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

[needsomefun]

I love the expression Fella shows in that photo. We were all so fortunate to share this experience with him.

[mpj]

Richard - that sounds perfect. I am sure Old Fella would want it that way.

[fulltimegrams22]

Dixie Flyer wrote:
Old Fella has been cremated and his ashes will be placed on the property that the shelter is to be built on. I would like to have a memorial service for him sometime in the next two weeks. I hope to have a monument or head bust type statue placed on the property with his ashes buried at the base.

If anyone would like to participate in this just PM me.

Wow, I would love to participate in this, I would like to send you some money to help out in this endeavor as well as his hospital bill. I feel as though Old Fella was mine as well as many others. You have a great idea Richard and I will PM you for an address to mail you.

Fulltimegrams22

[Dixie_Flyer]

This has to be my favorite picture of me and Old Fella. This was taken at Modoc campground the place he called home for five years living as a stray.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Old Fella has been cremated and his ashes will be placed on the property that the shelter is to be built on. I would like to have a memorial service for him sometime in the next two weeks. I hope to have a monument or head bust type statue placed on the property with his ashes buried at the base.

If anyone would like to participate in this just PM me.

[Chemgoddess1]

I have been sifting slowly through the posts. On my way home from camping yesterday I got "the call" about Fella. I am at a loss for words. Like so many others here I feel as though I lost my own. It has been a sad day....

[MuleBrand]

I post rarely, but have been a regular reader of this thread. We lost our beloved "pound" cat, Kai, a few weeks ago and can totally understand your pain and sorrow. God bless you and your family.

[sisodals]

Richard & Sue,

I just got to see the terribly sad news.

I am certain the Old Fella knew that you always even in the end did what was the best for him.

I would opt for the cremation as well if that is an option, I like the thought that my friends are still with us until we rejoin them at the Rainbow Bridge. It is always a comfort to know that they are now once again youg, happy and healthy. They are playing and passing the time in health and happiness until the day we are rejoined with them once again.

Best wishes for only fond memories.

Helen & Ray Siso

[bonniesoo]

We also did exactly the same thing as Dogdiva. Our Bootie was cremated and his little oak box has a place of honor wherever we go. I don't think everyone would understand the bond we have with our furbabies, but whatever we can do to help us deal with the loss is a good thing. Richard and Sue just remember all the good things and take it all one day at a time.

[DOTLDaddy]

Richard & Sue,

This has all happened so fast, I still find it hard to believe Fella is gone.:(

Garland & I are so very sorry.

[dogdiva]

Perhaps you could have Fella creamated, and no matter where you are his ashes and memories will be with you
I have 5 of my beloved companions with me in the motorhome, in their special compartment above the passenger side.
One day at a time ......we are all grieving with you

[CatandJim]

I am sorry for your loss.

[Dixie_Flyer]

This morning there was no leg to wrap, no paw to put a bootie on, no Old Fella to prepare breakfast for. Suzie is confused about where Fella is and keeps trying to figure out what is going on.

I am at a loss as to how to deal with the void that is in our lives and would love to have things back the way there were. Fella is still all around me as I look at the booties and socks that are left behind and his bed in the family room and the bedroom that is empty. I can't find it in myself to move anything or put it out of sight just yet. One day at a time as Sue and I get use to life without Fella.

Thank you for your words of comfort and thank you for letting us know just how many friends Old Fella had and still has. It helps to know so many care.

[Golden_HVAC]

pawatt wrote:
Old Fella was one Lucky dog after he found you & you are some wonderful people for doing all that you have done. The Old Fella legend is known by 1000's worldwide and will continue to benefit animals for many years to come. The spirit of Old Fella will
continue on.

Hi,

I could not have said it better myself, and with tears in my eyes, I will just copy and paste this post that says what I wanted to say.

Old Fella has found a great friend in you. I am sure that he had a much better life once you brought him into your life. I feel so sorry for those that mis-treated him before you met him.

Fred.

[SPANIELMOM]

Dear Richard and Sue,

A couple of months back I was looking through the forums and came across this thread. I took the time to read almost every bit of it, from beginning to end. Although like some others, I have not posted, I have faithfully checked on you and Old Fella every day, first thing in the morning and last thing at night and followed his story through your loving eyes. It has been, and I'm sure will continue to be an amazing journey.

My heart hurts and I am saddened for you beyond belief that Fella has passed from this earth. He was a special gift to you, your family, and your extended forum family, as you all were to him and I know he's an Angel at the bridge. It is truly amazing to me how one dog can do so much for so many and through you, his legacy of love will live on through many many years to come!

I send my healing thoughts and prayers to you during this time of sorrow and as you go to through the difficult days ahead, and I hope that one day soon you can think of him without sadness, but with joy -the joy of knowing you shared your life with one very special dog.

Take good care. Gentle hugs for you both, and for Susie and Izzy.

Wendy