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

[maltese-lover2]

Thank you Ricard for the wonderful wisdom it provides. What a great thing to read in the a.m. Thanks again.

Gigi

PS everyone: We are fostering two more little puppy mill dogs that were confiscated here in Colorado. One is 2 and the other one is 3 - both males. What a challenge it is to foster the "puppy millers." It's nothing like owner relinquished. I keep telling myself "I can do this" so I will keep trying. Wish me luck.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Its a good morning, a bit cool for May, but it is beautiful outside. Mama and I were on the couch as I talked with her and reminding myself how God has blessed us both. I am so grateful that Cy came into our lives and we were able to take in Mama and Hobo. Both are such sweethearts and wonderful companions. Mama is happy as well as Hobo and enjoying their new lives with us. When I look at what has come to us in the past few months and how Old Fella's spirit lives on through the animals we have taken in I find peace and contentment inside and all is well within our little family.

It is hard for the woes of this world to penetrate the hedge that God has placed around us and the comfort we have in his protection. Mama, Hobo, Suzie, Peaches and Izzie along with all the others that have past through our doors are evidence of the grace that has been given and received in acts of kindness. It seems many years ago that an old black stray dog entered our lives and changed forever the way we look upon stray animals. Old Fella has left his paw prints in our hearts and awaits that day when we can all cross the bridge together. How many will be there do you think? there will be many that have tasted the grace that has come their way, given new families and another chance at life. The many volunteers that work at saving the animals will have their reward, I am sure of it. As life turns to spirit and is joined together many voices will echo through out the realm of heavens doors and final peace is achieved, there will be rest and nothing can separate the love that is there between all of God's creatures. What a day that will be!

Levi and Old Fella's spirit is there, waiting to see their beloved come to the bridge and escort them across. Yes it is a beautiful morning when you think of what you have waiting for you not only in this life but also in the one to come. Have a great day everyone.

[Grillmeister]

She seems to be a happy little girl.

:B

[Dandy_Dan]

So far Sarah's hip is still out of place. She seems to be in no pain as she walks on the leg most of the time. If she is in a hurry and the leg won't keep up with the rest of her, she just picks it up and hauls on 3 legs. Eventually we will probably have the procedure done where they cut the ball off of the femor and let the muscles hold the joint in place. She seems to be a happy little girl.

[det62]

So glad to hear that Forest River AND Goodyear came thru for you.

Dandy Dan....how is Sarah's hip issue ???

[Dixie_Flyer]

I found a new source for Joint Strong. I found a new pet food supplier. PM only please...

[Dixie_Flyer]

All is well as the tires, wheels and the suspension upgrade came in today. Forest River has kept its word and now the repairs can be finished. Also I got confirmation today from Good Year that they are paying for all of the damages done by the failed tire. So all in all I would say it was a great day. The camper will soon be road worthy again and I will feel confident pulling it to Ohio.

I am excited to see how well the trail/air system works and if it will really smooth out the ride?

[Dixie_Flyer]

I am sitting here on pins and needles waiting for the tires, wheels and suspension system to come in. It is going to be June before you know it and I want to make sure the camper is road worthy before taking off to Ohio.

It is stormy outside this morning with dark clouds, thunder and lightening. Mama is sticking close by while Hobo is just as happy as she can be. Suzie is playing with a squeaking toy while Peaches is asleep on they couch.

I hope all the mothers had a great day yesterday with family and friends. The memorial bricks are coming along, so keep them coming so your name or pet is included in the Old Fella memorial. Dan I hope Sarah is doing well and will not have to have that surgery. There is so much going on it is hard to keep up with all of it.

Okay I have to go for now, so I will talk with you later.

[chemisd]

Ok, its a go on the Ohio Rally! It will be tight as we will be coming home from a quick trip to MD for a graduation, then on to the Rally, but I told my husband that I'd really like to see some of the folks who I read their threads!
Now, if only we had t-shirts with our "RV pet forum names"! Keep me posted as to what needs to be done....we haven't unwinterized yet and we have 3 of the hardest and busiest weeks of school left, so I will really need to get organized! Looking forward to seeing you all!
Jana

[chemisd]

Happy Mother's Day to all!
No,Dan, you didn't scare us off! Our schedule is just is so busy all the time. We haven't even de-winterized the camper yet! I can't believe that we haven't been out yet and May is almost half over. I am trying to get off some committees I am on to free up more time. It just seems like there is more and more to do and less people wanting to help.
Enjoy your day everyone!

[butterfly_girl]

[Hoops]

Happy Mothers Day to human and furry mothers everywhere.

Sue and Mama enjoy your Day.

[Dixie_Flyer]

butterfly girl wrote:
Hello everyone...

Just wanted to give you all an update on my cat problem...as you may remember we were evicted out of our warehouse and had 2 older cats that could not come home with us do to the size of our apartment and landlord say she would prefer that they not stay...... so we need3ed to find a home for the...all the rescue groups in our area are so full with a lot of folks losing their homes and kitten season starting...they said that finding a home for 2 older cats could not be done by them...we were down to having to take them to the animal shelter and risk have them put down.....I posted the story here and the Old Fella spirit lives on...

Gentle Spirit who live here in So California...emailed her friend and found a couple that would take our babies.....today my husband and I delivered them to Oceanside a 300 mile round trip and 8 hour drive...in to the hands of 2 wonderful people....the love cats and were happy to help us out and add then to their family of rescues....

We left their home with only a little tears and the knowledge that they will be fine....It felt like the RIGHT place for them......

Thank you so much Gentle Spirit....and and the spirit of Old Fella.....

At least it is a happy ending for two older cats that could have turned the other way. Old Fella's spirit indeed lives on and has touched the lives of many people and here is a good example. May you find peace in knowing you did the right thing.

[CA_POPPY]

Dixie Flyer wrote:
....The vet was talking about surgery for Peaches, but the Joint Strong got her back on all four feet. She is running and playing without pain.

Here's another vote for Joint Strong. Our 12 year old, 5 lb chi/pom, Poquita has two badly luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps) and a related chronic back injury. I bought some Joint Strong on Amazon.com for an excellent price and received it two days later. Well, dogs don't know about placebos, and a few days later Poquita was back to doing her "pommy dance" and running donuts around her daddy. She is not cured, of course, but her quality of life is definitely improved. I'm giving JS to 6 yr old Rosie, too, and although she is a little overweight (working on that) we notice she is playing and running with much more vigor. This is amazing stuff.
Judy

[butterfly_girl]

Thanks Candice....

The house is quiet and the dogs are looking for the kitties...but we will get threw this and heal....along with me reaching for their food and not finding it and remembering that they are in their new forever home....

it is a night for lots of hugs.....