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

[joelbaker]

The only bosses of our cats are our rabbits!

[Dashonthedash]

joelbaker wrote:
Sharon, that is awesomely funny! However, my cats have discovered that acquiescing to our guidance yeilds unlimited food and scritches, and the have given in entirely. At least that's what they have me believing!

I remember a cartoon that had been posted by a cat owner in our office area. It showed a scene where cats were walking around on their hind legs leading humans on leashes. One cat was talking to another, and I believe the caption was, "We had them completely fooled. They never saw it coming". :B

[joelbaker]

Sharon, that is awesomely funny! However, my cats have discovered that acquiescing to our guidance yeilds unlimited food and scritches, and the have given in entirely. At least that's what they have me believing!

[butterfly_girl]

A Dog's Diary

7 am - Oh boy! A walk! My favorite!

8 am - Oh boy! Breakfast! My favorite!

9 am - Oh boy! The kids! My favorite!

Noon - Oh boy! The yard! My favorite!

2 pm - Oh boy! A car ride! My favorite!

3 pm - Oh boy! The kids! My favorite!

4 pm - Oh boy! Playing ball! My favorite!

6 pm - Oh boy! Welcome home Mommy / Daddy! My favorite!

7 pm - Oh boy! Kisses and Hugs! My favorite!

8 pm - Oh boy! Dinner! My favorite!

9 pm - Oh boy! Tummy rubs on the couch! My favorite!

10 pm - Oh boy! Sleeping in my people's bed! My favorite!



A Cat's Diary

Day 768 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.

They dine lavishly on fresh meats and green leafy vegetables, while I am forced to eat dry cereal. The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from clawing the furniture.

Tomorrow I may eat another house plant.

Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving around their feet while they were walking almost succeeded. Maybe I should try this at the top of the stairs.

In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors, I once again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair. I must try this on their bed.

I decapitated a mouse and brought them the headless body in an attempt to make them aware of what I am capable of, and to try to strike fear into their hearts. They only cooed and condescended about what a good little kitty cat I was. This is not working according to plan.

Late in the evening there was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary confinement throughout the event. However, I could hear the noise and smell the food.

More important, I overheard that my confinement was due to my powers of inducing something called "allergies." I must learn what this is and how to use it to my advantage.

I am convinced that the other captives here are flunkies and maybe snitches.

The dog is routinely released and seems more than happy to return. He is obviously a half-wit.



The bird, on the other hand, has got to be an informant. He speaks with them regularly, and I am certain he reports my every move.

Due to his current placement in the small barred room, his safety is assured.

But I can wait. It's only a matter of time..........

[Angel_in_white]

Dixie Flyer wrote:
Of all the pictures this is my favorite

That's favorite also!

[coop7243]

Congratulations, Richard! All your efforts, hard work and dedication are finally being recognized and rewarded. I am so happy for you.

[Camper_Carl]

Way to go Richard. Things keep going better and better and to think all you and Sue wanted to do that weekend in September of 05 was just to get away and go camping. That is a weekend that still going on. Richard your a great man for keeping it going.

Carl

[Gottahaveit]

What wonderful news....Wooo Hooo Richard and Ol Fella... Thanks for all the updates

[bonniesoo]

LOL Caseydon!!!! Thats a great idea!!!

[Caseydon]

Richard, that is truly wonderful news! Praise Him from whom all blessings flow.
Do remember to invite all the County Commissioners to the dedication ceremony.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Today was another banner day for Old Fella. Our Vice President and another member of our organization along with myself met with the City Manager and a lady from the CSRA Regional Development Center. She moved us months ahead of our planning and now I know for sure Old Fella is going to have his rescue shelter. I left there with tears of joy and so excited I could hardly stand it.

In three weeks I will be able to give you the details of everything that has happened, for now I want to wait and make sure it goes according to plan. Old Fella will have his legacy and I will have the joy of knowing that the old stray dog from South Carolina really changed people's lives and caused them to open their hearts. He will be remembered long after I am forgotten but I will always know I really was part of something wonderful.

[TTBeachBum]

Dixie Flyer wrote:
Of all the pictures this is my favorite

mine too!

Congrats on the progress and please keep the stories coming, they are quite inspirational and humorous

[Camper_Carl]

HI Richard,
WOW!!! I needed to catch up on my post reading. Sorry that I have been "MIA" but we have been really busy over at the shop and have been putting in some 16 to 18 hours days this past weekend and the week. Working for yourself is great but getting behind can come up and bit you hard. I was staying home with Pattie after her foot surgery and I though that we were OK at the shop but I miss a job that had to be out this week. Good news is we got ur done. Anyway, I was able to have my lunch and sit here in the quite of my office and read the last 45 post. I love your story telling about the kids. I hope that you are keeping this in some kind of book form. They would be a cool thing to sell at the rally's. By the way Pattie is better then ever. She went back to work this week and she is doing fine. Have our wedding anniversary coming up on the 17th. Number 33 for us. Been 33 great years, But this last year has been special for us.

Carl

[Uppercrust]

I can see why that's your favorite picture. You sure can see the love & admiration in Old Fellas eyes.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Of all the pictures this is my favorite