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]

Richard, I am praying that your eye problem is only temporary. Please keep us informed. Do you think maybe the sugar level being a little out of control is connected to the problem?

[Dixie_Flyer]

Today has been a day of doubt about the eye as it began to lose sight yesterday and has continued to do so as the hours have gone by. I still have vision, but not as sharp as before as it seems less light is reaching the back of the eye making all look dim. I go to the doctor tomorrow, maybe he can come up with something as to why this is happening.

The last time this happened it was the oil that became cloudy blocking light from coming in. Anyway I hope it is just something that is temporary as the eye heals. Mama and the rest of the fur gang are doing well enjoying the nice sunny weather we were blessed with today. I watched them today as they lay in the sun sleeping and perhaps dreaming about Thanksgiving dinner that is just around the corner.

This Christmas will be special as we look forward to family and friends and remember those who have gone on before us. We will miss Levi, Charlie and Old Fella but will remember them with their Christmas ornaments on the tree. Old Fella is making the local news tonight as he climbs in the Rachael Ray Mutt Madness. They filmed the statue in the city park this afternoon and will tell of the organization’s contributions to the community. The walkway will be finished this week I hope so I will post pictures of it when it is done. Okay I am going to call it a night, talk with you tomorrow.

[SGTJOE]

Looks like the furbabies are doing better then us. Joel, sure glad you're recovering. Great news to hear Dan is home and doing well. Richard, really great news on your eye operation. As for me, picked up a cold and cough from the grandkids and I am scheduled for cataract surgery. Will see if I can beat this before the 23rd or may have to put off the surgery.

[Dandy_Dan]

Gigi, We are home. Got here around 10:15 yesterday morning. IT is still hard to walk but it is coming along. I couldn't have doone this without Lori. She has selped me so much. Without her I would have had to go to a nursing home for rehab.

[maltese-lover2]

It sounds (so far) as though everyone is recovering. Joel, sorry you had a few setbacks but in the end, sounds as though it was successful. Richard, so happy about your eye but a little concerned about your sugar level. Dan, can't wait to hear how much better you'll be doing once you get home.

[kokosfriend]

The news is all good. What a blessing today is!

Barb

[Dixie_Flyer]

Good morning everyone, it’s a beautiful morning here in the Deep South, sunshine, blue sky and not too cool outside. The fur gang is doing well and ready to face another day. Mama, Hobo, Suzie, Peaches and Izzie are all very happy and content. This morning as I walked into the kitchen Izzie was in Sue’s lap getting his morning soothing massage. He will allow Sue to touch his tummy but no one else can without some objection and perhaps a slap from his paw. Anyway he was getting his morning attention and he was in hog heaven.

I have been feeding Hobo separately to keep her from eating the other girl's food. I have watched her tactics in that she will stand close to the feeding bowl waiting for her chance to step in and finish off what is left. This encourages Peaches to clean her bowl and Suzie will stand guard over hers until she gets tired and walks away and then she is dumb founded that her food is gone when she returs. Mama will allow Hobo to come and eat out of the bowl with her making sure she gets her share just like a mother would do for a child that is hungry. Since I have been feeding Hobo in a different room I am beginning to see her lose some weight.

The eye continues to improve as the vision becomes clearer and I am able to see objects that are close up. With the bubble in the eye it is like looking through jiggling Jell-O. But anyway I can see and that is great! The blood pressure is still a little elevated along with the blood sugar so an increase in the blood pressure pill was in order along with a little change in the amount of insulin I take. The Doctor wasn’t too alarmed about the situation because of the eye surgery and the healing process that is on going.

Dan is supposed to come home today from the hospital with his new hip. I hope he does well once he arrives at home and can relax in his own surroundings. Okay, Sue has plans for me this morning so I have to go and face the music, talk with you later.

[dturm]

Great news for Richard, Joel and Dan. We've got our own walking wounded forum here. Mama's attention is a common dog reaction to a master's injury. She really is something special.

Keep healing all of you!!

Doug

[Hoops]

Richard, so happy to hear you are regaining your vision

[dogdiva]

Sooooooooooooo glad to hear about your eye

[joelbaker]

That's great news, Richard. I am truly happy for you. What a wonderful gift.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Joel I am glad to hear your surgery was successful, sorry you had to go through it. The vision in my left eye has come back and will return to normal vision by 6-8 weeks, that according to the doctor. I thank God that I can see once again and will be able to judge distances and tell when there is a step down in the sidewalk.

Mama has been so attentive lately, making sure I am okay. She seemed more concern about the bandage over the eye than anyone else. She sensed something was wrong and began her vigil over me. Yes the dogs really are special and show their love and concern in many ways.

[Hoops]

Joel, glad to hear you are finally well enough to get out of the hospital. sorry to hear you had complications. My husband went through that a year ago and he is doing well now.

Prayers to all

[kokosfriend]

Richard - take care of yourself as others have said. Cuddle those dogs and Izzie. That will lower your BR

Barb

[Dashonthedash]

Hoping and praying for a complete and successful recovery for both Joel and Dan. Richard, get some rest and think about tomorrow, well, tomorrow. After all, in the words of another famous Southerner, "Tomorrow is another day".