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

[Kfancii]

I tried to tell my hubby that Claire wanted to be his valentine, but with 4 big dogs already and a food bill that costs more than ours does, he said no. 😞

[chemisd]

Both teachers said they couldn't convince their husbands.. 😞
They have forwarded on her picture to friends, so I am still hopeful that someone here might take her.....
I'm sad.

[Dashonthedash]

Great news! Do you have a kind of rivalry with Swainsboro? :B

[Dixie_Flyer]

City okays dog statue


Waynesboro True Citizen News Paper

[Dixie_Flyer]

This has been two mornings in a row that I have been a little on the lazy side and didn't want to get up. Sue went to let the dogs out and they all came running back into the bedroom, "Where's the old man? Get up, get up, it's time to get up."

Mama doesn't want to go any where until she knows where the old man is. I have never had a dog to bond to me as fast as Mama has. She is such a gentle sweet dog and big, oh my gosh how big she is! Right now she is sleeping on the dog bed in front of the couch. She is so content right now. She has eaten her breakfast, had her tummy rub and hugs from the old man.

Yesterday I had the camper open while I worked on it and decided I would see how she reacted to going inside of it. Boy she took to it like a duck takes to water. Once inside she was so excited and then she was ready to go camping. Hobo was a different story. The minute the leash was put on her she lay down and wasn't going anywhere. Mama comes on the scene and escorts her to the camper and walks her inside. Hobo is so unsure of herself and is afraid of anything new.

I am hopeful Claire will find a home soon as I have put her picture in the local newspaper and some folks in Lancaster, Ohio are interested in giving her a home. Maybe it will work out. Okay I have to go and face the day, talk with you later.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Wednesday's news paper will run an ad for Claire's adoption with this photo. So let me know as soon as you can.

[Dixie_Flyer]

We have met Dan on two ocassions at Wytheville, Va which is about half way between Waynesboro and Lancaster, Ohio, could do it again. We met at Fort Chiswell RV Park which is right off the interstate and easy to find.

[Code2High]

If hubby is a trucker, that may be a way to get the little hound north in a hurry. Not necessarily on his route, but he may have connections...

[chemisd]

Just read your message Dan....
some of we ladies here at work thought we could just leave our families at home for a night and do a quick road trip. Meeting somewhere might be nice than having to go all the way. I'm not sure either one of them could go. One's husband drives a truck and is home crazy days - like not the same every week. The other one I think wouldn't leave her daughter at home to come.
I'm hoping one of them will....I'll keep you posted!

[chemisd]

They both are mulling it over but need to convince the hubbies.....If one of them agrees, we would have to plan a road trip to get her! Lancaster is pretty far from Georgia!

[Dandy_Dan]

Jana, Maybe Claire could be put on the transfer bus and the new family could meet them somewhere enroute to up East. Would be an easy transfer that way. We are keeping our fingers crossed.

[Dixie_Flyer]

chemisd wrote:
One family has 4 children ages 3-13 and they have one dog already and one has one daughter aged 2 with no pets.

Sounds good, just let me know.

[chemisd]

One family has 4 children ages 3-13 and they have one dog already and one has one daughter aged 2 with no pets.

[Dixie_Flyer]

chemisd wrote:
I have 2 nibbles here at work!
Both have children, so you feel that Claire would be good with children?
And how old did you say you think she is?

Claire is one year old. The times she has been around children she has been great. How old are the children?

[chemisd]

I have 2 nibbles here at work!
Both have children, so you feel that Claire would be good with children?
And how old did you say you think she is?