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

[Dixie_Flyer]

Charlie has come up limping again. If you will look at the picture of him at his left front leg you will see how swollen it is. He is in alot of pain with it so a trip to the vet tomorrow will be in the schedule. The way it looks I am afraid something may be fractured. He is very depressed and doesn't want his food nor is he wagging his tail, something Charlie always does.

If you look close at the front of the camper you will the generator we bought. I was told, if it is yellow and black, they will bring it back. That's why I didn't buy a Honda.

[Dixie_Flyer]

[Dixie_Flyer]

Here we are at Camp Dixie near Greenville, SC. We hope to have electricty and water on the property by December.

[silverdunes]

Dandy Dan, often reading this thread I did cry... Even thinking of our departed furry friends, tears sometimes cannot stop falling, and my heart ached.... this thread help me go through so many hard times in my life. I understand your pain of not hugging your furry friends anymore, of not sharing your daily life with them. Every day, I think of Miko....This thread help some of us vent our pains and our happiness. It is part of our daily lifes; in Canada, in the USA and I hope also in other parts of the world, this thread had help many changed their ways, cared for our pets, and discover that in the RV world, there are many kind people with great heart, posting on the forum or reading it, that understand.

Hope all are well (even if Kyle is sending rains and winds) and are having a great weekend, surrounded by their family, friends and pets.

[Dandy_Dan]

You know, sometimes reading this thread really sucks. Makes me feel down and keep thinking about our Beau, Charley and Frisky also waiting at the Rainbow Bridge. I guess I can be thankful that we tried the best we could to give them a good home and hopefully he know when the time came that he was loved dearly and sorely missed. There are some words to a song that sort of sums it up- When we all get to heaven what a joy it will be. Hopefully in additionto the pets that have gone before us, we will be reunited with our loved ones that have also had to go before us.

Richard, Hope charlie is feeling better and you are having a good time at Camp Dixie. Really looking forward to seeing you all Wednesday if the Good Lord's Willin'

[Code2High]

Enjoy your trip, Richard. I'm sure you need it... If you find any rain, send it to CA, willya? We're at that point in the year where no precip for months leaves one feeling mentally parched.

If you get stuck without fuel, just hitch up Suzie. I'm sure she has the energy needed and to spare.

[Dixie_Flyer]

This morning we will be leaving for Camp Dixie in South Carolina to see the children and grandchildren. I am worried about finding diesel fuel for the trip back home, but whatever. If it's not one thing it's another, so we will trust the good Lord that He will see to it we will have a safe and uneventful trip. I hope everyone will have a blessed weekend and I will talk with you when we get back. Maybe I will have some rainy pictures to show you when we get home as it is supposed to rain today and tomorrow.

[agteacher]

The dog saw some love from the woman who rescued him. You said it yourself, he stood until he could no longer see her. He picked out his owner and will be waiting for her at the bridge. Don't let him his death be for nothing. He fought a gallant fight and is now at peace. Stress the importance of spay/neuter, not abandoning pets, and the perils of dog fighting.

[Dixie_Flyer]

To be honest, I don't know what I would do if it weren't for the people on this forum. You folks keep me going when I want to quit and encourage me when I am down and out. Sometimes I get tired dealing with all the sadness and heart ache when it seems never ending,then something wonderful will happen to make it all worth while and I catch a second wind and move on to the other animals that need help. I keep thinking someday I will have a great reunion at Rainbow Bridge when I get there, what a wonderful day that will be.

[Code2High]

Knowing that others feel as you do is worth a lot, I think. For the ones dealing with it, actually having others know helps, too.

I know that when I was doing the cat thing and before that the rabbit thing, having people to talk, howl, and occasionally cry to was indispensable.

[Grillmeister]

I am glad he know longer has to endure any more pain. Rest in peace......

Me too.

[whimstock]

Code2High wrote:
Some people just really suck, and it is so hard to be the one trying to fix the things they do. All we can do is try. And in this case, the last 24 hours may well have been the only real kindness that dog ever knew. Which counts for something even as it takes a toll on those who provided it.

Very nice thoughts, Susan. I was sitting here wondering sadly why I even followed the posts about this poor animal...now I know.

Knowing the kindness of some folks makes the emotional "toll" worth it.

[Code2High]

Some people just really suck, and it is so hard to be the one trying to fix the things they do. All we can do is try. And in this case, the last 24 hours may well have been the only real kindness that dog ever knew. Which counts for something even as it takes a toll on those who provided it.

[nonameperson]

AH RICH SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE PITBULL. WHAT A SHAME.
God Bless
n

[chrisnpat]

I am glad he know longer has to endure any more pain. Rest in peace......