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

[Timmo_]

Richard...another nomination for Animal Planet Hero of the Year.

[woodstick]

Thank you Richard for the link, we subscribed, God Bless.

[Dixie_Flyer]

In memory of Old Fella

After clicking on the link then go to "Speciality RVing"

Then go to "RVing with Pets"

Scroll down to the Old Fella article

[woodstick]

Thank you Silverdunes for that info, we were going to nominate Richard but like you, we do not have an American address. You had a great idea though and am sorry that we Canadians cannot participate!
Good Luck to Richard!

[silverdunes]

As some of you may recall from rare posts I did, I am from Canada, and I wanted to nominate Dixie Flyer for the Animal Planet hero....there were probably also other readers from Canada and they probably will not be able to do it.

I had fill up everything on Animal Planet and wrote the 250 words max text with their requirements for space etc...and without a US address I cannot submit or participate in the Animal Planet (due to the contest), we need to be US resident. I did not want to cheat by writing a US address and then creating trouble for Richard's nomination.
Sad that I cannot show how far the dedication and love for animals that Dixie Flyer has, has touched people. I had hoped showing this may have helped in his nomination of Hero.

This is the text I had written, maybe some people can used some of it and correct my English too 🙂

"Richard Daniels, known as Dixie Flyer by RV’ers at RVNet, rescued a wounded stray dog from a campground, a few years ago. A Forum thread started the same day and this old stray became part of the Daniels family and known as 'Old Fella'. Dixie and Fella’s thread on RVnet forum created an internet family across USA & Canada. Readers have laughed, cried, rescued animals and even organized rallies, where people met and share with other followers of Fella's. Because of Old Fella, another stray dog, hurt and in need of amputation, got hospitalized, rescued and adopted…the other side of NA. Nothing stopped Richard! Fom East to West, he organized a group of RV’ers to bring the amputated rescue to her new home. Old Fella’s story and Richard’s devotion prompted many folks across USA & Canada to adopt rescue pets from shelters. Richard established the Old Fella Burke County Animal Rescue, a non-kill shelter. Old Fella died from cancer, a week ago. Outburst of grief on Fella’s thread has been tremendous. Richard (and wife Sue) are heroes, and though Old Fella departed, his legacy lives on, inspiring animal lovers everywhere. Richard and the Fella’s RVnet family made me proud to be an RV’er. The example of love and dedication towards animals that Richard gives to us all, makes him my nomination for the reward."

[Dixie_Flyer]

If anyone needs my email address it is:

claudedaniels@msn.com


or look under my profile

[Dandy_Dan]

Just got word from Leslie about the Blog Home page. Hopefully this link will work. Old Fella Memorial
I thought this was a good start. Leslie has been quite helpful.

[mistressofdistr]

Looking at the pictures of the inmates and the animals it is my opinion that they may both be reaping the benefits of this program. I see a lot of smiles on the inmates faces :B.

[Dixie_Flyer]

kokosfriend wrote:
Richard - how are you all doing this morning? I am thinking about you and your loss.
Barb

Each day gets a little better especially when I am doing something for the Old Fella cause. The hurt is still there and most anything will bring tears to the surface. I am in the process of setting up the Old Fella Memorial fund so we can put his memorial on the property one day. I am looking forward to that day with great anticipation. When I am able to see that accomplished along with the shelter and the spay neuter clinic I will know for sure his legacy will live on. There is a lot of work still to be done and animals to be saved so the work continues.

The Inmates from the jail have also added a new dimension to the Old Fella legacy as we see the benefits from this adventure. Many good things are yet to come and for Old Fella, he can be proud and cheer us on as we reach new goals every day.

[mincey]

Richard -
Thank you for posting the photos of the prisoners working at the shelter. Working with animals is a truly wonderful way to help rehabilitate folks that have taken the wrong paths in life. There is something about working with and being responsible for animals that just stirs the soul. And the smiles on the inmates faces are just priceless!!

We know you are still grieving, but it is such a joy to see everything that Fella inspired!!

[kokosfriend]

Richard - how are you all doing this morning? I am thinking about you and your loss.
Barb

[W7SFO]

Starting tomorrow afternoon (July 3rd) We will be gone for the holiday weekend. In my absence Dan "dandy Dan" is authorized to invite folks to join the FOOF Yahoo group. So after say 5pm (pacific time on the 3rd) you can send a message to Dan with your email address or Yahoo ID to be invited to the group.

[whimstock]

Dixie Flyer wrote:
Highways Magazine article May 2006 "Puppy Love

See if this link works

Works great!

[Dixie_Flyer]

Highways Magazine article May 2006 "Puppy Love

See if this link works

[whimstock]

A sweet trip down memory lane....thanks!

🙂