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

[bonniesoo]

Oh good...I'm so glad he is feeling better.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Old Fella is doing so much better today. Dr. Jim cut back the one toenail that was on the club foot so that it wouldn't hang up on anything and that seemed to improve his ability to put some weight on that foot. The problem comes when he uses his good leg to put all the weight on it when he is getting up from a laying position. He twisted the lower joint and that was the problem.

This happened last year about this time and I didn't catch on to what was happening until the leg was so bad he couldn't used it at all. Now that I know this potential problem exist I am more cautious about it.

I believe that he will be okay in a few days. Sue and I are watching him closley to make sure he doesn't over extend the joint in that leg. So he is getting his rest and the swelling is going down.

[bonniesoo]

Richard....how is Fella feeling today?...any improvments on the sore joint?...I sure hope so. Please give us an update.

[chemisd]

Shirley, I know what you mean about that one picture of Old Fella - it was such a haunting look he had. And of course, my favorite is when he is looking up at Richard with that loving look. It is amazing what love can do!

[Ron___Shirley]

Old Fella is such a beautiful dog. I can still see those haunting eyes from that first photo.

Isn't it a miracle what love can do?!

Shirley

[Campin_Corgis]

I have been reading the posts here and enjoy all the stories of Old Fella and rescues.

BTW...congrats joelbaker on bringing Angel into your family :C and give your lil corgi a pat on the head for us. I have been involved with corgi rescue in upstate NY for 3 years. We started with corgi transports and found a nich in our lives. We had adopted our 2nd corgi, Tyler from Nashville over 2 yrs ago. He was a stray and was almost put down by the shelter because he was getting sick. A wonderful rescue group took him in and thanks to Petfinder and the help of 13 volunteers, we have our sweet Tyler in our family. He is the mascot for our rescue and our second corgi. Our ole cocker spaniel, who is 13 this year found her way to us 8 years ago we are her 4th home, her forever home. We also have our Toby who was from a breeder in the midwest.

A big :B way to go Richard for all your work in rescue in GA. Some of our rescue groups up here take in dogs from the GA shelters to save them and find them happy homes. I am glad that Old Fella started your wonderful work in rescue. The dogs and cats that will find their way to you will forever remember your kindness.

Everyone, be responsible pet owners, neuter your pets so their offspring do not find their way into shelters. A pet is a gift from above and will be in your hearts forever.

All the best,
Campin'Corgis-Kathy M
and Toby and Tyler the corgis that stole our hearts 😉

[bonniesoo]

Come on Fella...we're all praying for you....

[Dixie_Flyer]

Old Fella is able to get up and get around slowly. He wants me to be close by so I can fetch whatever it is he wants. The joint in his leg is still swollen and painful, maybe tomorrow will be a better day.

That old dog really has a hold on my heart. He doesn't ask for much but he gives a lot in return.

[chemisd]

I had hoped for better with the puppies, but it was not to be. At least they are now with their mama again. Hope Old Fella feels better in a few days.

[E_Texan]

Prayers for Old Fella. Sorry the pups had to be put down.

[Dixie_Flyer]

I just got back from Dr. Jim's with Fella. The leg is not as bad as it was this time last year. Having gone through this before I have learned to look for warning signs that something is wrong. The bad foot had a toenail growing out of it that was causing him pain when he walked or tried to get up causing him to but more weight on the good leg and irritating the joint. Doc gave him a couple of shots in the joint to bring down the swelling and reduce the pain. Doc says we will know where we will be with him in about three days. Lets hope and pray for the best.

[Dixie_Flyer]

With all the good news about Anna I hate to start with bad news, but Fella is down. His good leg is giving out again just like last year at this time. I will take him to Dr. Jim's right away to see what can be done.

[Dixie_Flyer]

The next morning was particularly bright with the sun reflecting off the water and its brilliant light filling the inside of the camper. Suzie was the first to notice the new day. She began calling to Mom and Dad to get up. It wasn’t long before Levi and Old Fella joined in on the chorus. The music sounded like the junk yard blues with some off key moments from the two veterans of the soap opera of strays, Suzie and Fella. How their world had changed and how they were changing the world around them. Dad still had the puppies on his mind and wondered what was going on with them, but he would find out soon enough when they all got home, but for the moment other things needed to be taken care of. After breakfast everyone was busy packing up for the journey home. Mom and Dad said goodbye to Ava and the family and also Maria and Oscar their friends.

The trip home was uneventful even for Suzie who didn’t get sick. As soon as Dad could get to the phone he called about the puppies. You could tell it was bad news by the way Dad looked and his voice fell away as he said goodbye. He sat in a chair and held his head down with his hands to his face. Fella listened and thought he heard Dad sob. Fella looked at Suzie and Levi and said, “Its best if we left the old man to himself right now.” Taking Fella’s advise they went into another room to themselves. Mom came to Dad and asked, “What’s wrong? Is it bad news?” Dad raised his head as he spoke. “The puppies will have to be put down and it will have to wait until Dr. Jim opens in the morning.” “Then there is nothing to do but wait” Mom said.

The next morning the puppies were gathered together and carried to Dr. Jim’s where he ended their suffering. When the mother dog died and the puppies were left with her decaying body trying to nurse they became infested with the host from the mother’s carcass and nothing could be done to save them.

This was a terrible day for Dad as he tried to make the best of it, but only the passing of time could reduce the pain he felt.

Continued:

[bonniesoo]

Richard....your writings are so wonderful and inspiring. I especially loved the part about "it's easy to love those who love us". I guess thats why it's so easy to love our furbabies huh?

[Dixie_Flyer]

Rocky is precious!!