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

[whimstock]

chemisd wrote:
Just wondering about Old Fella today.....

Me, too. I am worried that no news is not "good news," but like everyone here, I am hoping for the best.

[chemisd]

Just wondering about Old Fella today.....

[coop7243]

Prayers for Old Fella...be well, your fans at the rally anxiously await your arrival and the rest of us anxiously await good news on your back legs.

[Grillmeister]

Richard,

You probably already know this but just in case, our old gal is very weak in legs and has a lot of trouble getting up sometimes. We use a very large well fitting harness instead of a collar. I use the harness like a handle to help her get around sometimes. Going up the steps to the RV I lift the front of her up with the harness with my left hand and loop her leash around her tummy in front of her hind legs to lift her rear end with my right hand, this gets her up the steps with the help of a ramp. She is eighty five pounds and it works pretty well, Mrs. Grilli calls this manuver the "Suitcase Dog" 🙂

Hope you get Old Fella squared away soon.

[Dandy_Dan]

All from the Ohio Rally Group send their best wishes to Richard, Sue, Levi and Old Fella. Hope the problem with Old Fella is just being a little stoved up from riding the 500 mile days. I know that those days sure get my legs tied up. Have a very safe rest of the trip.

[dogdiva]

I hope that Fella is just stiff and sore from the long ride and the cramped quarters. 500 miles a day is alot... Its a great idea to call ahead for an appointment with the vets at Alameda
more prayers for Fella

[bonniesoo]

Prayers for Fella from Texas....hoping for a much better tomorrow.

[Chemgoddess1]

Hope that Fella is going to be okay.

On a happier note, I got kisses last night from a very spoiled and adorable southern redhead. I can now see why Anna stole your heart. She is a GREAT dog. She is just so happy to go camping and meet people, just a very sweet dog.

Safe travels!

[needsomefun]

Godspeed on your journey Fella and family.

[kokosfriend]

Prayers for Old Fella to make it to Denver. A bit out of your way is K State in Manhattan KS, but it is a fine vet school.
Barb

[Luizianna]

I watch that Alameda East on the animal planet all thetime....ER Vets I think it is called....awesome what they can do sometimes!!

[Starfire5]

Richard, for what it's worth. My daughter in Denver says that hospital in Denver (Alameda East) has an excellent reputation. She always says that if her animals were in a life and death situation, she'd take them there. Maybe you can call ahead and put them on notice that you're coming in? Have them look at Fella's website so they know he's a "celebrity."

[chemisd]

Oh Richard, that is not good news with Old Fella. I am hoping today will be a better day for him. Its not easy being away from home and not be able to go to his regular vet. Take care and we will be praying for you all.
jana

[Dixie_Flyer]

Fella is in serious trouble with his back legs. He cannot get up or walk and we are two days away from Denver where I feel he can get the best help.

[stfnwuf]

Prayers for Kristin that she recovers quickly from the accident injuries. Also prayers for Old Fella. Keep us posted on things.