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

[Graydog]

Not only has he healed from the outside - think about all the healing that has been done on the inside! He is truly a beautiful boy! There is a look of contentment in those eyes. He knows he is home.

[TTBeachBum]

I just can't get over how handsome O.F. is. I just want to pet him!!!

What a beautiful healing job. You have done a wonderful job Dixieflyer!

[Code2High]

I see a distinct look of mischief in that eye....

[tandemsuit]

Beautiful! Rich, you're doing an amazing thing!

[Dixie_Flyer]

Dixie Flyer wrote:



Taken today as he was relaxing in the back yard enjoying the sun.
Notice the skin around the eyes,--- all healed up.

Now look at the old boy!

[Dixie_Flyer]

Remember this picture taken two months ago?

[Top_Dog]

He looks wonderful! You should be proud of what you did for him.

[Chemgoddess1]

I cannot believe that this is the same dog. He sure is one happy, lucky dog. Give him a belly rub from me.

[CA_POPPY]

The self-confidence in his expression is what's really striking, compared to that first picture of the poor campground waif. Just amazing.

Take good care of yourself, Rich, and feel better soon.

[sue_t]

Dixie Flyer wrote:
The residents at Modoc, SC have put him there for about fives years. If you look at his skin around his face and neck you will find it is loose and sagging, like an old dog. He hasn't grayed too much about the muzzle for some reason. but the picture does make him look much younger than he actually is.

There's a little grey under The Fella's chin. And his body has some plumpness now where elderly dogs get their fat pockets. I'd suspect he's 8 or 9.

Our Chaos is 9 1/2 years and as a large breed dog is considered elderly. We notice the extra skin on his jowls, under his neck, etc. And he doesn't play keep-away for as long as he used to ... but he still goes and plays and gives it his all and yet has some wisdom to his actions, unlike when he was a testosterone filled pup. Breeder told us average age was 10 but we think he's got a few more years yet!

And I'm sure The Fella is going to hang around for a few years too ... he's got too much of a good thing to leave!

[Dixie_Flyer]

Sue and I are doing okay. The cold keeps hanging on and I can't seem to shake it. It is worse at night than any other time. Maybe it will get better in a few more days. Thanks for asking.

I like the third one the best.

[lynno62]

Richard What a wonderful picture he does look so healthy and happy. I am glad that he is doing so well. How are you and Sue Felling? any better now that you are home? Take care God Bless.
Lynn & Mickey

[Dixie_Flyer]

The residents at Modoc, SC have put him there for about fives years. If you look at his skin around his face and neck you will find it is loose and sagging, like an old dog. He hasn't grayed too much about the muzzle for some reason. but the picture does make him look much younger than he actually is.

[Camper_Carl]

Dixie Flyer wrote:



Taken today as he was relaxing in the back yard enjoying the sun. Notice the skin around the eyes,--- all healed up.

Richard, If he is a 11 year old dog then I am 150 years old. He does not look to be a old dog. I will bet anything that he was droped off as a young dog because someone did not want him anymore and hes only about 5 to 7 years.

Carl

[robbins1]

What a handsome, happy looking dog!
Thanks~

~~~ruth~~~