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

[whimstock]

Dixie Flyer wrote:
....Old Fella is happy this morning and feeling well. What a difference he has made in our lives. He give us so much joy and love. Some times when I look at him and think back to the first time we saw him it gives me great joy to know how his life has changed for the better.

Old Fella has made such a difference in so very many lives, as have you and your wonderful posts here. You have both changed us all for the better.

I have to say, too, that the pics of Suzie are so much fun--pure mischief, trying to be good. :B

Merry Christmas to everyone on the Old Fella thread!

Barbara

[Dixie_Flyer]

Last night was a first for Suzie. She slept with us in the bedroom all night on a bed prepared for her. She didn't move from her bed until this morning when I got up. At least she wasn't barking to get out of the kennel crate at 6:15 in the AM. So maye be we will try this of a while to see how it works out for her.

I am thinking about doing this also when we go camping, letting her sleep outside the crate at night and see how well that works. The kennel crate takes up room in the camper so I had to take one of the chairs out to make room for it. When we are traveling I fold the crate down and put it under the couch. It is a nice fit and puts it out of the way. I will leave the crate in the camper for just in case to make sure this works out before I take it out completely.

All of the Christmas presents have been bought and we are now ready to enjoy family and friends for the Holidays. For the first time in a long time I don't have to worry about bills coming in after the first of the year, feels good.

Old Fella is happy this morning and feeling well. What a difference he has made in our lives. He give us so much joy and love. Some times when I look at him and think back to the first time we saw him it gives me great joy to know how his life has changed for the better.

I want to thank every one who help make this possible because without your help and encourgement the Old Fella story wouldn't exist. Merry Christmas to everyone and have a blessed day.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Dashonthedash wrote:
I dare you to try putting those on Izzie :B

Gary why don't you drop by the house and I'll take pictures of you putting the antlers on Izzie. I will even let you spend the night in the guest room while you recuperate.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Santa I really like these new puppies. I really, really do!




This picture is one of my favorites of Suzie trying hard to be nice to the two little puppies we had at the house a while back.

[dogdiva]

Izzie is soooo KEWL ........


Looks like he is saying YOU want me to do, WHAT???????

[Dashonthedash]

I dare you to try putting those on Izzie :B

[MrsKottfam6wi]

Here's a story for you:TAZ the used to be stray

[Uppercrust]

Great pictures of the gang Richard, Suzies face is so funny with hes costume on. Suzies antics sounds like what Diesel does. There are days when we wonder if he will ever behave!

[Dixie_Flyer]

Suzie ate the antlers after the picture was taken so we will have to buy some more by next Christmas

[Dixie_Flyer]

And a Merry Christmas from the old man himself.

[Dixie_Flyer]

From Rainbow Bridge Levi wishes everyone a Merry Christmas

[Dixie_Flyer]

Merry Christmas from the Daniels family

[Dixie_Flyer]

Sue's brother John and his wife Sandra as they visited last weekend.

[Dixie_Flyer]

No antics to report this morning, Suzie is on her best behavior. She heard Santa Claus is coming soon so she wants to make sure she gets her Christmas wish.

It rained most of the night and there is still a light mist outside right now, what a blessing! Sue is geting ready to face the day while I am looking at the forum. She will be down soon and give me the evil eye that says, "Why aren't you dressed?" So I had better go for now and talk with you later.

[chemisd]

The boys and I came home yesterday to find one strand of lights off the tree. My quick intake of breath caused Allie to squat and pee. (Sammi was in her kennel) It is so funny to see a huge german shepherd that most people are scared of doing the squat like that. She knew she wasn't supposed to mess with the tree. I really think it was an accident. We have only lost the one ornament so far this year. The funny thing is it is the same type that they kept chewing last year too. The wooden kind where you pull the string and it makes the arms and legs move. Only five more days to keep the tree looking nice.....