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

[kokosfriend]

This pit bull can wait for me at the rainbow bridge and I would be honored to have him join my family and me.

Barb

[Gentle_Spirit]

I'm sitting here crying my eyes out after reading about the poor pit bull. I'm also angry that these things happen. At the very least, this poor dog received alittle love and kindness before he died. He didn't die alone at that dumpster. We must continue to educate people, especially children, about spay/neuter and kindness to animals. Even though animals are still being mistreated (such as this starved pit bull) we are making strides educating people so hopefully in the future there will be no need for shelters and unnecessary euthanisia.

Bless you Richard, for all you do. We all know that Fella could have been left to die at that campground - but he wasn't. He was able to overcome fear and show us all the love in his heart - he was sent to us all by God so that we can learn how truly great dogs are - there's definately a reason d-o-g is G-o-d spelled backwards.

[Code2High]

So you have your answer, and resolution, and at least he died in caring hands. I would still call the local press. People often abandon dogs and tell themselves the dog will "find a good home" or "be free." Such is not the case as we all know and the sad fate of this dog demonstrates.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Dr. Ford just called to tell me we just lost the Pit Bull dog.

[Code2High]

Richard... how to put this diplomatically but effectively? God hasn't forgotten this dog, hasn't given up on this dog, why should you? How many times since you started down this path has a way opened up where you could see no reason to hope?

If there is no home for him in Burke County, that surely doesn't mean there's no home for him anywhere. Remember Anna? What about all those dogs that get shipped north to new homes? If it is meant to be, it will happen.

One thing I might suggest is to get some news covereage of this little guy if you can, locally. It might give him some more chances as well as bring needed new attention to the rescue.

[Dixie_Flyer]

This morning I picked up the Pit Bull and took him to Dr. Ford's. The diagnoses was starvation and low blood sugar. He was too weak to eat and so far gone that when he did try he couldn’t keep it down. They have him taking fluids to see if he can be brought back from near death. This morning when I went inside the garage where he had spent the night he was on the blanket that was put down for him and was too weak to do much of anything. But when the lady came in he picked up his head and weakly wagged his tale as she spoke to him.

When I loaded him into the back of the truck in the crate he stood so he could see her and watched as she walked back to the house and then dropped back down when he could no longer see her. When I got to Dr. Ford’s it was if he had completely given up and went limp as a dish rag as I lifted him up and took him inside. The lady refuses to allow him to be put down and wants to pay his vet bill for ten days and then try to find him a home. In our area that is going to be next to impossible because the reputation they have for fighting. What I see is a futile effort to save a dog that is going to be put down anyway because no one in Burke County will take him except those who will use him to fight.

We have such a serious problem with dog fighting here that it is almost impossible to stop. Last year we found a killing field where the body of dogs were thrown to rot. No charges were filed against anyone as those responsible moved on to another area of the County when this was disclosed to the public.

I don’t know the fate of this poor dog, only that it doesn’t look good. We have ten days to do something for him because that is when the money runs out, let’s hope something materializes.

[Dixie_Flyer]

From past experience you won't find a vet tonight. They don't answer their phones and there is no emergency vet hospital within thirty miles of us. Sadly things will have to wait until morning.

[joelbaker]

Keep him seperated from your other dogs. Poor thing, sounds like he's been fought and must have lost. Probably was staked out and ignored, allowing him to wither away and get sick. People responsible for that should be severely prosecuted, like Michael Vick. Sick people! It might be kindest to see if you can get a hold of a vet this evening and put him out of his misery. How sad.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Okay what I believe we have is a case of distemper. It all seems to fit.

[Dandy_Dan]

Richard, Try Google for Rabies signs. Google seems to be the thing for quick knowledge. Call you later.

H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y - - - - - - - - S U E !!

[Code2High]

Here's a description of the progression of the disease... I've never personally dealt with rabies but I do know that, for instance in Texas, a whole lot of dogs that are killed because they are suspected of being rabid turn out to have distemper.

PRODROMAL STAGE (the first 1 and 1/2 days after symptoms have started) - A change in personality is noted. Friendly animals become shy etc. The larynx begins to spasm and a voice change may be noted (especially true in rabid cattle). Most infected animals will actively lick or scratch the site of the original bite.

EXCITATIVE STAGE (Next 2-3 days) Classically, this would be the "mad dog" stage. The animal has no fear and suffers from hallucinations. If confined, the animal often attacks the bars of the cage.

PARALYTIC OR DUMB STAGE (Next 2 days) Weakness/paralysis sets in. The larynx is paralyzed resulting in an inability to swallow thus drooling and "foaming at the mouth" result. The animal dies when the intercostal muscles (which control breathing) are paralyzed. It is from animals in this stage where most human exposure occurs. There is no treatment for animals or humans once clinical signs appear.

Once the virus has been released to body secretions, it is again accessible to the immune system; however, the patient dies before an adequate immune response is mounted.

When human exposure to the animal in question is involved, what happens depends on an assortment of criteria. If the animal in question is dead, its brain can be tested for rabies. There is no test for rabies in a living animal but since we know that death follows quickly after the virus becomes contagious, a living animal can be confined for 10 days. If the animal is still alive 10 days after biting a person, then the bite could not have transmitted rabies.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Can anyone tell me what to look for in the first sign of rabies? Hurry please!!

[Code2High]

I'm so sorry, Rich... is there no one there who could do some sub-q fluids on him and at least make him more comfortable tonight?

[mistressofdistr]

Happy Birthday Sue.

[Dixie_Flyer]

I just got back from a call where a woman picked up a dog at a dumpster that is just about starved to death. I started to put his picture on the forum but decided against it. He is too far gone to save so I will take him in the morning to the vet and send him on to Rainbow Bridge.

We tried to feed him and give him water but he couln't keep it down. It's things like this that makes me angry, This poor dog {Pit Bull}has been abused and has the scars to prove it. I will send him to a better place tomorrow morning.