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

[mrskti]

RIP Old Fella, I havent been online for a while, So sorry about your buddy Richard. The last few years of his life were certainly the best, i'm sure he was greatful to you for that.

[Dashonthedash]

I knew as soon as I saw the picture that he was going to be your next companion. The Seniors are so special, aren't they?

[dogdiva]

Richard,
Thats a wonderful idea!!!!
Fella certainly would approve......

[Dixie_Flyer]

I am going to find out more about the Golden and see what his temperament is like and if the Old Fella Rescue has any plans for him. Maybe Sue and I can do something to help this old boy {be his foster home} enjoy the rest of his golden years.

[TennesseeT]

I just learned of Old Fell's passing. I am so sorry. A terrible loss, but what great things were and will be accomplished in his name.
Rest in peace Old Fella. God Bless the animals, and thank God for blessing us with them.

[whimstock]

"No longer will anyone who knows the Old Fella story look at another old stray dog the same as they have in the past. Compassion is the word I would use to describe Old Fella’s second chance at life, compassion that reaches out beyond understanding and reasoning to give life another chance at happiness. Don’t pass up the blessings in life just because what you see isn’t beautiful on the outside, because what may be on the inside could be the greatest treasure you will ever find."


Richard, this is lovely, and describes the change you have made in me. I admit that I would not have picked up that "old stray"...but I will take the next one home because of you and Old Fella.

The pics you have posted today of OF are wonderful.

And that dog at the shelter is beautiful...I, too, wonder about his story.

[Hoops]

He looks exactly like my son's Lab. Jackson is nine, but the face is almost the same. They are such gentle dogs.

[woodstick]

How could you resist that look, such a gorgeous dog.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Uppercrust wrote:
What a beautiful dog Richard.

I watched the inmates work with him on Wednesday and he is so laid back, about ten years old I think.

[Uppercrust]

What a beautiful dog Richard.

[Dixie_Flyer]

I am going to find out what his story is and why he has come to the city animal shelter?

[dogdiva]

Richard and Sue
We all know how heart wrenching is is for you to meet each day with out Fellas needs to take care of. You have brought to all of us the beautiful words and memories of life with Fella, and I truely believe that it is GOds will that Fella came to you and you shared and inspired us all. You and Fella will always be HEROS

[TKW]

I just heard the sad news today. Please accept my condolence for your loss.

I still remember reading the post when Dixie Flyer & Old Fella's 1st encounter. His passing is like I've lost a friend but he'll be always in our heart. Take care!

[Hoops]

Great pictures.

[TTBeachBum]

Thank you so much for providing Old Fella with a wonderful retirement home. Although the time with these older guys are short, they sure are full of quality. I am sure my sweet Axel and my other beloved pets have greeted Old Fella at the Rainbow Bridge.