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

[kokosfriend]

Koko has been gone for 4 years. I will always be "Kokofriend."

Barb

[Dashonthedash]

Thank you again for all your comforting words. I will be keeping my username for the foreseeable future. I don't believe there could be a more fitting tribute to such a special friend.

[Grillmeister]

Gary

There is really nothing I can say that has not already been said. But I remember when we were going through the same thing we used to say “we are certainly doing a lot of laundry” 🙂

Anything to keep our hopes and attitude up, it is not easy. Good job of taking care of your fur kids and thanks for sharing the experience with the rest of us, so we may all feel more comforted when our time comes again.

Gary

[det62]

Dashonthedash wrote:
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".

I am so sorry for your loss. This post brought tears to my eyes, first sad, then happy. You gave Dash a great life and showered love to him, he gave you a goodbye based on his love for you.

[ngraef]

Gary I'm so sorry, it's the hardest thing we have to do for them. 😞

[Uppercrust]

Gary, Sorry for your loss on a much loved furbaby. I have been through it and it is never easy saying goodbye. May the memories of Dash live on in your heart.

[chrisnpat]

Gary I'm very sorry for your loss, Dash is happy, smiling down on you......Rest in Peace Dash.....

[Hoops]

Gary so sorry to hear Dash has gone to the Rainbow Bridge. But as your post said he is free from pain and in good health. His memory will be with you always. May you take comfort in knowing you gave him the life any dog could ask for and all the love.

How are the other 2 taking it?

[CA_POPPY]

Dashonthedash wrote:
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".

How wonderful that you have that priceless memory to keep, Gary. Thanks for sharing that moment of perfect love and peace.

[ClassBGirl]

I'm so sorry about Dash. It's so tough having to make that decision, "been there, done that" several times, and it's gut wrenching. Dash was so lucky to have had such a wonderful life with you. I know he will be missed, but he will always be in your heart.


The Last Battle
If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this, the last battle, can't be won.

You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end

And hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree,
It is a kindness you do to me.

Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don't grieve that it must be you,
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close, we two, these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
~~Unknown~~

[Dashonthedash]

Thanks. I keep looking at all the spots Dash used to lay in my house, expecting to still see him. Of course, he is probably there when I am not looking...

[Dandy_Dan]

Gary, Glad we had time to meet and be with Dash for the short times we did. It is really tough to do what you have done but Dash loved you very much and gave his all to you and thanked you for doing so in the end. A dog is the only thing that loves you more than itself. God Bless during your time of sorrow.

Your Friends,
Dan and Lori

[TugCE]

Sorry for your lose Gary.

[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.