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

[Code2High]

Other estimates of doggy adolescence are from 8 months to 3 years. Precise ages will certainly depend on a number of factors. But adolescence is adolescence... in a dog, a cat, a rabbit, a horse, or of course a human.

Much like a human adolescent, dogs need structure and limits. They need challenges and education. And they need to be given just as much freedom as they demonstrate they can handle, and no more. This means confining them appropriately when they are left alone in the house. Keeping temptations (like your laundry and shoes) out of reach when they are not directly supervised. Keeping them on leash outside of a fenced yard, if they are not yet mature enough to listen reliably off-leash.

The other thing they really need is exercise. Like any young life form, they have enormous energy. If you think about teenage kids in an environment where they have "nothing to do" what do they do? They get into trouble. Hence the popularity of sports programs for adolescents, especially boys. What is the real benefit of football? Running the tail off of a 16 year old for several hours a few days a week may keep him out of trouble all week long. Not always, but it helps. Finding ways to seriously exercise that teenage dog will also help.

Hally has come out of adolescence in the past 7 months or so. Great relief. But what I really loved was last year when she learned to play fetch. I can take a chuck-it and a tennis ball and run her into the ground in about half an hour (sprinting takes a lot of energy...). An exhausted cub is a very well behaved cub in my experience. Walking doesn't get it. Unless you're doing several miles a day you aren't going to get the effect, and even then walking isn't as good as a run. So if you're in adolescent dog agony, you may wish to give some thought to activities what will allow you to run the little horror's legs off a few days of the week, or every day.

And be glad you don't have an adolescent rabbit. Trust me, there are worse teenagers than dogs...

[W7SFO]

kokosfriend wrote:
Labs have been know to be adolescent until 4!!!

Yes, the vet mentioned to my wife the labs had a long adolescence. I didn't want to be the one who told her that!

[campingshadow]

Kathie, Oh how I remember those obedience classes. I was very active as a trainer, teacher and student for over 25 years in obedience groups. Our club supported all dogs of any breeds including the mixed breeds. We called them All Americans! Some of the best obedience dogs are the AA's. Give your Aussie a bit of time. Aussies can be super in obedience. We used to say if you had a Sheltie - just give it an obedience book to read and then bring it to class to get its graduation certificate.

Most of the larger dogs mature later and then become really good pets. So there is hope for Susie and Tia yet! *smile*

I had hoped to put Heidi thru obedience classes but she had been so abused that she was terrified to even be around other dogs or other people. She would cower in fear if you stood next to her and simply leaned over her. Now after 2 years she has blossomed into a wonderful dog. She gets along with other dogs well and even runs up to people to be petted. I just do not feel it is in her temperament to be obedience trained. She is way to sensitive for that...but she obeys well enough now not to need specific training.

It is amazing how some love and attention can turn even the most abused dogs into happy, loving pets. Heidi is still super sensitive but she gives 150% back in total love and who can ask for more than that?

Richard, I am sure that all of your rescues feel the same as Heidi.....so grateful for a loving home and some TLC. What a difference your organization is making! What a wonderful legacy you will be leaving the animals of Burke County. For years and years after we are all gone from this earth, your vision will shine on. Not many can say that they have made such a profound difference in the lives of others. You are one very special man!

[kokosfriend]

Labs have been know to be adolescent until 4!!!

[Dandy_Dan]

Dashonthedash wrote:
At the age of 2 years, the aliens pick up the changeling and leave behind a beautiful, well-trained, perfectly behaved dog. I can personally attest to the accuracy of this description :B

I certainly hope you are correct and not just "smokin sumptin" :B:B:B
Either that or you may have to make a trip to Georgia and Ohio and wave the magic wand on a couple of sisters.......

[Dashonthedash]

A dog is generally considered a puppy up to 6 months, then an adolescent from 6 months to 2 years. It is usually during those adolescent years that a dog can cause problems, as it tests its limits, much as a human adolescent does. Rescues, particularly those brought up in a non-home environment, tend to have a "delayed" adolescence, as do many pets that find themselves in a new environment. The exact range of ages may vary from breed to breed, situation to situation, and even individual to individual, but I have certainly found the 6 months-to-2 year range to be fairly accurate for both of my GSDs. Some of my GSD-owning friends like to pass around a theory: At 6 months, our puppies are abducted by aliens, who leave behind a demon changeling. At the age of 2 years, the aliens pick up the changeling and leave behind a beautiful, well-trained, perfectly behaved dog. I can personally attest to the accuracy of this description :B

[Dixie_Flyer]

How does that saying go. "A lot gave some, some gave all"

[Dandy_Dan]

Dixie, That is the one on the fridge that I was thinking about. I am having trouble computing the years of puppyhood. If a dog is the equivilant 1 year - 7 of the human years, then why are they in their terrible 2's for quite a few years?:B Seems puppyhood and chewing goes on a lot longer than humam terrible 2's. The trouble with Anna is when you try to sit down and have a talk with her about the cain being raised, somehow she always gets in the last "word".

As we are all thankful for all those that have made this Rescue effort successful, let's not forget to stop sometime today and remember those that 6 years ago today gave the ultimate sacrifice and also those who were trying to assist in that rescue effort.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Don't forget to email the Oprah Winfrey show.

Why you think Old Fella Should be on the Oprah Winfrey Show

[Dixie_Flyer]

I was reminiscing last night, thinking about the four little puppies picked up at a dumpster one year ago last month and how their lives have benefited from that day. The person who put these six weeks old puppies out in the one-hundred degree heat without food and water must have thought their were trash, certainly they were not wanted by this person who had a total disregard for life. I look at Suzie and see such a loving little girl, full of life and energy and how loving she is. I look at the toys scattered about the house and then I look at the shoes and other things she has left her teeth marks on and thank God someone called and told me about these precious little pups and I was able to catch them and find homes for them. The times of play and learning to trust as they grew into young ladies will always be a bright spot in my life and I will cherish those memories as long as I live.

Then I think of the others that have been saved and found homes such as Sadie, Dixie, Savannah, Anna, Anna II {Tia} and the many others, and it makes me feel proud of the people who have volunteered and made the rescue effort what it is today. Suzie and Fella have helped remind me every day of the gift of compassion. This is the one gift that separates us from being savages or wild beasts. But to think about it, even the wild beasts have compassion for their young and will defend them to their death. We are a mixed bag when it comes to the human race. There are those of us who spend their life time helping others and showing how love and compassion can change the world. Then there are the scum bags, like the guy who put the eight puppies out in the ditch in a box in the 105 degree heat that I just happen to be passing by and watched as he drove away.

The Pit Bulls that were rescued that had been abused and left without food and water for ten days also paints a picture of the dark side of the human race. The bright side to all of this is people who really care and take in these animals, heal them inside and out and love them into trusting once again that all people are not made alike and there are some good folks who really care about God’s creatures. The little Pit Bull that had all of his teeth cut and filed down has learned to be a puppy again finding love and security in a home where he is cherished. Waynesboro, Georgia has been changed forever by the haunting eyes of a stray that longed for companionship and a place to belong, yet few found any value in him. Today he has become a symbol of hope for all the Old Fella’s out there that are just waiting for someone to come along and take them into their hearts and into their homes. When I think of all the animals whose lives have been touched by this old black dog I think how proud he must be of what has become a movement in this community to save those who cannot help themselves. We have become their voice and their tears bringing hope and encouragement to a generation of animals whose time has come to be heard and saved. Thank you Old Fella for what you have made us see and thank you Suzie for being a puppy who is taking hope in a second chance at life.

[dogdiva]

OH yea, puppyhood is when WE are TRAINED to pick up our shoes, underwear, and empty the wastebaskets LOL

[Gottahaveit]

LOL..I don't dare to comment as I'm sure Shadow will :W I won't mention my Aussie that just turned 1 year a few weeks ago. Talk about a perfect angel in obedience class.... LMFAO When we get off the leash. We are a work in progress but the hugs and kisses are worth every bit of frustration.

[W7SFO]

campingshadow wrote:
Puppyhood is kind of like childbirth......it can be quite painful at times - but the end result is worth all the pain and aggravation. It is just that sometimes it takes a while before you can see things in that light.

If your dog lives 12 to 15 years and only the first year involves the puppyhood issues.....you have another 11 to 14 GREAT years ahead. Just keep telling yourself that "This too shall pass" .....and hide the expensive shoes and put out the cheap ones!!!!!

Problem is Tia is only through year 1 of a 2 to 3 year puppyhood. Ohh labs can be so HARD HEADED! Hmmmm Again just like a woman?????? NAW! :B

[W7SFO]

Dixie Flyer wrote:


Just like a woman huh?

Ohh good point!

[campingshadow]

Puppyhood is kind of like childbirth......it can be quite painful at times - but the end result is worth all the pain and aggravation. It is just that sometimes it takes a while before you can see things in that light.

If your dog lives 12 to 15 years and only the first year involves the puppyhood issues.....you have another 11 to 14 GREAT years ahead. Just keep telling yourself that "This too shall pass" .....and hide the expensive shoes and put out the cheap ones!!!!!