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

[Hoops]

Great way to spread the word of the rescue effort country wide. Old Fella would be proud.

Becky

[lviars50]

Dixie Flyer wrote:
Interview on CBS News Channel 12 Augusta, Ga.

Gosh Richard that was just GREAT.... YOU DONE JUST WONDERFUL

Lois

[whimstock]

Grillmeister wrote:
Great job Richard, you looked very professional 🙂

I agree! Very nice. Loved the pictures of the dogs at the end, too. 🙂

[Grillmeister]

Great job Richard, you looked very professional 🙂

[Dixie_Flyer]

Interview on CBS News Channel 12 Augusta, Ga.

[Dixie_Flyer]

This morning I got up at 3:30 in the AM and left about 4:30AM to go to North Augusta, South Carolina to be on the Six 0'clock news with channel twelve a CBS station. Old Fella is getting his name spread around lately by the People of Good Sam. This morning they had the first picture taken of Fella and then my favorite one of him looking up at me while I am kneeling down. The news Anchor lady, Stacy was taken back by the pictures of the before and after shots and couldn't believe it was the same dog.

I sure do miss the ole boy a lot and still get tears in my eyes looking at his pictures. Don't forget the Old Fella Rally in Evergreen Ohio in June, Old Fella Rally in Ohio 2009 sure would be nice to see a lots of folks there helping us celebrate Old Fella and also Rver of the Year. For those who can't make it to Albuquerque in April, be sure and try to come to the rally in Ohio.

[Dandy_Dan]

Good Morning FOOFS, Again Mr. Weatherman has told us of upcoming events that are not to my liking. 19* out now with windchill of 8* but winter storm advisory this evening through tomorrow evening with possible of 4-6" prior to tapering off. :(:(:(:(:(:(

DW and I are going to Cleveland today with another couple for Chinese New Years. Good thing one of them speaks fluant Chinese. Place has Chinese market, restaurant that seats around 400, and a jewelry store in the complex. Good thing for 4 wheel ddrive for coming home.

Have a good day and be safe. Looking forward to Albuquerque as the weather should be better by then and we also get to meet some new FOOFS.

[dogdiva]

I agree, Whimstock, What a dance it is, reading this thread......
Richard has been blessed by his life rescueing all the animals that have passed his way, and he has shared those blessings with all of us

[whimstock]

Dixie Flyer wrote:
.... But I loved every minute of it and wouldn't change a thing, no regrets, not sorrows.

Applicable to so many things in life...as the song says, "We could have missed the pain, but we'd have had to miss the dance...."

And what a dance this thread has been...and continues to be. 🙂

[SGTJOE]

Well said Richard.

[Dixie_Flyer]

lviars50 wrote:

Gentle Spirit wrote:
How 'come when I read this thread, I'm either crying or smiling???

Makes you fell like you are on a roller coaster

I have been on that roller coaster ride since Old Fella came into our lives. He alone was enough to keep the adrenalin flowing with his health problems. But I loved every minute of it and wouldn't change a thing, no regrets, not sorrows. What Old Fella gave was far more than we could have ever imagined.

I look at Mama and Hobo and see the story continuing, the legacy lives on not only through them, but also through all the animals that have passed through our home. Suzie has a very special place in my heart and most likely will teach me many things about life that perhaps I really didn't care to know. She is one special soul that will capture a large part of my heart just like Fella and Levi. I have heard it said many times that there will always be one dog that you will always hold the memory of more than the others you have had. I cannot say that, as Levi, Fella, and Suzie have blessed Sue and I so much, how can you love one more than the other. We have truly been blessed with special gifted animals that make you love them beyond belief.

[SGTJOE]

lviars50 wrote:

Gentle Spirit wrote:
How 'come when I read this thread, I'm either crying or smiling???

Makes you fell like you are on a roller coaster

Sometimes it makes me feel like I'm watching Old Yellow. But here the good times are outweighing the bad & sad.

[lviars50]

Gentle Spirit wrote:
How 'come when I read this thread, I'm either crying or smiling???

Makes you fell like you are on a roller coaster

[Gentle_Spirit]

How 'come when I read this thread, I'm either crying or smiling???

[Dixie_Flyer]

It seems like yesterday this picture was made.