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

[joelbaker]

Very sorry to hear of Beau's passing. He is now running and playing with all those who came before, and setting the way for those who will come later.

[kokosfriend]

Dan & Lori - I am so sorry to hear of Beau's passing. I am so glad to have met him once and see the sweet fellow. I know how difficult this is and am glad that you have Anna to be with you in the time of grief. I am sure she misses him too.
Barb

[coop7243]

I was so very sorry to hear about Beau. Whenever I read about the loss of one of the beloved pets on this Forum, I feel the heartbreak myself. I think this is because I know everyone here truly loves their pets and considers them family members, just as we do. As others have said, Beau is now in a better place. Although your heart is heavy as you deal with the loss, you have many years of wonderful memories to help you through this difficult time.

That is a really lovely poem, Dashonthedash. I wiped away the tears as I printed it. I will keep it, as I know there will again be a time I will need the comfort it will bring.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Dan, here is Anna as a baby, About ten to maybe 12 weeks old I think.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Change is never easy, especially as you get older. Fella was now worried about all that was happening and felt as if events in his life were racing out of control hurling him down the path of the unknown. I need to talk with the Ancestors he thought, I need to know just what to expect and be prepared. Just like any walk by faith there is the unknown that worries us. Faith, not by sight is a hard path to follow when you venture onto the path of the unknown. There was a place of quiet solitude that Fella often went to deep in the woods when things got hard, this was a time to go there and seek guidance from those who hold the knowledge of the future in their hands.

Fella made his way through the dark corridors of the wooded path that led to this place he held in high regard, a place he knew was special where he had spoken to the chosen ones that would appear out of the darkness by the power of their light. These were sent by the Ancestors to bring comfort and give strength in times like these for those who were chosen to do the will of the Most High. The Most High’s power was the highest power that exists. In this structure there were the Most High Ancestors but only one was chosen to be King . Then there were the messengers who carried out the will of the Ancestors with special powers to protect, guide and give wisdom. Only on special occasions would anyone see the Most High King. With His appearance there would be fear because of His awesome powers and thundering voice. Fella was unsure of what was ahead, but he knew it was something very earth shattering and life changing. That night Fella’s life would be changed forever and he would know why he had been chosen.

Continued

[dogdiva]

I am so sorry to hear that Beau is not with you, it is a loss we all have had and its so hard to loose a beloved companion. You know he is waiting for you at the Rainboe Bridge, happy and healthy.
Cherish the loving memories of him

[Code2High]

So sorry you had to say good-bye to Beau. It is always a hard day when they go, and knowing it is coming never seems to make it any easier. I'm glad you have Anna... she won't take his place, but she'll hopefully make home feel less empty as you get through these first days.

[Dashonthedash]

My thoughts and prayers are with you on the loss of Beau. Like the others, I am glad you have Anna to help you through. From my past experience, surviving dogs sometimes adopt a few of the habits of their departed friends. On these occasions, I like to share the poem I wrote in honor of my beloved Allan and all of our Bridge kids, now running young and healthy again:

The hurt will surely go away,
but the memories will always stay.
We may now be far apart,
but you'll be always in my heart.
Through my soul you'll always run,
You and I, forever one.

Run in Peace, Beau. You will be missed.

[chemisd]

Dan and Lori, so sorry to hear of Beau.....glad that Anna can help ease the pain.
Jana

[W7SFO]

Dan & Lori,

I am so sorry to hear this news. It is never easy and I know soon I will have to tackle this with our oldest DJ (almost 13). Gods speed Beau!

[Dixie_Flyer]

We will remember Beau.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Dandy Dan wrote:
Richard, Glad things are going good with the Rescue Effort. As you can see by the change in the signature below things happened this morning at 9:45. What a hard thing to do. Anna does not understand where her buddy is. Anna is getting better at frisbee. Will try to get a picture of her leaping in the air for it. She is getting pretty good at it. Rich, is there any word on Ellen Show or has anyone else besides me wrote anything?

Good Looking pictures of Tia. Glad she is doing so well.

I am so sorry to hear about Beau but I am glad that Anna is there for you and as a chosen one bringing you comfort as best she can at this moment. I have not heard form the Ellen show and I have not heard a word from Pattie since I got back, I hope all is well with she and Carl. Passing Anna on to you now has more meaning than ever before. I am so glad you found it in your heart to take her into your home. Now that Beau has made is journey life for him is better and he is without pain. God Bless you for the home you provided for him and the love you gave to him while he was here.

I hope tomorrow is a better day.

RIchard

[CindyNRoger]

Dan and Lori - I am so very, very sorry to see that we lost Beau today. I am glad I spent time with him this past weekend. I know that he can now see and is running and playing with all the other dogs in heaven. I also know in my heart that my Thumper was one of the first to greet him. Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers! Love, Roger and Cindy

[Dandy_Dan]

Richard, Glad things are going good with the Rescue Effort. As you can see by the change in the signature below things happened this morning at 9:45. What a hard thing to do. Anna does not understand where her buddy is. Anna is getting better at frisbee. Will try to get a picture of her leaping in the air for it. She is getting pretty good at it. Rich, is there any word on Ellen Show or has anyone else besides me wrote anything?

Good Looking pictures of Tia. Glad she is doing so well.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Late that evening Fella ventured back to the campground and paid a visit to Lady. “Where have you been Fella? There was a man here looking for you today.” “What man?” asked Fella. “I don’t know who he was, he didn’t get to see him.” Lady said. All I know is Mom told Dad that some man came to the campground to take you away.” With that a large lump collected in Fella’s throat and almost in a whisper he repeated Ladies words. “Take me away?” "That is what I heard and that’s isn’t all. He said he was going to get you medical help for whatever is wrong with you.” With that Lady looked at Fella and sadly said, “If he comes and takes you away, I may never see you again.” Fella was stunned and almost fell down as fear gripped his heart. “I don’t know if I like that or not?” Fella said. The Ancestors sent word to me that someone was coming to save me from this life and at first it sounded good, But now I don’t know if I like this or not? This has become my home and I have friends here.” Fella settled into deep thought and then looked at Lady and asked, “What do you think of this Lady?” “I don’t know Fella, I just don’t know? You have become a true friend that’s the truth, but what is best for you? If this man is really going to help you and give you a home, isn’t that better than living out here in the woods? When I go inside every night and lay in my comfortable bed I can’t help but think of you out here with the biting insects and in the winter time I hurt for you sleeping out in the cold. Fella I have come to know you as a special friend and I want what is best for you.” “Would you miss me Lady, --that is--- if I left?” Fella asked. “You know I would Fella. I would miss you a lot.” With that Lady turned to the steps leading into her house and started to climb. “You decide Fella, you make up your mind and whatever you decide I will be happy for you.”

Continued: