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

[Gottahaveit]

I am in tears....but could not agree more. Richard, you need to write the book.

[lviars50]

Dixie Flyer wrote:

I wont my copy NOW please LOL
Lois


Sue and I had a long talk on the way home and she has convienced me to start in January to write the book "A Very Old Stray, The Old Fella Story." Sue believes that only I am capable of writing the real story filled with the emotion that will make it come to life. So I am making a committment to Old Fella to write his story the way it was experienced not only by Sue and I, but also by everyone who has become a part of this great life adventure. The journey will begin just as it did that Labor Day weekend 2005, but also looking back into Fella's past and the years he spent as a stray in the Modoc Campground. I hope to be able to end the story with Fella's name sake being built "The Old Fella Burke County Animal Rescue Center."

I feel I am still on a journey with Fella and it will not end until our goal is accomplished and that his name will become a house hold word across this nation. Being named Rver of the Year has inspired me to continue the work and cause of bringing attention to the stray animals of America. 2009 will be a banner year for Old Fella. I just wish he could have been here to see it.

[whimstock]

Dixie Flyer wrote:
Sue and I had a long talk on the way home and she has convienced me to start in January to write the book "A Very Old Stray, The Old Fella Story." Sue believes that only I am capable of writing the real story filled with the emotion that will make it come to life. So I am making a committment to Old Fella to write his story the way it was experienced not only by Sue and I, but also by everyone who has become a part of this great life adventure......

I feel I am still on a journey with Fella and it will not end until our goal is accomplished and that his name will become a house hold word across this nation. Being named Rver of the Year has inspired me to continue the work and cause of bringing attention to the stray animals of America. 2009 will be a banner year for Old Fella. I just wish he could have been here to see it.

Wow! This is great news, Richard, and I agree with Sue. You are so talented with putting feelings into words....and who better to write this wonderful tribute, one that will hopefully benefit so many animals.

🙂

[Dixie_Flyer]

What a wonderful Christmas we had with the children and grandchildren. Poor Suzie got very, very, very, very car sick going up there and coming back home. Tomorrow I will try the Rescue Remedy to see if that helps her.

Sue and I had a long talk on the way home and she has convienced me to start in January to write the book "A Very Old Stray, The Old Fella Story." Sue believes that only I am capable of writing the real story filled with the emotion that will make it come to life. So I am making a committment to Old Fella to write his story the way it was experienced not only by Sue and I, but also by everyone who has become a part of this great life adventure. The journey will begin just as it did that Labor Day weekend 2005, but also looking back into Fella's past and the years he spent as a stray in the Modoc Campground. I hope to be able to end the story with Fella's name sake being built "The Old Fella Burke County Animal Rescue Center."

I feel I am still on a journey with Fella and it will not end until our goal is accomplished and that his name will become a house hold word across this nation. Being named Rver of the Year has inspired me to continue the work and cause of bringing attention to the stray animals of America. 2009 will be a banner year for Old Fella. I just wish he could have been here to see it.

[Dandy_Dan]

Sgt. Joe, Sarah is adapting very well to our family, Anna, and the northern weather. Every day we see more progress and tail wagging. When she comes in from outside, she will be wagging her tail and then set down and take her front paws and paw at the air as if cliimbiing a ladder wanting your attention. She has started just a little playing with Anna, but should progress as time goes on. She did show us her "Barker" is not broken. Boy, what a bark for such a small doggie. WOOF!!!! Anna really seems to be fine with her being here and I think enjoys the company of Sarah.

The weather here today is really goofy. 2 days ago freezing rain and ice and today it is 61 right now with a high of 68 predicted. What a time trying to figure out how not to get a really bad cold. Tomorrow is to be a high of 45 and rain again. Guess typical Ohio weather. Sure hope all of you western folks can talk the better halves into coming to "The Rally" as I am looking forward to meeting as many of the FOOFS as possible.

Don't forget the Ohio version of the Old Fella Rally in June if you can attend. It is being held in the heart of Amish Country here in Ohio. Will be at a campground that is just starting its 4th year.

Anyone traveling, have a very safe and happy weekend and Happy Camping

[SGTJOE]

Kudo's to Richard for the Award. I'm trying to talk the DW into going. Give me a few weeks and I hope I'm successful. Would love to meet Richard, Sue and the kids in person. We just went through some tough times with our Cookie who had a UTI, thanks to a 24 hr Animal facility in Victorville Calif on Christmas Day she is back to normal and chasing the cat throughout the MH.
So how is Sarah doing?

[Dixie_Flyer]

Good mornig everyone. Well Christmas is over and all the kids had a great time. It hasn't been cold here at all, which is unusual for Greenville. This morning it is raining so I had ro stand in the rain while Peaches and Suzie went outside to take care of business. They have eaten now and wanting to play so I will get ready to take them for a walk.

We go home tomorrow and then leave for Hunting Island on Sunday to stay until New Year. It still hasn't dawned on me yet what being RVer of the year is all about so I am excited about the coming year and whatever comes. I have to go for now so I will talk with you later.

[SGTJOE]

Wanderlost wrote:


With all the publicity from Marley and Me, perhaps now a publisher will take Suzanne's book about Old Fella. We'll all be standing in line for our copies.
.

Send it to Disney Studios, it would make one awesome movie.

[Hoops]

Just saw Marley and Me. Pretty good movie, but must warn you------take kleenex.

Becky

[Wanderlost]

Joel and Bonnie, thanks for taking the kitty even as you say goodbye to Sammy. I know the kitty will appreciate you giving her a home.

Richard, I read all the articles in Highways yesterday. They don't begin to describe how much you deserve being the first Good Sam RVer of the Year. I just know Levi, Old Fella, and Charlie are grinning at you from the Bridge.

With all the publicity from Marley and Me, perhaps now a publisher will take Suzanne's book about Old Fella. We'll all be standing in line for our copies.

DOTL Specialist Alexander the Grrreat gave us an unusual present last night. Somebody he ate didn't agree with him, so he threw up on the rug, and it was crawling with worms. Sigh. So tomorrow he gets wormed. Nothing like spending Christmas Eve steam cleaning the rug.

Merry Christmas to all, human and animal, and may you eat without over-eating, drink without over-imbibing, enjoy the company you keep, and sleep like babies tonight.

[joelbaker]

Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah everyone.
Last night we were visiting with friends and I think I've found a cat to adopt. One of our cats has cancer and we'll probably be putting him down within the week. Our friend's friend's mother has friends who are divorcing and have a two year old cat who needs a new home. It sounds like a good fit so we'll meet her on Sunday. So our celebration with our friends has helped another animal, even as we need to say goodbye to our Sammy boy.

[Dixie_Flyer]

What a joyous time to celebrate family and friends. Today as we remember the birth of our Lord may we all pause to give thanks for the blessings He has given. I would like to thank all of you for being a part of mine and Sue's life and especially that of Old Fella, Levi, Charlie, Suzie, Peaches and Izzie.

As we look to start a New Year together I can't help but be excited about the honor of being named the very first Good Sam's RVer of the Year and getting to meet new friends as Old Fella continues to carry us on a journey of love, peace and compassion. I cannot tell you how much I look forward to the trip in April to the Rally and get to meet some wonderful people who have blessed our lives.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone and may God Bless.

[Ron___Shirley]

Merry Christmas Richard and Sue and all of the kind hearted People on this Forum.

Ron & Shirley

[E_Texan]

Merry Christmas everyone. Be safe.

[dturm]

Merry Christmas to Richard and Sue and all the FOOFs. Hope everyone has a safe and joyous holiday.

Doug, Sandy & Megan (currently snoozing by the fire dreaming of sugarplums)