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

[Hoops]

Richard and Sue, I am sorry about Levi. But he knew he was loved and he loved you both back. Prayers for you both and your other furbabies. We are here for you if you need us.

Becky

[Dixie_Flyer]

The day started out with hope and promise that Levi’s pain would soon pass and he would be okay. After the trip to Dr. Jim’s on Monday everyone was looking forward to a better day for Levi. By afternoon Levi was feeling better and was his old playful self. He would roll on the floor on his back and bark for attention. Levi and Suzie would join in the fun and bark right back. It seemed that Levi crisis had passed. Wednesday morning was even better as Levi enjoyed his breakfast and early morning walk. It was in the afternoon that Sue noticed blood on the floor where Levi had been laying. A quick inspection revealed the blood was coming from Levi’s urine track. Levi acted as if he felt good and showed no sign of pain or distress. He enjoyed our play time as I rubbed his tummy, back and hips. Dr. Alexander closes his office on Wednesday at noon {small town practice} so I couldn’t get any help until Thursday morning. Thursday morning Levi was in obvious pain once again and did not eat much of his breakfast. I had Levi at Dr. Jim’s as soon as he opened his doors. After a short wait he was able to see Levi and discovered an enlarged prostate and bladder. He told me things didn’t look good but he would have to make x-rays to be sure but he believed Levi had cancer.

Just before noon Dr. Jim confirmed the worse, Levi indeed had prostate cancer and it had spread into the bone. The bladder was also enlarged and bleeding so there was no hope of any miracle cures, time had run out for our dear friend. Levi passed peacefully to Rainbow Bridge taking a large piece of my heart with him as he sighed his last breath. Tonight I look in the bedroom at an empty bed next to ours in the corner of the room that was his. Old Fella has been looking for him all day so just a little while ago I sat down with Suzie and Fella and explained that Levi had gone to be with those waiting at Rainbow Bridge and that someday they would see him again. It has been a hard day, as I have burst into tears many times at losing such a wonderful friend and companion.

Levi you truly were God sent and we love you so much. We will see you in another time and another place where there is no more death, sorrow or pain and we will walk across the bridge together into eternity.


Love you a lot Dad.

[Martyn]

Richard and Sue:

Liane and I are so sorry to hear this sad news. We are glad we got to meet you and the fur babies at the last rally. I do not post much on this thread but I do read every post, every day and have always admired your courage to do what is right and your compassion for all of God's creatures. You have gone through so much recently and this is such a sad piece of news. Remember the fun times you had with Levi and, as another has already said, remember that he is an integral part of the Old Fella saga and will be greatly missed.

Thoughts and prayers are with you tonight.

Martyn and Liane

[dwb619]

Thankfully, we have never had to do this. I dont know what to say. Quivering chins and wet eyes in Belvedere tonight.
Wayne

[dogdiva]

I am so saddened to hear of Levi and I know how heavy your heart is tonight

[Dashonthedash]

Just in case you don't check in on the DOTL threads, Walter and I created a little tribute to Levi as part of the current saga (on page 11 if you use 10 posts per page). I am sure he will be worked into the ongoing action soon:

The Scorpius Campaign

He will be remembered by all of us here.

[Dixie_Flyer]

This will be the last picture of Levi but I couldn't resist putting this one on the thread.

[mistressofdistr]

Please, God, if You should hear a scratch on Eden's Gate tonight,
A gentle whine, a muffled bark; have Peter take a light
And open up the Pearly Gates and call her Spirit in,
For I think she lived in Heaven once; please take her back again.


She may have been a mongrell, without a pedigree,
Yet she was noble, kind and good; I think You will agree:
That she'll be very useful where the souls of children play.
She'll romp with them, and see; Dear God; they do not go astray.


Just tell her that we're sorry that we could not pat her head,
And whisper how we loved here 'ere her Spirit fled.
I pray that when death beckons, and my soul surmounts life's fog,
I'll rate a place in Heaven, Dear God, beside our dog...

Author Unknown

Hope this makes you feel better, it was a comfort to me.

[bonniesoo]

Richard, thanks so much for the pictures...even though they make us cry, you can see the love in his eyes and in yours. Prayers for our family to yours.

[fulltimegrams22]

Tears of sadness for you Richard and Sue. Your all in our prayers and I pray that Old Fella and Suzie get through this without too much pain and confusion themselves.

Fulltimegrams22

[Buzz-ette]

I am so sorry. You are all in my prayers.

[coop7243]

So very sorry to hear the sad news. It all happened so quickly. I remember Levi as a wonderful, inquisitive, gentle soul. He brought much happiness to all our lives. After all, it was his fantastic, sweet disposition that ultimately permitted all of us to get to know the Daniels clan. We are all grateful to him for that.

I know how much he will be missed here. But, at the Bridge, there are so many new friends running to meet him, many of mine in the bunch.

Although there are no words that can help right now, Richard, just know that we are all hurting and crying with you. Bless you, Levi.

[Dixie_Flyer]

This trip was an especially good time for Levi.

[campingshadow]

My heart is heavy as I sit here and cry for you. It is so hard to lose a treasured pet. Levi will have so many friends waiting for him at the Bridge and he will be out of pain. It will be hard for Old Fella, Suzi and Izzie to have him gone. As hard as it is to do, you are doing the most loving and humane thing you can for Levi. My prayers are with you and your family.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Remembering Levi April 1996- November 8, 2007