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

[Luizianna]

Link to story

Have seen stories on Animal Planet of animals saving their owners lives....amazing isn't it!!

[chemisd]

http://www.marinij.com/marin/ci_3171506

I was really curious as to the story so I looked it up. I know the link isn't clickable, but I am sure that someone out there can do it! Neat story!

[CA_POPPY]

Dixie Flyer wrote:
It is my plan for some of the proceeds from the sales of the book to go towards rebulding our animal shelter in Burke County. It is my hope there will be enough to also help fund the rescue efforts of the city and county where I live. Most animals that come to the animal shelter here don't make it out because of limited funds. So to your question, yes that is where I hope to begin giving animals like Old Fella another chance at life.

Rich, that's a great idea. "Brighten the corner where you are...."
If we all try to do that, how much better the world would be.

[Silverwinger]

On a related topic, on the noon news today was a story out of Marin county California about a man who on the way to his home on a dirt road went off the road and was not visible and quite injured for over 7 hours, he somehow managed to reach his caged dog in the back of the truck and freed it in hopes it would seek help for him, as luck would have it, the dog went to a nearby house and attracted the attention of the owner and led her to the wreck scene, rescue was called and he was recovered alive, the kicker of the story was that he had "rescued" the dog (looked like a Cocker) from a local shelter only TWO weeks prior...
Heck of a pay back for a rescue don't you think?

[High_Pockets1]

Yes....I looked at the Rally link. I am interested. We have never been to a rally nor have we been to Branson. Sounds like a match made in heaven!

[lynno62]

High Pockets,
If you are interested we are have an Old Fella rally in Branson MO.
here is a link to it.
Old Fella Rally
We would love to meet you and your rescue animals.
Thank you.
Lynn and Mickey=FOOF(Friends of Old Fella)

[High_Pockets1]

My first post to this thread........I have spent four hours reading all posts. My husband and I also give a loving home only to homeless pets. We now are the proud parents of four cats that have wondered here to us when no one else would love them. They bring us joy every day!! Our last dog lived to be 17.5 years of age and we had her 16.5 years. In her latter years, she was under the care of a Cardiologist among other things. She maintained a good quality of life until we put her down. One visit to the Cardiologist cost more than Old Fella's doctor charged during his entire ordeal. What a beautiful man he must be. Thanks to him, and Old Fella's parents for they are all beautiful people. We agree that old dogs have so much to offer. They are wise, loving, grateful. God bless everyone that gave to help Old Fella and we thank you for the blessing all these posts have given us. ALABAMA"S post was the most beautiful pet poem we have ever read. Thank you for sharing.

[Dixie_Flyer]

I hope Susanne is successful with the book. I believe once you read the book it will forever change the way you will look at an old stray dog hanging around looking for someone to love and take care of him.

[TTBeachBum]

Dixie Flyer wrote:
It is my plan for some of the proceeds from the sales of the book to go towards rebulding our animal shelter in Burke County. It is my hope there will be enough to also help fund the rescue efforts of the city and county where I live. Most animals that come to the animal shelter here don't make it out because of limited funds. So to your question, yes that is where I hope to begin giving animals like Old Fella another chance at life.

I had no doubts. You made a difference in Old Fella's life, and he will make a difference to a whole county!

[Nedra]

Thanks Richard I was hoping that is what your intentions were. Rescues and shelters certainly can use the help and unselfish of you to be willing to give of yourself to Old Fella and to the shelters and rescues. I commend you for what you are doing.

[Dixie_Flyer]

It is my plan for some of the proceeds from the sales of the book to go towards rebulding our animal shelter in Burke County. It is my hope there will be enough to also help fund the rescue efforts of the city and county where I live. Most animals that come to the animal shelter here don't make it out because of limited funds. So to your question, yes that is where I hope to begin giving animals like Old Fella another chance at life.

[Nedra]

It's been nice reading about Old Fella and everyone's interest in him. He's certainly a lucky guy to have found you and everyone in this group who so generously helped with his medical care. He certainly has become quite the poster dog for dog rescue.

Now that your planning on writing a book about you and Old Fella are the proceeds from the sale of the book going to be donated to local dog rescues to help other dogs who are less fortunate?

Rescue is hard work, not cheap (as you now know) and there are never enough funds to help the dogs in need. Old Fella is just a VERY small sample of what comes across the doorsteps of rescue groups around the country and they certainly could use the help! I volunteer for a rescue and I can't tell you how many dogs are brought in or taken out of horrible circumstances often in far worse condition than Old Fella. The cost to care for a rescue is high and most rescues rely solely on donations. Sometimes due to lack of funds, they are euthanized because there isn't any funding to help with the medical care needed for some of these poor dogs. How nice it would be for Old Fella's story to help other dogs in need who are less fortunate.

[lynno62]

Richard that is wonderful news. I am so glad that he is working out so well for you and your family.
Lynn,Mickey=FOOF

[Dixie_Flyer]

Old Fella is finished with the vet. Good check up today.

[TTBeachBum]

I am proud of you! We all love O.F.