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

[butterfly_girl]

thanks Pattie...she sure is a cutie pie...

we took her and our other dog out for a noon walk today....she walks on a leash like she has done it all her life...

[Camper_Carl]

Way to go Sharon. Thank you for being there for this little one. May the love of God be with you always for what you did.

Pattie

[butterfly_girl]

there is no listing so far in the paper...and have not seen any signs for lost dog like her...

we feel that even if someone said she was theirs we would not like to see her go back as she is extreamly under nurshied and in my bood that shows neglect...

this afternoon we are giving her a flea bath...so she can join our other dog and 2 cats here in our office....


Another thing she will do is eat from our hands...she loves cooked chicken and dry kibble.....

[joang]

Aww, you have to keep her! (assuming there isn't a listing for a lost dog somewhere and a family looking for her!) Chi's are usually one family dogs and not at all eager to 'lower' themselves to loving on just anyone! If she is already cuddling with you, she's picked you as hers!

[Uppercrust]

butterfly girl,
What a cutie, my vote is to keep her.

Richard another great story.

[kokosfriend]

How did she get in there? I am so glad you got her out of there. She looks so sweet and to climb in your laps already in spite of everything!!

[butterfly_girl]

I just have to share what my husband a I just resuced......
A business neighbor told us of a little chihuahua living in a 12" space between our back block wall and a metal wall of and old drive-in....all you could see was one very scared little black dog....
Well my DH made a trap box and last evening he lowered it between the fences and got her to go in and we hauled her up and over the wall...fighting the razor wire on top......

She is Very frightened and has fleas....she is also very thin...you can see her hip bones...she is eating well an had a great night.....today she climbs into our laps but is still very scared....she weighs in at 4# 12 oz...


we are not sure yet if we will keep her or find her a good home....

[CindyNRoger]

Keep those stories coming Richard!

[Dixie_Flyer]

Old Fella lay on the floor watching Suzie play with one of her toys. He enjoyed watching her having such a good time. “Young Lady,” Old Fella said, “Do you realize the good fortune that has come your way?” “What do you mean?” Suzie asked. “Do you remember where you came from?” Fella asked. “Sort of, but it seems like such a long time ago it’s hard to remember everything.” Suzie said. “But I do remember the first time I saw the old man. He scared me to death. First he took Anna and put her into the truck, she was crying and yelping I didn’t know what to think. Then he comes to me with some food knowing I was starving to death and when I came over to eat he snatched me. Boy did I put a hurting on him. I feel bad about that now, but how was I to know he wasn’t going to hurt me?” Suzie was embarrassed by what she had done and felt bad about it even to this day. “Notice anything about Dad and his attitude towards you.” Fella asked. “Well what are you getting at Fella?” Suzie’s eyes were locked onto Fella as she spoke. “He loves you just as much as he does the rest of us and maybe a little more. You are his little girl and always will be. Anna was his as well but she has gone to another home to help out a family in the North Country and you have taken her place now.”


Fella reveals To Suzie her True Calling

With that Fella began to get up and move closer to Suzie. “You are a chosen one just like Anna and one day you will become the only one left as Levi and I move on to Rainbow Bridge in a few years to wait for Dad to come and join us. It is you that will have to carry on the work for the rescue. “But I don’t know how to do that,” Suzie said. “You will learn as time goes by” Old Fella said, and with that knowledge you will become the one in whom all wisdom will be bestowed. Yours is a calling to prepare the way for others to follow so you will have to set the standard. Some day when you are ready you will be given the staff of courage and the cup of suffering from which you must drink. I cannot tell you what you must suffer, but to all that pass this way there is a time of suffering. The staff is to help support you when you are weak and frail for by it all things will be judged. Courage is not just given out you must earn it. I will help you as much as I can along the way so that you don’t become discouraged. You are so young but you will grow in maturity and become a mighty warrior for those who need your strength.

Once a long time ago there was a young boy who was chosen to be King over the land. He was a shepherd and tended the flocks of his Father. He learned to fight for his sheep and he also learned where the best pastures were and where the safest place to drink water could be found. He also learned how to fight off the enemies of the sheep and keep them safe. One day he was chosen to be King because he had a heart after that of his great ancestors and he ruled the people justly. It was in the wilderness guarding his sheep that he learn the values of life and his heart was enlarged so that he knew the difference between good and evil. His reign was for a long time and when he left this world he left it a better place because his sacrifice was the mark of one who suffered for his people. Someday Suzie you will be called upon to follow the path of the great ancestors and lead our kind from their bondage of hunger and pain to a land of plenty where there are homes and love for everyone.’ Old Fella looked at Suzie and said that’s enough for now. We will continue this at another time.”


“You mean there is a place where everyone has a home and some one to love them?” Suzie sat up and looked at Fella. “Where is this place Fella? Where is the land of plenty for everyone?” “It’s right here under your nose Suzie.” With that Fella turned and walked away.

Continued:

[Ned]

Keep things going. I read regularly and am a strong supporter of animal welfare and rescue. We need more leaders like Dixie Flyer. Just think of the good that has been done, and will continue to be done, because one single person stepped up. The rest of us who think "I'm just one person" - remember this.

Thanks Dixie Flyer!

N.

[chrisnpat]

I agree with everyone else...........Keep the stories coming.

[Uppercrust]

Keep the great stories coming!! Have a safe trip!

[AGRNBRTSLOVE]

Keep the stories coming, we love them!

[sisodals]

I like and look forward to the stories and would very much like to see them continue.

[E_Texan]

Please keep the stories coming. I enjoy them.