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

[Scottiemom]

Dashonthedash wrote:
Ask your vet to recommend a behavior specialist. If that doesn't work out, your vet may also be able to help you find a new home for him. In the meantime, try to find a way to reinforce the gate. Good luck, and I hope things work out.

Good advice. I have an animal behaviorist who worked with me and Bailey. He is very good, very reasonable (cost me $120 to turn Bailey's behavior around) and works via the phone. He is a vet who now only does dog and cat behavior. His techniques are similar to the Dog Whisperer. He knows dog behavior and knows why they do what they do. He can tell you exactly what you are up against and what you can do to help Wolfie. I would not hesitate to call him.

PM me if you want his number.

Dale

[Dashonthedash]

Gigi,

After you register, please let us know so that I can add you to the "official" list on the new Rally thread. Also please check the thread regularly as I hope to include the latest plans once we get a little closer to April. We look forward to meeting you and Scott and all your Maltese.

Gary

[Dixie_Flyer]

maltese-lover2 wrote:
Congratulations Richard and well deserved. Sign us up for the Albuquerque Rally in April. Let me know what else I need to do.

gigi

Sue, Suzie, Peaches and myself look forward to seeing you there. I sent you a PM with instructions on how to register.

[maltese-lover2]

Congratulations Richard and well deserved. Sign us up for the Albuquerque Rally in April. Let me know what else I need to do.

gigi

[butterfly_girl]

I just found this new thread......way to go Richard


Richard Daniels honored by Good Sam

[GizmosMom]

Congratulations, Richard and Family! We are proud to know you!

[Dashonthedash]

Ask your vet to recommend a behavior specialist. If that doesn't work out, your vet may also be able to help you find a new home for him. In the meantime, try to find a way to reinforce the gate. Good luck, and I hope things work out.

[Gentle_Spirit]

We've had a setback with Wolfie and I don't know what to do. Maybe some of you can give me some ideas. As most of you know, my other dog died alittle over 2 weeks ago who was Wolfie's friend and Wolfie has been very depressed. Wolfie also was a resuce who'd been abused prior to my getting him. He was locked in a crate and left on vacant property for a week at a time and I believe he may have been beaten because he's afraid of brooms and such - or if a man yells he really gets scared.

Anyway.....

I've been letting him in the house and going for long walks, but yesterday we had to leave, so I put him in the 1/4 acre fenced yard. I'm concerned if he gets out because he has been agressive to other male dogs and at 110 lbs - he may kill another dog. While we were gone my neighbor called my cell phone and said that she took her dog for a walk and Wolfie ran up the street to her - he was out. She went to our house and the metal gate had been bent for him to squeeze out.

My husband had a fit and wants to get rid of the dog. We've had him 5 years and he's always been okay with another dog. My husband wants to get an RV and travel - but how can we do that with a monster dog who destroys things and can't be left alone? I wanted to get another dog - but my husband says he's not getting another dog just to babysit Wolfie. He won't let me bring Wolfie in the house now because he's mad, so I have him tied up on the front deck. I feel so bad and poor Wolfie knows something is wrong and is sulking. I have company coming for Christmas and I know they'll want to go to the little tourist town nearby - but how can I leave the dog? He also gets car sick and chews through seatbelts. I love this dog - and I can't stand the thought of him getting put to sleep because of shelter overcrowding - but I have to have a life and it's now causing problems with my marriage....sometimes my neighbor brings her dog over to keep Wolfie company, but we have a foot of snow on the ground now and her dog can't take the snow like Wolfie can......

Please pray for something positive to happen - I need a miracle.

[Dashonthedash]

I have started a thread for the get-together in Albuquerque. I am hoping to make this an "official" Old Fella Rally and hope to see many of my old and new friends there in April.

Western Old Fella Rally

[Dixie_Flyer]

What a high moment in our lives and the focus it brings to the Old Fella Burke County Animal Rescue and not only that, but to all the organizations that are making a difference in their area.

Now waiting for the award ceremony in Albuquerque in April is like waiting on Santa Claus when I was a kid. What a great time for Old Fella and his memory. His legacy will live on long after I am gone and for that I am grateful.

[Hoops]

Very nice story Gary (Dashonthedash). Guess it is time for a follow up in the tale of Old Fella and those that have followed.

[Dixie_Flyer]

This is worth reading again

Denver Mensa The Old Fella Story by Gary Shapiro

[Dixie_Flyer]

Trailer LIfe is also carrying the story about RVer of the year.


Trailer Life

[Gottahaveit]

Wow what great news Richard and Sue. You have done such a wonderful job with all the pets you have saved. Ol Fella is very proud I'm sure. Excellent job and thank you from all us dog lovers.

[newk]

sisodals wrote:

Good Sams could not possibly have made a better choice.

Agreed! Congratulations Richard!