Dixie_Flyer]

Gary wrote "It's over".

What a wonderful friend and companion you were for Dash. He felt your compassion and gave you the best he could give, all of his devotion for all of his life. He is now with Old Fella and the rest of those that have gone before him. They were there at the Bridge to escort him into a new realm where there is no more sickness nor sorrow. You did for him what he could not do for himself in that you helped him cross over to a place of rest and peace. God bless you for all the love and care you have given to all of your companion animals and the reward that will be waiting for you when the time has come for you to make that journey for yourself.

Your friend and family
Richard & Sue

[dturm]

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I know the loss of dignity really effects some dogs.

Doug

[dogdiva]

Gary you did all you could do, i know your heart is heavy, for you have lived for a long tme knowing you would have to help Dash get to the Bridge and its so painful
Cherish the many memories and give thanks for the time you had all that unconditional love

[kokosfriend]

Bless you for the great life you gave Dash

Barb

[Dashonthedash]

It's over.

Dash and I have been through a lot together, including times when he was pretty destructive, but that was part of who he was and what he became, which was the best friend and companion any one could ask for. I called him “Mini-Max” because of how he shadowed old Max when he was a pup. His breeder called him “The Instigator” because of the way he started things with his siblings and the way he always tried to be the one in control. He would wrestle with them, often initiating one-on-one matches, although he would whine when he was on the bottom. After 13+ years, he hadn't changed a bit: I honestly believe he thought that the entire household would fall apart without him. He may be right.

Dash had lost much of his mobility and all of his bowel control. Today, I helped Dash pass on to the Bridge to be with his mentor. He now has his youth, mobility, health and dignity back, and he can once again be on top.

Run free, little Yawny, Sayonara, my Mini-Max, my Instigator, we will be together again at the Rainbow Bridge.

[glenfloyd]

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[Hoops]

Gary ditto what Barb said.