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]

God morning everyone. I am doing great this morning, can't wait to visit the Doctor to get this huge patch off so I can wear my glasses and gets his opinion of how well the surgery was after he looks into the eye.

All the fur gang is doing well as they come in from 49* and eat breakfast.. We still haven't seen a frost here at it is November 6th. Today's temp will be in the lower 70's again, great weather. Okay I have to get going and take care of some things so I will talk with you later.

[Cajungal]

Dixie Flyer wrote:
We are back home with what the Doctor called a successful surgery. Tomorrow I go to the Doctor's office to have the bandage removed to see how much success was accomplished. Praise God I will be able to see once again with the left eye.

God Bless you, Richard. I'm sure Old Fella is putting in a few good words for you with the Big Man upstairs. You are in my God Box!

[kokosfriend]

Yes, thank God if your eye is well!!!

Barb

[Dixie_Flyer]

We are back home with what the Doctor called a successful surgery. Tomorrow I go to the Doctor's office to have the bandage removed to see how much success was accomplished. Praise God I will be able to see once again with the left eye.

[Gentle_Spirit]

Richard, you are in our thoughts and prayers today. I know all the fur angels you have helped to rescue are sending their love too.

[dogdiva]

thinking and praying for a successful surgery

[sisodals]

Richard,

Best wishes for a safe and successful surgery.

Thirty blank bricks, does this mean there are still some available. Need to know and also how many characters to a brick, I seem to recall there was a number but don't recall what it was.

[Dixie_Flyer]

We are off, see you later.

[Dixie_Flyer]

I am about to go to bed so I can get up at 5:30 in the morning to be at the hospital in Augusta by 8:30. I hope to be home by noon tomorrow if all goes well, so keep me in your thoughts and pray that all goes well. Wishing everyone a blessed night and a good day tomorrow

[SGTJOE]

I'm in

[Dixie_Flyer]

Please vote for Old Fella in the Rachel Ray contest. Old Fella has alreday advanced twice in the finials and is now going head to head with an Atlanta Rescue. We need your vote.


Rachel Ray Mutt Maddness

[Dixie_Flyer]

The count down has begun and by this time tomorrow I will be in the hospital preparing for surgery on the left eye. Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes and keep them coming. As I said in another post the memorial bricks are in and now I am waiting on the 30 blank bricks to finish out the walkway and hopefully next week we can begin the work. This has been a labor of love for Old Fella in keeping his memory alive. For years to come people will walk down the pathway leading into the park, passing by the statue placed there in memory of Old Fella. What an honor for an old black dog that once was "A very old stray".

Next year when the Good Sam RVer of the Year is announced there will be a changing of the guard so to speak. An era will be coming to an end and a new one beginning. Time stands still for no one and with its onward movement comes new moments to cherish for those who are recognized for their commitment to the community where they live. It is my hope and prayer that the new RVer of the Year is just as thrilled at receiving this award as I was last January.

Sue Bray and the Good Sam people are doing a great job in keeping the family theme alive in the Good Sam club. This is one big family that deserves all the accolades they get for the work they do in keeping honesty and integrity as its goal. Many good things have happened because of the caring people of this organization and it is my earnest prayer that as the years go by this theme is cherished and kept alive. I can personally say that Sue Bray and her staff are the best of the best, God bless you.

[kokosfriend]

Prayers for great results on the surgery from here!

Barb

[Dixie_Flyer]

colliehauler wrote:
What kind of new camper are going to get Richard?

At this point it is up in the air? The only reason Sue and I are considering it is because of the interest in the old camper.

[colliehauler]

What kind of new camper are going to get Richard?