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

[Uppercrust]

Those pictures look like they need to be framed & hung somewhere proudly.

[ElBigDodgeO]

Dan, good luck with your Knee. Most folks I know that have had them report that it's a miracle how much better they get around, after the recovery period and physical therapy is done.

It's been cold up here in the Asheville area, 16 this morning. I drag the dogs' beds out on the deck as soon as the sun comes out so they can be more comfy. The big dogs are spending nights in the house too. Scooter has been reluctantly wearing the blue sweater she won in the "sausage bobbing contest" at the summer rally at 4-Paws. Thinking back, can you remember how hot it was? I could not imagine her ever wearing a sweater while we were there! But she doesn't like the sweater at all, and in fact it makes her look like an Armadillo :B Then she doesn't like it when I laugh at her.

We are heading to Florida for a week to visit family, then we'll be camping at - guess where - Modoc on the 28th and 29th. Sure wish we could be at Hunting Island, but Matt has a function to attend in Commerce GA on Saturday morning or we definitely would be down there.

Have a wonderful, blessed Christmas and holiday season, everyone!

Our love to Fella and Suzie and Izzy, and Levi in memory.

Sandi and Matt

[Dixie_Flyer]

Last year at Hunting Island. Levi will be missed greatly.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Wouldn't it be nice to have a large group of people at the rally in Branson in June... Old Fella would be so proud to see all of his friends there. You know he is getting up in age so we had better make every year count from here on out. The Rally in 2009 will be some where in Ohio put on by the Ohio rally group, that promises to be a big one for sure.

We have had a change in plans for the trip to Greenville. Instead of camping at Camp Dixie we will be staying at Allison and Jeff's house. That makes things a little better and puts is where the action is.

John and Sandra left Monday and went to Savannah for a few days and then will head back to Michigan. John called home Sunday night to find out they got about 7-8 inches of snow. We finally got some rain here over the weekend, but we still need more. Some folks got as much as three inches. So that only puts us about 13 inches behind for the year.

Okay Fella wants to go outside so I will go out with him, talk with you later.

[bonniesoo]

I can't believe it's already been 2 years....What a great group of people we have on this forum. Even though we haven't had the opportunity to meet anyone I feel as though we have friends all over the world. Everyone have a great day.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Officially the low this morning was 21*. That temperature comes from the weather station in Augusta, Ga. The temperature in Waynesboro was 26*. The only thing missing is the snow, thank goodness.

Sue and I are looking forward to visiting with the grandchildren in Greenville Christmas, it promises to be a great time. On the 28th we leave for Hunting Island, State Park in South Carolina for a few days with just us and the furkids. That is a trip we always look forward to. The walks on the beach with the animals, enjoying sitting around the campfire at night, it just don't get much better that that.

Fella is wanting to go, he seems to enjoy the cold weather this year. Maybe he has forgotten the long winters he spent living outside? Okay, here's wishing everyone a blest day. We sure hope to have one!!

[RVSnowbird]

it's been a pleasure Richard and all the followers of this thread. I'm happy and proud as well to have been part of the history that was made here.

A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all, furkids included! :B

RVSnowbird

[Grillmeister]

Anyway we have been allowed many exceptions here and we should be grateful for this thread to have been here for two years now without being shut down for one reason or another. Thank you moderators for being kind to the Old Fella thread and keeping us on the forum. I hope someday to be able to meet Dick {Snowbird} and thank him personally for the time he has put into keeping things in order and on track. Merry Christmas Dick and a very Happy New Year!

Ditto 🙂

[Dandy_Dan]

As you can see, Anna the southern belle has seemed to adjust to the snow and sometimes turns into a bulldozer.

[Dixie_Flyer]

dogdiva wrote:
Richard, you can help Fella get up and walk by using a "belly band"
A long towel, a neck tie, or a piece of material that will fit under and around him You hold the ends and support some of his weight when he tries to get up and walk.....kind of like a sling
I have done this for many of mine when they needed some support to get up and around

I went digging for the one have last night and found it in the camper. Now if Fella will wait on me to help him get up and down the steps and also when he is inside the house all should go well.

This morning he seems to be doing better with the hip and leg but we will keep a watch on him and his activities. Today is December 17th, just a few more days to Christmas. I know I promised you another Christmas story but I ma having a difficult time keeping it on topic. The last one was allowed by grace to remain and I don't want to wear out our good natured moderator's patience.

Anyway we have been allowed many exceptions here and we should be grateful for this thread to have been here for two years now without being shut down for one reason or another. Thank you moderators for being kind to the Old Fella thread and keeping us on the forum. I hope someday to be able to meet Dick {Snowbird} and thank him personally for the time he has put into keeping things in order and on track. Merry Christmas Dick and a very Happy New Year!

[dogdiva]

Richard, you can help Fella get up and walk by using a "belly band"
A long towel, a neck tie, or a piece of material that will fit under and around him You hold the ends and support some of his weight when he tries to get up and walk.....kind of like a sling
I have done this for many of mine when they needed some support to get up and around

[Dixie_Flyer]

Fella is having a hard time lately getting around on his rear legs. He struggled tonight to go outside and was having a hard time walking. If it gets any worse I will take him in for an opinion from Dr. Jim.

Good night everyone, see you in the morning.

[Dandy_Dan]

I got an e-mail this morning and I wanted to share the link. Hopefully it will work. It is of a 12 year old boy talking about losing someone special. Little boy's love

[bonniesoo]

Good luck Dan....we will be thinking of you.

[Hoops]

Dan will keep you in our prayers as well. Speedy recovery.

Becky