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

[Dixie_Flyer]

I will be brief this morning and try to tell you about last night's events.

Yesterday evening Old Fella and I were outside watching Abby, Miles ans Suzie playing when I noticed Fella bleeding from the mouth. I brought him inside and try to see where the blood was coming from which was difficult to do because there was so much of it. Finally it stopped and everyting seemed fine until about eight o'clock.

Sue and I rushed him to the emergency clinic in Greenville where he received immediate attention. The conclusion was the cancer had spread further than anyone had anticipated and the bleeding could not be stopped. It was then the decision was made to help Fella cross over to Rainbow Bridge. Sue and I were with him all the way to the end.

He will be sent home to Waynesboro Monday at that time I will have decided about having a memorial service for him.

Thank all of you for your help and support through this journey, we will miss him greatly.

[silverdunes]

I did not post often on this thread, though I was a faithful reader.

To Richard and Sue,
I am so sorry, and understand the time you are going through, as I have lost many furry friends....and I surely know that there is no words that will make the pain go away, this pain will only diminish with time, as the memories of Old Fella fills up our life and his legacy lives on.

And to all the readers and friends of Old Fella, that have followed this thread,
This thread brought a feeling of family, where all of us are link by the love we have for our furry friends and the joys of camping, shared Old Fella's life and accomplishments. It helped me in hard times, made me cry, made me laugh, but the most important, as Fulltimegrams22 said, the legacy of Olf Fella's thread, and the importance of rescuing stray cats or dogs.

thanks Old Fella, have a great time with Levi, meet Miko and all the furry friends.

[fulltimegrams22]

Although my last post was directed to Richard and Sue, I wanted to address all the Old Fella supporters out there.

I have always had strays for pets, I had my first when I was only 4 years old and my mother brought us home a little kitten that was so weak we didn't think she would make it. We named her Inky because she was as black as a bottle of ink. We nursed her with little bottles from the local feed store. She soldiered on and became the strongest cat on the block. I know alot of it had to do with the love we gave her and the encouragement to live.

I pledge to continue my rescues of stray animals and those from puppy mills. I have never outright pledged anything like that but just wanted to say it out loud (kind of) so others could hear it.

I am deeply sorry for everyone's loss of Old Fella. May you be comforted in the knowledge he is happy, safe and warm at the Rainbow Bridge.

[fulltimegrams22]

The story of Old Fella will never die, this is the legacy you have made sure will live on. As we love our own pets from numerous places like Shelters and off the streets of this unforgiving world we will remember Old Fella because he represents everything about Strays. Those forgotten and unloved only to be rescued and given more love than they could have ever hoped for.

Old Fella loved everything about you Richard and Sue. He was thankful you never gave up on him when you first went to bring him home and all the subsequent trips after. Remember that each time he looked into your eyes he saw the love you had for him and he gave it back even more than you ever thought any animal could. This was his Loyalty to his new world master and his world was sure looking a whole lot brighter. He had Levi for a friend from day one and you for caring, loving, human friends, something he had not been blessed with in a very long time.

Remember all the good times with Old Fella and all the good he has brought to the plight of strays around the world. There will once more be an Old Fella rally and that is when you cross over that bridge to meet him once again. Then he will be whole and pain free, able to run and frolick all he wants with Levi and you and his other fur friends. He is smiling down upon you now.

Richard and Sue, I am so sorry for you loss.

Fulltimegrams22

[dturm]

Richard and Sue, So sorry. Old Fella was a wonderful soul who touched thousands of others. He will always be with us. That doesn't do much to ease the pain I'm sure you feel now. He has no pain now and can romp and run without hesitation and we all have special friends who have welcomed him and they are all playing together now.

Doug

[chemisd]

I am so sad.....
Richard and Sue, you have my deepest sympathies.....
He is with Levi now, along with my Maicey and Maddey....I'm sure all the others who post here will add their fur friends' names who also met him at the Rainbow Bridge.....

[Ron___Shirley]

Richard and Sue,

Our hearts are saddened to hear this news. I just passed it on to our Daughter Joy who with her family is here with us this weekend.

Our Family has been touched personally by Old Fella and Richard. We drove with our daughter Joy to the Georgia State Line to meet Sue and Richard to get a furkid Richard had rescued. Lola, aka Sadie, our
Granddog has brought so much pleasure to our Family. She really has been the perfect dog. I am sure it is because she is a rescue that she is so gentle and loving.

We will tell our Grandchildren Katie and Andrew who are 7 and 10 about Old Fella's passing in the morning. I know they will be very sad to hear this news.

Good Bye Old Fella and thank you for touching so many hearts by your gentle soul.

Shirley

[Susee]

Richard and Sue , I am so Deeply Sorry. I have never met you and Old Fella but feel like part of this family as I have followed this thread since almost the beginning. My Tears cannot stop I am so sad.

Time to Go
----------

The time has come I think you know
the Lord is calling so I must go
I love you so much; I wish it wasn't so
I wish I could stay; I don't want to go

You're the best family a dog ever had
so kind and gentle never mean or mad
I'll never forget the day that we met
I was so lucky to become your pet

You opened your door and showed me your heart
I'll never forget you; we'll never part
You loved me and cared for me over the years
you taught me everything and took away my fears

The Lord is calling now I must go
but before I go I want you to know
I know it hurts to lose a friend
but I'll always be with you even to the end

John Quealy

In Loving Memory of Old Fella

[Reetz]

I don't post much or at all, but have read and follow Old Fella's story from the beginning. I just want to say I am so Sorry Richard & Sue. He was such a good dog. Our thought's are with you at this very sad time.

[Gottahaveit]

I'm in tears..Ol Fella was one of a kind. Richard and Sue My heart breaks for you.

[yankeeblue]

Comfort For A Friend

My friend I know you’re hurting
with sorrow deep and true;
I wish that there was something
I could do for you.

To simply say “I’m sorry”
just doesn’t seem to be
Enough to adequately express
my heartfelt sympathy.

Night has fallen on your heart
and cast a shadow long;
Your world is changed forever
you can’t believe dear Fella is gone.

You lost a family member
who was loved like all the rest;
A loyal, loving companion
who always gave his best.

But time will heal your broken heart
though it may take awhile;
Sweet memories will replace the loss
you’ll think of Fella and smile.

He’s crossed the Rainbow Bridge, my friend
and will never be alone;
He’s carefree and contented now
in his new celestial home.

In Loving Memory
Ol' Fella

[W7SFO]

I know we all know about the rainbow bridge. But it still warms my heart when I read it.

Old Fella will be missed, even by those that never met him. Richard & Sue are in our prayers tonight.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

[yankeeblue]

can't stop the tears to type this...rest in peace my beloved friend, Fella.
We'll love and remember you always.

[bonniesoo]

Rest in peace Old Fella you were such a good boy.....

Richard & Sue I know your hearts are broken but take some comfort in knowing that he is running with Levi at the Rainbow Bridge and is healthy and happy. His legacy will live on with all of us. God bless you all. Kim, Donna, Mika and Suki Hale

[woodstick]

Oh my such sad news, praying for the Old Fellow and the Daniels family.