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

[Dandy_Dan]

Congratulations Ryan and Beth. What a wonderful Christmas present. And to think, Mom and babe should be home for Christmas.

Gary, Which way are you going to go to or from Penna? Maybe it would work out that we could meet you across Ohio somewhere.

Tonight we have a -1 actual with a wind chill of a -25 and a windchill warning until noon tomorrow.

[butterfly_girl]

Oh What a beautiful Little Angel.......

Congratulations Mom and Dad.....She shares her birthday with my oldest Grand Daughter Amanda who turned 5 today...

[W7SFO]

Everyone say hello to Alyssa Mae Eaton. 8 1/2 pounds 21" long. She arrived by C-Section @ 10:56am December 21st 2008. Momma & baby are resting and doing well.

[Dixie_Flyer]

We now have 11 sites left for Albuquerque in April.

[Dixie_Flyer]

MrsSoCalToolGuy wrote:
Congratulations Richard. I am really looking forward to my next issue of Highways.:)

Barb

Maybe you could join us in Albuquerque in April? We have 15 sites set aside for the Old Fella folks. As of now we have 12 left.

[MrsSoCalToolGuy]

Congratulations Richard. I am really looking forward to my next issue of Highways.:)

Barb

[MrsSoCalToolGuy]

Gentle Spirit wrote:
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.

Carole, sorry to say but it looks like Wolfe needs another rescue miracle. If your husband does not want him what can you do? Please don't get another dog with your husband feeling the way he does. Every dog (or cat) should have a chance at a loving forever home. Try to look into another rescue group in your area.
No dog should spend his life chained up outside, imo. Good luck.

Barb

[Dashonthedash]

It may have been the encouragement of the people here on the forum, but it was you and Sue that did the work necessary to accomplish what you have already and what you will yet accomplish. You encouraged and supported the adoption of rescue and stray animals all over America. You encouraged and supported the active and energetic group of volunteers and fosters that became the Old Fella Burke County Animal Rescue, and you will yet get that shelter built. You and Sue deserve the accolades that are coming your way.

Tomorrow I leave to spend the holiday week with family in Pennsylvania. In case I don't get in touch with you during that time, I want to wish Richard, Sue and everyone on the forum a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and and a very Happy and Heathy New Year. L'Chaim!

[Dixie_Flyer]

I have to let you folks know that if hadn't been for the people on this forum and one old skinny black stray none of this would have happened. This recognition comes only because I was encouraged beyond my comfort zone to venture into the rescue arena and to stay there even when it was beyond anything I felt I could do. Many times I looked failure in face and kept on going hoping for the best because of my extended family of FOOFS.

I can't tell you the many times I looked at that old black dog lying at my feet with tears in my eyes, thanking God for the blessings that came from his entering my life. Now that he is gone all I have is his memory and the work that still is before me to get a shelter built with Old Fella's name on it. Then and only then can I rest and be assured that many homeless animals will at last fine a place of love and safety. Until then I will keep working to secure the legacy for Old Fella that I feel was destined to become a reality.

Mine and Sue's encounter with an old dog that spent five years in a campground as a stray wasn't an accident, but I feel was the hand of God at work. In April I will be recognized with an award that really belongs to Old Fella and the people of this forum. Today it is mine, in April it will belong to Old Fella and the people who have been so much a part of this great journey.

[Dixie_Flyer]

TYSPapa wrote:
Congratulations Richard on your achievement award. You certainly deserve the recognition for what you have done for stray and abandoned animals.
I would also like to take this time to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy new Year on this first day of winter. It's -36 here this morning. Just a bit nippy.:D

-36!!! How can you stand it??? I shiver when it gets 40* down here. We have been blessed with spring like weather for the past three weeks, but I think it is all coming to an end soon.

Ryan I wish you and Beth a healthy bundle of joy and a Merry Christmas.

[TYSPapa]

Congratulations Richard on your achievement award. You certainly deserve the recognition for what you have done for stray and abandoned animals.
I would also like to take this time to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy new Year on this first day of winter. It's -36 here this morning. Just a bit nippy.:D

[chemisd]

Ryan - can't wait to see the pictures of Alyssa....Is this yours and Beth's first? Either way, from one mom to another, the excitement, panic, fear, etc all goes away and I would have done it a thousand times! Good luck!

Richard, there is no way we can make it to the event in April. We will be in school. The publicity this will bring to Waynesboro should greatly help raise awareness of the plight of the animals.

Gary - I don't think I ever remember reading your article you wrote. It is very well written and for those that don't know the story, it really sums it up.

Gentle Spirit...Wolfie - As for the behavior specialist, I think that is a good idea. This from the one who has a name of someone locally, but hasn't called her yet!. I would NOT get another dog until the behavior of the first one is under control. Since it is so recent that you lost - was it Brandy? - I think there is too much emotion running there. I understand everything you have said, including the hubby issues. Been there, done that! The thing is, we now have 2 dogs that like to dig holes in the carpet and chew up the couch. Just a thought....has he been neutered? Seems that that has helped with the running off of some dogs. There are also some meds that may help if it is just anxiety. It may be helpful to start your own thread about Wolfie. Not everyone reads the Old Fella thread like me, and may have some good ideas for you.

Too all FOOFs.....gotta run...church then HOPEFULLY shopping will get done today! Enjoy your day and watch that snow and ice and freezing temps on this the first day of winter!
Jana

[W7SFO]

With Beth's due date approaching, we had what was out last scheduled ultra sound on Friday. This morning the doctor called. She told us that if Alyssa is not on her way by Monday morning, they plan to induce. In short, we should have our new daughter by Tuesday at the latest (Dr's words).

I will have my lap top with me when we do head to the Hospital and will update everyone when we can.

[W7SFO]

Congratulations Richard, you are very deserving.

[Scottiemom]

Congratulations Richard. A very well deserved honor. You are doing God's work in helping his creatures. God bless you, Sue and all homeless, needy animals.

Dale