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]

I just went to the Old Fella Western Rally site and saw some pics. One of Old Fella sitting on a large pillow...he looks really comfy...kinda like he is sitting on his throne and another with some kiddos hugging him. He looks really happy and that is what this is all about right???? Keep those photos coming.

Pattie: great news about Carl...hope everything continues well for his speedy recovery.

[CindyNRoger]

Thank you Pattie for taking the time to keep us updated. We will continue to pray for Carl's recovery.

[Camper_Carl]

Hello Everyone,
Thank you all again for all of your well wishes for Carl and myself. This really means a lot coming from all of you. Carl is doing better then this time last night. He is still in CCU and will be there for another 24 hours. He blood count is coming up and he only took 2 units of blood today. Our daughters are with me and Alison has been staying with me at night. I have our fur babies at my in-laws. I am hoping that Carl can get out of CCU and into a regular room then he will be home in two to three days from then. I will keep you guys posted.

Pattie

[butterfly_girl]

Carl hope you are feeling better soon....

Sharon, and the Fur Babies....
Poky the Dog
Ally the Dog
Tux the Cat
Spunkie the Cat

[Dashonthedash]

Dixie Flyer wrote:
I was going to post some pictures of the rally but the service is worse than dial up, maybe later

It has been pretty good most of the time, but right now service seems to be going in and out.

[bonniesoo]

How is Old Fella feeling?

[Dixie_Flyer]

I was going to post some pictures of the rally but the service is worse than dial up, maybe later

[bonniesoo]

Pattie: Here's hoping for a speedy recovery for Carl. Our prayers and good thoughts are with all of you.

Kim & Donna and furbabies Mika & Suki

[butterfly_girl]

Here is my Prayer for Carl.....Wishing you a very speedy recovery..

<>

From Sharon and her Fur babies...Poky, Ally, Tux and Spunkie

[kokosfriend]

Glad to hear the news about Carl. I pray he will be through all of this soon. Keep us informed!!

We have dealt with arthritis with both Hannah and myself. The lift helps to move the dog without hurting yourself. We never had to use a cart (and I hope I won't have to have one) but have seen them in use. Prob the water exercise is the best idea at this point. You want him to keep moving when he can. I hope he is better by resting up from travel. Thank you Richard for not leaving him out there in the campground.

Barb

[ljr]

Dixie Flyer wrote:
Don took Sue, Old Fella and myself to Denver to VRCC Clinid where Dr Marion Neely works. He is an Orthopedic specialist ans surgeron. After a careful examination he came up with Old Fella has a bad case of arthritis and the joint is wearing away. Nothing much you can do about that except help him as much as you can and keep the joint bandaged when walking. He told us to keep up the Metacam and he gave us a sling to help him up and down steps.

We are all about to have our first gathering and will hold the memorial service for Bill Johnson. Talk with oyu later.

Dixie Flyer

Might be a good idea to get back into the swimming pool routine. When my father's arthritis got bad his Dr. suggested he enroll in a water excercise program at our local YMCA. Good muscle tone takes a little pressure off the joints.

[chemisd]

Not too surprised at Old Fella's diagnosis, but glad it wasn't more serious. We had the sling to help with our other 2 girls. We weren't the greatest with it, but it did help take care of the back end when going up steps.

Patti, glad Carl is out of surgery. That is a lot of blood to have lost. Hope his healing has now begun in earnest! You get some rest too. You will need it when he comes home. They send people home so quickly anymore.
Jana

[dogdiva]

Hope and pray that Carl is soon to be thru this nasty ordeal. DId they ever say what caused the bleeding> hope it wasnt a surgeons mistake that caused it.
Richard, I know you are glad you got the examination for Fella. Now just make his daily life as easy as possible and help him get up and down with the sling. Perhaps getting some of the weight off will help also.
I sure wish I could be there at the rally but am working at the Grand Canyon
My first time here and fullfilling a life time dream.

[Code2High]

Wow, that's a lot of blood. I may have to go put some back in the bank.... Anyway, glad to hear he's doing better.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Pattie we have been praying for you and Carl. Hope you can get some rest tonight.