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

[CA_POPPY]

Dandy Dan wrote:

Dan, Anna is definitely saying something there, what was it? "Throw ball, get food, or....?" :W So cute.

[Code2High]

Richard, was Mama acting this painful before the incident with struggling to get up on the linoleum?

[Dixie_Flyer]

It's kind of sad watching Mama tonight as she just lays around. You can tell she doesn't feel well as she won't even wag her tail. When she doesn't come into the family room with us you know something is wrong. Hobo is keeping her company as she tries to comfort Mama. Today Mama stayed in the bedroom a lot sleeping on Peaches' bed. I set up another kennel crate and put it in the bedroom for Mama so she can stay where ever she wants.

The weather is going to turn cold again with the possibility of snow in the North Georgia Mountains Sunday or Monday night. Sue bought a bike rack for the camper so I put in together and installed it yesterday. I had to move the spare tire and the EZ Carrier for the sewer hose so I could put the rack on, but it wasn't a big deal, just kept me busy and out of trouble.

The trip to New Mexico is just a little over a month away so I have started getting ready for the big adventure. Dan and I are going to meet at a KOA just outside Albuquerque for an overnight stay on the 14th before going on to the rally the next morning. I am going to put new tires on the truck before leaving as the ones on it are showing wear and the side walls are cracking after four years of use.

I didn't keep the air pressure up the the recommended 80 pounds but ran them at 65 pounds and the tires didn't last as long as I would have liked for them to. So now I pay the price of a new set of tires so I could ride in comfort for 43,000 miles. At the price of these tires I won't do that again.

Sue went with me this afternoon to feed the cats and she had a good time petting and talking with them. I sure hope something good comes up for them as they deserve a nice place to call home. Okay, let me go and keep Mama company for a while so she doesn't get lonely. Talk with you later.

[CindyNRoger]

HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOMORROW DANDY DAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Dandy_Dan]

I just made reservations for Richard and I at the Albuquerque Central KOA for the day prior to early registration.(April 14th) This campgrounds is only 4 miles from the actual Convention Center and about 15 miles from where the Balloon Park is located. They said that they were getting reservations for the 2010 Rally already.

[Dandy_Dan]

Izzie is going to have a black and white sister..............right??
She would feel right at home with Mama and Hobo :B:B:B:B

[Dernhelm]

maltese-lover2 wrote:
Demhelm, looking forward to meeting you in Albuquerque. How many animals are you bringing with you? 🙂

Howdy! I'm planning on bringing Bortan if I can figure out what to do with him during the no dogs allowed bits. More about that over on the Rally thread - don't want to hijack this one.

[maltese-lover2]

What an amazing person you are Richard. It never ceases to amaze me how things just seem to work out. You and your family are truly an inspiration to all. Thank you.

Gigi

[Dixie_Flyer]

dogdiva wrote:
Richard,,,,,I hope you got pics of the mama and puppies you rescued. It would be great to have pics of all the animals you have rescued FOR YOUR BOOK

Yesterday I forgot the camera when I left the house. I wish I had taken some pictures of the mom and puppies, but I just didn't think of it at the time. Sorry..

[Dandy_Dan]

Good Morning FOOF's It is 54* here this morning and raining. 😞
Have a great weekend.

[Dixie_Flyer]

SGTJOE wrote:

BTW, how is Claire doing? What about Cy's cats?
Also prayers from us for Mama, I sure hope the meds help her.

Claire is doing great with her new family the last time I checked, which was a week ago today. Cy's cats are doing great and each day they run to meet me as I drive up the road to the trailer. They have figured out the time I come and they are waiting for me as I turn the curve just before getting to the driveway. They chase after the truck and then take the short cut through the woods. Then they all gather on the large table where I feed them and wait for me to spread out the food in the large trays.

Once the food is out I change the water in the pans. They want fresh water and wait until I am finished and then come drink their fill. Each of the cats have become very accustomed to me and rub against me the whole time I am there. There is one very pretty black and white cat that is about two years old that talks to me all the time. She will rise up on her rear legs and brush against my cheek with her head. Then she will get in my lap when I sit down and will purr so loud. She also has the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen on a cat.

I look forward to my trip out there every day as if it is some kind of therapy for me. I don't know how to explain it except to say it is one of the best parts of my day.


I am hoping for the best for Mama. She is such a great dog and so loving. Each morning she waits for me to let her outside. If Sue gets up first and lets the gang outside she will stay in the bedroom and wait for me to get up and let her out. First she will come to my side of the bed and stand there until I recognize her. Then she will put her head just as close to me as she can wanting me to touch her and let her know I am okay. She will wait for me to get up and then she is ready to go outside and join the others. When she gets to feeling better I am going to take her with me in my trips about town. She loves to ride and she also loves to be with her Dad.

I am truly blessed to have so much love around me with all of my family. Life is good and is getting better everyday.

[dogdiva]

Richard,,,,,I hope you got pics of the mama and puppies you rescued. It would be great to have pics of all the animals you have rescued FOR YOUR BOOK

[SGTJOE]

Richard, each time I get on this forum I am amazed of the situations that present these challenges to you. This recent one of the mom and pups and the way you describe how she received you just makes a body feel warm all over. You truely are the appointed Guardian Angel for the Lords Furbabies.
BTW, how is Claire doing? What about Cy's cats?
Also prayers from us for Mama, I sure hope the meds help her.

[Code2High]

I've heard Tramadol mentioned as a safer alternative for long term pain control in dogs.

Richard, so glad you were able to get this lot "in custody" without having to hunt or have any vanish. Good work... we'll all sleep better tonight knowing that the mom and her pups are safe and eating well.

Here's a bit of info that I was not aware of until quite recently, and would love to see more people aware of and lobbying on behalf of. There is a group working hard to bring a safe, non-surgical, one treatment spay/neuter system for both cats and dogs, to our world. Such a thing actually does exist now, apparently, and we need to get it INTO OUR COUNTRY and get it in use. It would overcome so many obstacles to what the real problem is, which is too many litters and not enough homes, and both feral animals and those with owners who are unable financially or reluctant culturally to have their dogs surgically "fixed."

Here's a link to the site, the address is www.acc-d.org, just in case.

www.acc-d.org

[Grillmeister]

I picked her up and placed her in the crate and then picked up the beautiful fat puppies and placed them with the mother. She lay in the crate and greeted each one with a kiss and invited them to continue their breakfast. With all four puppies safe mother looked at me as if to say thank you.

WOW!!! :):C:B