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

[Code2High]

Taking on an older dog is an act of both compassion and courage... you know you're going to be going through loss again sooner than you'd like, and you know that if you don't, it is a very long shot to find someone who will. But the rewards can be great. Having an animal that can walk into the house and not be a huge project to civilize... this can be a very good thing.

[maxesmum]

Richard..My husband and I are camping this week end with our RV in Michigan and as always I am following the story of Fella. Today I came upon a Golden named Sarah. Her mom and dad said she is 11 years old. She looks exactly like the handsome guy that you are looking at. Please continue this journey. We all need something to help fill the void of Fella. We will never forget him but need some light to look to. You are in my thoughts each day.
Sue in Michigan

[Dixie_Flyer]

Hoops wrote:
Didn't realize the cancer had spread that much in his body without knowing it, nor that his jaw had broke. At least he was enjoying himself with family, human and animal alike, when it all happened, so you can count your blessing there that he was happy until that moment.

Becky

We didn't know the cancer had advanced that much either. We were surprised to hear the news ourselves.

[Hoops]

Didn't realize the cancer had spread that much in his body without knowing it, nor that his jaw had broke. At least he was enjoying himself with family, human and animal alike, when it all happened, so you can count your blessing there that he was happy until that moment.

Becky

[Dixie_Flyer]

It was about this time last Saturday that everything started going down hill. I first noticed Fella bleeding at about eight O'clock and I looked at his mouth and couldn't tell much about anything because there was so much blood. At first I thought he had bitten his tongue and I figured it would stop bleeding and after a while it did.

Then about nine O'clock he started bleeding again, only this time it was much worse. Sue and I took off to the Emergency Animal Clinic in Greenville with Fella lying on the floorboard of the truck behind the front seats. It took us about 35 minutes to get there and by that time the back was covered with blood.

Once inside he was given immediate attention because of his condition. I helped place him on a cart and he was hurriedly rolled to the back where Dr. Phillips was waiting. We were shown to a private room where we waited.

After about an hour and twenty minutes Dr. Phillips came in to talk with us. She had been informed by us in filling out the papers work that Fella had been diagnosed with bone cancer about a week before so she was aware of his illness. That is when she told us what she found and that the cancer had invaded the jaw bone and it had broken and severed one of the blood vessels and she couldn't stop the bleeding without major surgery and then there would be other problems to deal with like his fractured leg and the lungs which were showing signs of cancer. She then suggested it was time to let him him go.

Sue and I were with him, holding him until the end as he slipped peacefully away to Rainbow Bridge. Fella was a special friend that had touched Sue and I in a special way because of his gentle loving nature and knowing the hardships he had been through before he came to us. It was a wonderful relationship, one that we will never forget.

[mistressofdistr]

Dixie Flyer, there is a retired vet in our area that does spay/neuter in an old school bus that she has converted to a mobile clinic. She drives it to different areas in Mississippi on a rotating schedule. She makes each location about once a month. Charge is based on weight of animal, our 35 pound cocker was 50.00. I will try to get her to contact you and maybe she can give you tips on starting your clinic.

I like your choice of your rescue, he is a handsome man and I am sure will make you proud.

[wmshaw55]

Richard and Sue

DW and I would like to send our heartfelt condolences on the loss of Old Fella. We, too, have been converted. It will be "rescue animals" from now on for us. Old Fella has made a huge difference in the adoption scene!

[kokosfriend]

Suzie needs an older dog to help her run the household!! Check out the Golden.
Barb

[Dixie_Flyer]

Do we have an architect on the thread?

[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.