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

[Gentle_Spirit]

Why is that beautiful painting of Old Fella making me cry????

Must be because it is so perfect......it even includes the bandage on his foot for us all to remember what the poor guy went through, yet the smile on his face reminds us of the love he radiated.

Since my dog died on Monday, I've been going back and forth about getting another dog - but I just don't think I can do it right now.

We have another new dilema with Wolfie - he is a malamute cross and his coat is very thick. I've been trying to have him in the house and take him places in the car and he gets too hot! In the house, he just pants nonstop, I'm afraid he'll have heart attack! So, he's going to the groomer today to get a bath, combed out and maybe a bit of a haircut, but I have to be careful because it snows here and he stays outside when we're not home. It sure has been hard for him, but I think he's doing a bit better.

Love to all of you.
Carole

[Dandy_Dan]

Dr. Doug, I don't know if you had the opportunity to meet Old Fella in person but the painting captures him excellent. The artist did such a fine job and I know Richard will be extremely happy and proud. A think you is not enough but THANK YOU.:B:W

Daughter Jenni made it to Beckley, Va. last night before pooping out. She is only about 1 hour from the meeting point with Richard and Sue to get Sarah to bring her to the frozen tundra. They are to meet between noon and 1 today to make the transfer. I am so pleased she was able to go down and also grateful to Sue and Richard for driving up to meet Jenni. We are looking forward to meeting Sarah sometime this evening unless the weather is warm down there then Jenni said we may see them the middle of next week.:B:B:B

[Uppercrust]

That is such a beautiful picture of Old Fella.

[Scottiemom]

What a beautiful portrait and a fitting remembrance of the dog who, with his human friends, has created such a loving legacy.

Dale

[chemisd]

Oh my gosh....what a beautiful painting and thank you Dr. Doug!

[Hoops]

Wow, what at great painting. Has really captured Old Fella you could almost feel him talking to you through his eyes.

[woodstick]

Wow that is an awesome painting! I agree Richard, the artist certainly did capture Old Fellow's spirit and image, and thanks to Dr. Doug!

[fulltimegrams22]

Beautiful painting of Old Fella and now I wonder if we can get things like, coffee mugs, doggie dishes or other memorabilia with a donation of each item purchased to the benefit of the foundation???

I know money is not talked about here but it was just an idea so please don't respond as I wouldn't want any problems for the thread...

Fulltimegrams22

[Dashonthedash]

That is such a beautiful picture. His whole body just radiates happiness and contentment.

Winter has arrived here with a vengeance. It was -1 degrees Fahrenheit when I got home from work tonight. My new furnace is going to get a workout tonight.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Artist Lee Mitchelson was commissioned By Dr. Doug to paint Old Fella's portrait to be displayed as a memorial to him. The Portrait will be on display at the Burke County Public Library with a short biography of his life. What a beautiful painting as Lee has captured not only the image of Old Fella but also his spirit.

[Grillmeister]

Congratulations Dandy Dan,

Glad to hear she got such a nice home with cool playmates. The best part is we will get to hear about her for years to come :B

Take care, Gary

[Dandy_Dan]

Grillmeister, Tomorrow evening after my daughter gets done with her stores, she is going to head out for Wytheville, Va. to meet up with Richard, Sue and Sarah around noon on Friday. Sarah will be coming up north to be with Suzie's sister Anna. We have had the previlege of being accepted as the new hoomans for Sarah. Anna will be teaching her what it is like to play in the snow and root around with your nose and part of your head buried in the funny white stuff that Sarah has never seen. The picture on the Old Fella 2009 rally thread is a picture of Anna when she first got out of the truck in Ohio after coming from Georgia. Now, you can' seem to keep her in as she wants to explore and try to find anything that moves while I am out in the morning feeding the horses. Hope you had a good Thanksgiving and are going to be Blessed with a Merry Christmas.

[Grillmeister]

Richard,

What is the status for a forever home for Sarah? I keep watching everyday and keep wondering? I am sure everyone that sees her, wants her. :@

[Dixie_Flyer]

It's been quiet on the thread today and not much going on here either. Sue and I bought the most beautiful Christmas tree today. It is some kind of Frost Tree or something like that. Any way it is truly a most beautiful tree. Izzie watched as Sue and I hung the lights. Suzie, Peaches and Sarah weren't interested so they stayed in the family room and relaxed in their beds.

The Christmas spirit has really got a hold on me this year and I am so looking forward to the gathering at the house and Christmas dinner on the table. I need to find a really nice fruit cake some where to go along with the other deserts. The older I get the more I get like a child during the Christmas season. We have been blessed this year and there are no worries about health, family and the most important thing, my God is still on his throne in my heart. Okay, it's time for bed so I will close for now, talk with you later.

[Missy120]

My heart fills with joy everytime I read this thread. I thank God everyday that there are such wonderful people in the world that are will to do good for our fur babies. God bless you all and Merry Christmas!

Also, good luck with all of the Old Fella events!