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

[Dashonthedash]

Double, double, toil and trouble
Suzie burn and Anna bubble :B

[Dixie_Flyer]

This morning there was some excitement outside as a pack came through the yard following a female that was in season. You could hear all the barking and carrying on so that got Anna got excited and she started barking. I looked at the clock and it was four in the morning. You would think they would have some manners and not make so much noise and at least move on, but they need neither. So I had to get up and go outside to run them off not just once but several times. Finally I got to sleep until 7:30 and then I got up to get ready for church. With the dogs all fed I got showered, shaved and dressed and left.

After church was over I stopped by Subway and picked up a sandwich on the way home. Levi, Suzie, Anna and Fella all wanted to go out so I opened the back door and invited them to go outside while I sat down and ate. I looked at the thermometer and saw it was 47 degrees and the wind was blowing which made it feel a lot colder. I thought about walking Levi and Fella and decided I would wait until it warmed up a bit more. After lunch I let Fella inside and sat down to the computer to read the thread and saw where Collie Hauler had made a post. The I heard a sound like running water. I looked outside at the area of the water hose and saw nothing. But Anna and Suzie were nowhere to be seen. Then I heard it again, this time it didn’t turn off. Then I see Anna and Suzie running from behind the camper like something was after them and indeed it was. Water was going everywhere, shooting a steady stream up in the air like a water main had ruptured. I go to investigate and found that the PCV pipe had been broken even with the ground where it comes up by the fence. I had put that pipeline in several years ago to have a water supply line for the camper. I don’t know exactly what happened but I am going to have a talk with them later and see if they will confess to something. It’s not that big of a deal and I can repair it in about fifteen minutes its just the hassle of doing it. So with the water shut off to the camper I will get to it something tomorrow. Now I will talk with Anna and Suzie. Come here girls, Daddy wants to talk----

[Dixie_Flyer]

Buz2b wrote:
Richard,
When you think you are getting close to a time frame for transporting Anna2, please let us all know so that we can try and work out the details. Since she's doing so well so early, it might mean some changes. Either way, I'm sure I speak for all that volunteered earlier, we wish to do all we can; given the time frames we have to work with.

Anna has to be spayed before she can go. So I am waiting on Dr. Jim to tell me when she is ready for that surgery.

[colliehauler]

Dixie Flyer wrote:

colliehauler wrote:
Richard what do you mean that you can't walk 4 at a time.:B I'm glad the Golden is doing ok.

You have yours so well trained they could sit at the dinner table with you and pass for humans.

Thank you for the kind words.

[Buz2b]

Richard,
When you think you are getting close to a time frame for transporting Anna2, please let us all know so that we can try and work out the details. Since she's doing so well so early, it might mean some changes. Either way, I'm sure I speak for all that volunteered earlier, we wish to do all we can; given the time frames we have to work with.

[ChucknLouise]

What a precious little puppy Oreo is? I read the thread at least twice a day and always get tissue when Richard writes an "Old Fella" Story. We rarely post; but just had to after I saw Oreo!!!! Hope he/she gets their forever home soon!!!

[Susee]

DogDiva I am so sorry to hear about you dog Pierre and also about Willie too. My thoughts and Prayers are with you . I truly know what you are going through as I have just went through this last week with my Susee , she crossed over on the 21st . Give him lots of love in his final days. Please take care

[silverdunes]

Dixie Flyer wrote:
Good morning everyone. It was a stormy night in Georgia. I will tell you about it a little later. Old Fella, Levi and the girls are safe as well as the rest of the family but it sure got exciting around here about 1:30 in the morning.

Did I miss a post with the story of the furry kids and the stormy night in Georgia? Or is this story to come in the future? Always enjoy reading your stories! thanks for taking time to share them.

[Code2High]

DogDiva, sorry to hear about Pierre... it is a hard time, approaching that day, and harder when you get there. Don't forget to enjoy your last days with him in between all the work involved in caring for him.

Richard, Anna II looks great! I'm thinking she will be ready for travel sooner than expected... and while the offer to bring her back with me in early May still stands, you might fish around and see if someone else isn't coming down the 40 or the 10 a little sooner. If that were the case we could look into how we'd get her up to WA state when she gets west.

[chrisnpat]

Richard Anna, looks great. thanks for the pictures, and Oreo is so sweet looking I wish.......
dogdiva
Im sorry to here about your little Pierre, I hope he isn't feeling pain. God Speed Pierre.

[Dixie_Flyer]

dogdiva wrote:
Oh My little Pierre is dying,. he hasnt eaten for a month. I first thought it was his teeth and mashed up food for him. He refuses everything so I am forcing broth and vitamins down his throat with a syringe/also some nutri paste from the vet. I just went thru this with Willie and lost him at Thanksgiving so I am pretty bummed out. I do so enjoy reading Richards posts, they seem to make my day a little more hopefull

it is sad to have to watch something or someone you love slip away. I do hope each day you will find the grace and strength to minister to your beloved Pierre and give him comfort. He knows he is loved and that will give him courage to face each day until he finally crosses over to Rainbow Bridge where he will wait for you to join him someday. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

[mincey]

Dixie Flyer wrote:
... Snowbird said to me you will know when the people have lost interest in the thread when you start posting and answering your own posts. I have noticed lately that the views are still strong but the posts are getting fewer in number. Maybe folks are just busy with other things for now? ...

Sorry Richard!! I have been following this thread since Oct '05, but I read more than post. I was sad we were unable to be a part of the very first Rally in Branson, but we will be at Four Paws this August. Just got confirmation from Meik that our deposit was charged. So not only will we get to meet Fella, Levi and the wonderful guardian angels, we also get to visit our favorite campground!! We are also going the first weekend in April, their season opening weekend. Looking forward to both visits!

As all other posters have said, you and Sue are doing a tremendous job with all the rescues. It is admirable the job that you do!! And I continue to pray that all goes well with the shelter, and that all rescues find their forever homes!!

Cheryl

[coop7243]

dogdiva wrote:

My little Pierre is dying,. he hasnt eaten for a month. I first thought it was his teeth and mashed up food for him. He refuses everything so I am forcing broth and vitamins down his throat with a syringe/also some nutri paste from the vet. I just went thru this with Willie and lost him at Thanksgiving so I am pretty bummed out. I do so enjoy reading Richards posts, they seem to make my day a little more hopefull

dogdiva, I am very sorry to hear that your Pierre is not well. I know you will give him much love and comfort in his final days. I also know how very difficult it is to lose two of your beloved furkids within months of each other. Prayers that all goes well...

Little Oreo is sure a beauty.

[lynno62]

Richard,
I just love the stories. Glad to hear things are going good.
I usually dont have to much to say so just sit back and read all the good posts.
Say Hi to the family and give the fur kids hugs and kiss's.
Lynn,Mickey

[Uppercrust]

Anna looks great! As for Oreo, what a cutie. Keep the stories coming Richard I still enjoy reading the life & adventures of Old Fella & your rescue efforts.