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

[Dixie_Flyer]

With these uncertain times it seems no one is immune to change. Many people are losing their homes and many animals are being left behind. Calls are coming in everyday about dogs and puppies being found at dumpsters, cats being left behind to fend for themselves and the list of things goes on. Old Fella’s resources are being stretched to the limit and beyond. With every dog or puppy we find a home for there are three more to take its’ place. Surely with the economy taking such a downturn there are also people who have fallen by the wayside as well. It is time for prayer and meditation in hopes that there will be a miracle for all these homeless souls and there will be enough organizations to step in to give hope and food for an empty stomach and a blanket and bed to keep them warm.

Wednesday night the lesson was about the “Good Samaritan”. Jesus taught about a man who was robbed and left for dead on the side of the road. Three people came by, but only one stopped to help as he had “Compassion for him.” Compassion is what we need to show others around us and set an example of how we can change the lives of others by caring and giving, not from our abundance, but sacrificially. Sue had set aside some money for something we wanted. After talking it over we decided to give it to help those in need instead. I have always said you cannot out give God, so now we are holding him to his promise. Every time Sue and I take on something or someone that stretches our finances we just say to Him, it’s for your honor, praise and glory. We have never done without and have never gone begging. Our home has become a shelter for many and will continue to do so as long as we have breath.

Thank you for every kind deed you have done to help others and make a home for those who have done without.

[TYSPapa]

Dixie Flyer wrote:
I any one feeding their dog Orijen dog food?

We have had our Anatolian Sheperd on it for about a year now and he is doing very well. He has allergies and a touchy stomach and this seems to agree with him the best out of maybe a half dozen other brands that we have tried. It is a little pricey but I think worth it.
Why did you ask? Have you heard some bad things about it?

[Dixie_Flyer]

Code2High wrote:
Richard, the cats are gorgeous... what was the outcome with the one you took to the vet and were going to look for a home for? Have you tried getting some press on the problem to maybe attract some adopters yet?

A home was found for it and another one of its friends. Things are beginning to happen with Cy that is going to change everything for the cats, so something will have to be done very soon. Cy will be going to live near his family in New Jersey. This means the property will be sold and the cats will be homeless. I don’t know how long it will take to sell the two acres of property, but it is close to Plant Vogtle which is starting construction on two new reactors soon. This will bring speculative buyers into Burke County hoping to make a fast dollar. Most likely the property will be sold and trailers for rent placed on the property to house workers.
I hope something happens soon before their time runs out.

[Code2High]

Richard, the cats are gorgeous... what was the outcome with the one you took to the vet and were going to look for a home for? Have you tried getting some press on the problem to maybe attract some adopters yet?

[Dobermanlover]

Richard I had my older Doberman on Orijen for a while and she did very well on it (she has mild allergies). One vet said it had too much protein for her so I have taken her off - she was on the fish.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Well Gary, I don't think it will be snowing in New Mexico, see you there.

[Dixie_Flyer]

I any one feeding their dog Orijen dog food?

[Dixie_Flyer]

I watched Mama just a little while ago come across the yard and climb the steps to come into the house. It is just amazing the difference I am seeing in how well she is climbing stairs and walking without pain. Joint Strong is really working now for she and Peaches. I wish now I had known about Joint Strong when Fella was with us. I am sure it would have made a big difference with him as well.

I have some news from Cy in that he is doing much better and soon may be moving to be close to his family. We will know more in a few more weeks about that situation. When we see shattered lives being brought back together it is a good thing to see God at work.

[Dashonthedash]

Well, we finally got our winter, and it came all at once. They closed the work facilities, so I had to come home (a slow 1 1/2 hour trek) and face a foot of snow and more on the way. The driveway is clear for now, so I am enjoying a little rest time with the dogs, who were glad to have me home early and, of course, want lots of attention. Dash kept trying to lift my right arm with his nose, which made it hard to type :B. When I wouldn't stop, he came over to my left side, where he tried to push Lily out of the way, so I stopped for a few minutes so each of them could have one hand. Dash, in that peculiar Shepherd habit, turned around so I could pet and scratch the other end :B. Richard, I don't know how you can juggle four dogs and 1 cat all looking for attention at the same time. I suppose it doesn't hurt to have four hands (including Sue) available, but I remember (fondly) the sleight of hand tricks I often did when
Allan was around.

As for the snow, it looks like it's getting lighter, but the forecast calls for it to continue until at least tomorrow morning, so I may be sick on Friday if the plant doesn't stay closed.

Take care all, and best wishes for Sarah's recovery!

[Missy120]

Dixie Flyer - I have had nights like that with my kitties and the dogs. I know exactly what you were going through with the kitty in attack mode.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Okay Dan, How's Sarah since your last report?

[Dixie_Flyer]

Then there is Suzie! How can you describe Suzie except to say Life has never been the same since she came along. How wonderful it is!

[Dixie_Flyer]

Levi was one of the best canine friends I have ever had. He and Fella will always have a special place in my heart. I have been so blessed to have had so many wondeful companion animals in my life time.

[Dixie_Flyer]

I didn't mean to leave out this one. What a nice young kitty, very loving.

[whimstock]

Oh my gosh!!!! Each kitty is prettier than the one before....they are all beautiful.

I was wondering about them this morning and planned to ask how they were doing.

Thanks for the pics!