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

[Dixie_Flyer]

Izzie has become a computer expert. He has learn how to keep me from getting to it.

[Code2High]

Lynn, sounds like you are both a little stressed out. I'm betting that crate training will take a load off of your mind and thus heart. Don't feel bad about not being ready to adopt. I'm in much the same place. I'm going to get another rescue, and I'd rather do it today. But as a practical matter I have some things to get through (one more surgery!) and also I needed time to really solidify my bond with the other two and get our collective act together.

As much as it hurts sometimes to wait, I know its for the best. Bringing an animal in when you're already stressed out, especially a rescue who is likely to need some remedial care and training.... this is not such a good idea. Get your feet under you and catch your breath so when the right dog does happen to you, you're ready.

You know rescue remedy is great for people as well as animals. There's also a company called "anaflora" that makes flower essence blends for animals, though I can tell you they work just fine on people. Not the "pound puppy" mix, maybe, :B but stuff like "emotional balance and healing." Something to think about...for both of you, if you're in a difficult place.

[Camper_Carl]

Dixie Flyer wrote:
Old Fella, Levi, Sue and my self will be heading out to Greenville, SC for Thanksgiving. Old Fells says he hasn't spent Thanksgiving with family in years. Hope everyone has a great Turkey Day and we wish everyone a blessed Holiday. By the way, I got called today by Old Fella. He was lying in the dinning room and he started that low woof,woof he has. So I go in to see what is going on and when I get there and asked, "What do you want"? He rolls over on his back for me to scratch his tummy. Well I guess I know my place now!

Richard,
I think Old Fella had got you trained. Don't feed the old guy too much turkey now. Have fun. May god be with you and your family over this Thanksgiving weekend? When you say grace, you know what to be thankful for (Old Fella)

Carl & Pattie

[mistressofdistr]

What better station in life than to be Old Fella's personal belly rubber?;)

[Dixie_Flyer]

Old Fella, Levi, Sue and my self will be heading out to Greenville, SC for Thanksgiving. Old Fells says he hasn't spent Thanksgiving with family in years. Hope everyone has a great Turkey Day and we wish everyone a blessed Holiday. By the way, I got called today by Old Fella. He was lying in the dinning room and he started that low woof,woof he has. So I go in to see what is going on and when I get there and asked, "What do you want"? He rolls over on his back for me to scratch his tummy. Well I guess I know my place now!

[loranfamily]

This was just amazing. I clicked on this thread by chance and have just spent hours reading 131 pages of posts. I wish that I was able to take in strays. Every winter I think of all the poor animals that are on their own to try to find warmth and food. Makes my heart break. It is so wonderful that one person would try so hard to rescue this dog and that everything has turned out so well. Good luck in the future.

[E_Texan]

This is the best thread ever by far. I just love happy endings. I've followed it from day one and went through about 2 boxes of kleenex.

[thejacksons]

Wow! what a difference from a couple of months ago. He looks so happy. I have to share this with you all, I have been following this thread from the very beginning and because of this thread, we have made the decision to get another dog - but we can't agree, because hubby wants something small and I want a Golden Retriever. Have signed up on their website and hope we are accepted. But if Old Fella ever comes walking down our street, he is welcome in our house any time. Thanks for going back and getting him and all the updates you give us. Hats off to you all and stay well. Wendy

[Dixie_Flyer]

Camper Carl wrote:
Hi There,
did anyone notice the numbers for this post. 25,000 hits with 1300 reply's. Great job people! And great job Richard and Old Fella.

Carl

When this thread started I never knew that it would become the great story that it has. I wonder if this is some kind of record for Pet Health?

[Dixie_Flyer]

Old Fella is doing great and Sue and I are about done with the colds. Yesterday I went to see a Retina and eye care Doctor concerning some things going on with my left eye and during the examination it was discovered I had a torn and detached retina in my left eye. Emergency surgery was done and I am now on the mend. The Doctor was pleased with the surgery and as of today my vision is coming back in that eye. It is swollen and red but it is looking much better than it did this morning.

Sue took Old Fella and Levi for their afternoon walk today, but he hasn't wanted to leave my side since I got back with the patch over my eye. He knew something was wrong and he was sticking to me like Velcro. Dogs are smart when it comes to things like that. you talk about finding a diamond in the rough, well we sure found a real gem when we found Fella. Sue remarked today that Fella acts as if he has lived with us all of his life. He sure is a loving and sweet animal.

[lynno62]

Ok now enough of my whining. lets get back to the topic. OLD FELLA, how is the guy doing? How are you doing Richard and how is Sue? you folks getting over those colds? I am so glad Old Fella is working out with you and Sue I look forward to the updates everyday. I crawl into bed at night and Mickey rolls on to her back for a belly rub, and I think Old Fella might be spoiled but I bet he is on the floor while mickey is pushing me out of bed. Amazing how we all spoil our furkids in our own special ways.
Thank you everyone for making this a very special place.
God Bless all of you.
Lynn

[lynno62]

🙂 Hello everyone, I just want to say I am sorry for flying off the handle last night. Yesterday was just a bad day for me. With today not being much easier,but I should not take it out on you folks. I just want to thank everyone for the PM's and tips for Mickey. I have lost two very wonderful dogs and some what well trained dogs in two years and sometimes I just question myself if I should even be a mom to anymore animals.(Coco was 6yrs old when I lost her to cancer I lost her on May 2,2004, got Brandy on May 7,2004 and lost her on Aug.20,2005).
I still replay in my mind what I could have done should have done that night, but it will never bring her back. So now I am giving mickey and myself time to heal before I get another rescue,and with my hours and with the rally coming up I do not know if it would be fair to another animal at this time. Now I am not saying if I left work today and seen a stray along side the road I would pass it up, I would take it, and if I could not give it a home I would find one for it. So Needsomefun and everyone else, I am sorry,for last night and also thank you all again.
Lynn and Mickey.

[Camper_Carl]

Hi There,
did anyone notice the numbers for this post. 25,000 hits with 1300 reply's. Great job people! And great job Richard and Old Fella.

Carl

[FlamMan]

Find the owner and cut off thier foot, duct tape thier mouth, and tie them to a tree without food. I would take care of the dog before I thought of the previous owner at all. If you want some help, let me know.

[DOTLDaddy]

lynno62 wrote:
..after 3years of running free in the house and having plenty of room to roam I hate to confine her now...Lynn

It sounds trite, Lynn, but it would be best for the both of you to begin crate training. PM to follow. 🙂