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

[Scottiemom]

We are so, so sorry to hear about Levi, but are glad his suffering is over. Both of you and your furry little friends are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Dale

[chemisd]

I woke up with thoughts of Levi this morning. I know the feeling in the house as we have been through it and will one day again. Thanks for sharing the pictures and stories.
jana

[Dixie_Flyer]

This picture of Sue,Levi and Fella was taken in Cherokee, North Carolina October 2005. This was Fella's first trip with the family. Levi was so glad to have Fella as his new friend.

I want to thank everyone for your heart felt words of comfort. Levi will be missed greatly. I have never known such a gentle loving spirit as Levi. This morning has been very hard for Sue and I as well as Izzie who seems to be taking this worse than any of the animals. Izzie has spent time in the beroom lying on Levi's bed sleeping there as if waiting on Levi to return.

[E_Texan]

Very sad. Prayers for you and Sue.

[Ron___Shirley]

😞 Very sad.

Our hearts are with you.
Shirley

[mkc]

Richard and Sue, and Old Fella and Suzie and Izzy,

We are so sorry to hear of Levi's passing, but know that he is no longer in pain and is watching over you. Bomber, Munchkin, and Denny from our pack are there with him, waiting at Rainbow Bridge.

Michelle, Steve, Ree, Blue, and Bentley

[chemisd]

Tears are flowing from OH for you....I haven't been on for a few days and like someone else said, when I saw the number of pages, I knew something must have happened. I'm so sorry about Levi. He did indeed join the ranks of many. I loved what one said about him being the first to welcome Old Fella. I know your hearts are sad right now. Only time will ease things. Hope the others soon adjust. Did Levi once belong to one of the girls? I'm glad you all got to have a visit recently. (((((hugs))))
jana

[W7SFO]

Richard & Sue,
So so sorry to hear about Levi. I was so hopping he had more time with you.

Ryan & Beth

[sisodals]

I knew when I saw 52 posts that the news was not gonna be good. May your memories be happy and peaceful ones. Levi is now with so many other friends from this group and those who are waiting at the Rainbow Bridge as are our Ginger, Ellen, Valley and Bosser.

Our deepest sympathies for your loss and my tears are flowing and I will remember you, your family and Levi in my prayers tonight.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Dashonthedash wrote:
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.

Thank you for the tribute to Levi, it made me feel better just thinking about him meeting new friends and his waiting for us to meet him someday at the bridge. Old Fella has been looking for Levi today

[Dixie_Flyer]

John Snow wrote:
Like others, I don't post here much but I read often, and am sorry to hear about Levi.

The pictures are very nice especially the one with Old Fellow.

I'd be interested in knowing how you came up with his name.

John Snow

I started calling him Fellow in the beginning and then some where along the way he became Old Fella, the name seemed to fit.

[John_Snow]

Like others, I don't post here much but I read often, and am sorry to hear about Levi.

The pictures are very nice especially the one with Old Fellow.

I'd be interested in knowing how you came up with his name.

John Snow

[Wanderlost]

Our condolences, Richard and Sue. We'll all miss Levi, even we who never got to meet him physically.

Please give Izzy, Old Fella and Suzie some big hugs from the Wanderlosters, Alexander the Grrreat and Madeline Kaht.

[Uppercrust]

What a great tribute to Levi. The picture of Levi looking at his dad shows how much love he had for him.

[ngraef]

God Speed Sweet Levi, you will be missed more then you'll ever know and by people you've never even met. My Wags, Licorice (who looked remarkably like you), Sam, and Holly are there to welcome you to the bridge, along with many others I'm sure.

My condolences Richard and Sue, I know what you are going through and we are all here for you. I don't post often; but I do read every day.

Nancy