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

[vickiebec]

Boy if I was in a better position I would be on the road going to get her and I have never had a dog before. I haven't been on for awhile because to make a long story story after 17 years of marriage my husband decided he would rather drink (not get help upon my request) than be married. I have moved to Rocklin, CA near Sac to be close to my daughters. Socks and I have moved into a 500 sq ft apartment and I will no longer be RVing, which I will miss. It has not been a good six months and my health has gone down hill a great deal, it has been a tough time. Pray for Socks and I and hang in there Clair someone will come along soon. I sure would if I could.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Isn't that just the most beautiful face you ever did see? Crate trained, house trained walks on a leash and will kennel up on command. Loves children and gets along with cats. Loves to snuggle and doesn't take up too much room on the bed at night, sleeps in a very tight curled up position, nice foot warmer with her nice long fur coat. Spayed and up to date on all of her shots.

[butterfly_girl]

This is for all of you that have had too much winter....

[chemisd]

I pray that Claire will get a good home. I would love to take her, but as I said before, I have 2 german shepherds that are pretty territorial. I just love that face.

[TomW2]

18º!? And in the "deep south"? Except when the Frasier river valley leaks some of it's cold air on us we never get into the teens and I'm 14º of latitude north of you (about 1,000 miles). 31º when I got in the car this morning at 5:15. Glad the furkids aren't suffering.

[maltese-lover2]

I had to laugh when you mentioned the doorbell. That's how I feel with my five couch potatoes. They can be really quiet but my goodness, when that doorbell rings, you would think I had 5 Cujo's. Good luck. 🙂 Have a great day. It's supposed to get up to 69-70 degrees here in Colorado today.

See you in Albuquerque.

Gigi

[Dixie_Flyer]

This is really an excited bunch this morning. Mama is lying on her bed, Claire is lying at my feet, Hobo is lying on the floor next to Mama, Peaches is lying on a bed next to the book case, Izzie is asleep on the couch and Suzie is asleep on our bed. Boy is it quiet around here. Please dear God, don't let the door bell ring!!!

[Dixie_Flyer]

Good morning! It is 18* here this morning. All the fur babies are doing well and had a hearty breakfast and wanted to go back outside in the cold. Even Mama wated to go, but the Peach, no not her. She has claimed the couch and snuggled in for the morning.

There is a possibility that Claire might go to Mass on the Dixie Dog Transport the 20th of the month. She has to go through an assessment program to make sure she doesn't have any aggression problems and if she passes she can make the run and hopefully find a forever home in the frozen North.

I would like to see the home she goes to just to make sure my baby is going to be okay, but I have to trust that she will find a loving home and spend the rest of her days with a wonderful family.



If any of you have second thoughts about Claire in giving her a home, let me know before I make the arrangements. She is really a sweet girl and loves people and is going to make someone a wonderful pet. She really loves to snuggle and have her belly rubbed. Claire has been very good once she learned the pecking order. Right now she, Hobo and Suzie are playing in the back yard, just having the best time.

[SGTJOE]

Awesome Richard, have a great time with the Daniels Clan. BTW, who called shotgun. LOL

[mistressofdistr]

I think you will be pleasantly surprised, you have a well behaved bunch and with the exception of being crowded in the truck all will work out just fine 😄

[dturm]

Richard, I admire your courage 🙂 Once you get where you are going, they should be fine as they have already worked out the interactions. Have a great time!!!

Doug

[Dixie_Flyer]

Sue and I have just made the decision to go camping the weekend of the 13th and take Mama, Hobo, Claire, Suzie and Peaches with us. So who will be taking odds on the sucess of this trip? I will be sure and take plenty of pictures...

[Hoops]

Nope don't miss the north in the winter, deep deep south for me. Missy doesn't miss the snow either, afraid this year she would get buried.

[SGTJOE]

Sorry folks, you all are making me feel guilty in Yuma. Ithink it's about 79 today and no heater needed at night.

[Dandy_Dan]

Gee Richard, It hasn't even been in the teens here today. The girls still go out and play and Anna keeps catching birds and bringing them up to us. She is so proud of herself.