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

[Dashonthedash]

From GSD Max, I learned confidence, self-assuredness, cheerfulness, and the importance of getting even without getting in trouble.
From shy greyhound Willow, I learned the importance of trust, patience, friendship and a soft bed.
From alpha greyhound Dot, I learned the value of independence, getting the upper paw, and how to get attention by being a Drama Queen (or King).
From GSD Dash, I learned watchfulness, faith, the desire to please and the importance of a good belly rub.
From greyhound Allan, I learned the importance of laughter, a good prank and loving life (I still miss the old clown)
And finally, from sweet greyhound Lily, I learned the importance of a dog head on your lap.

[Gentle_Spirit]

I went out to "my rock" the other day in the wilderness and sat down and thought about things. I realized that I have learned different important things from each dog I've had.

I was afraid of dogs from being attacked twice as a child and when I met my husband, he had a dog. Her name was Bridget.

Bridget taught me about the unconditional love a dog gives and not to be afraid of these gentle souls.
From Brandi, (alpha female) I learned self confidence, independance.
From Baxter, (my babysitter who took care of scared strays), I learned love and nurturing, to put others before myself.
From Wolfie, who was abused and can be shy at times, I learned not to automatically trust everyone (which I usually do) and to be cautious.

All important lessons, thanks to the angels God has sent me to guide me through life. I am so lucky.

[dogdiva]

RIchard......Is it about time for one of your Christmas Stories?????

Of course reading your posts are likereading an evergoing story!!!!!!Such a wonderful way to start the day..

I am paciing up 35 years of my life....Will move out of the brick and stick on Sat....A whole new life for us. the furbabies seem to know they wont have the big yard to run in, and are very reluctant to come in the house.

[chrisnpat]

Thank You Richard, I really enjoy reading your posts.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Good morning everyone. It’s raining here this morning, but it is not cold outside. The fur gang went out and took care of business and came back inside and ate breakfast. This morning I had a better handle on Hobo with Suzie's food by locking Suzie in her kennel crate and then when she was ready to come out I lock the crate door behind her leaving the uneaten food locked up so Suzie could go back and finish it later on.

It’s suppose to rain here all day today with 2-3 inches and turning clear and cold by tomorrow. Last night as I lay in bed listening to the rain I thought about the nights Old Fella spent outside before coming to live with us. Then I thought about Suzie, Peaches, Hobo and Mama and of course Izzy having a nice warm dry place to sleep. The more I am around Mama the more I come to see what a sweet and gentle soul she is.

Yesterday when I was ready to take the camper to the repair shop to see about the furnace she was waiting at the back door wanting to go along with me. When I got her doggie ramp that she uses to climb into the truck and she saw me coming with it she got so excited. If old bones and muscles could have turned a cartwheel she would have done it! Her story is not like Fella’s, in that she was never a stray, but I still feel sad for her that she lost her first love and home due to life’s ever changing chain of events. There are many dogs and cats that lose their homes because the owner can no longer take care of them for one reason or another. When I come across such animals locked up in shelters not understanding what has happened to them it is so sad.

They can’t help themselves and because they are not young anymore they get looked over when folks come looking to adopt a pet. If you are looking to adopt anytime soon, please look at the older dogs and cats as they make wonderful companions and they will love you for the rest of their lives. Mama is so grateful for what she has and shows it every day. She always comes to me when I am sitting down and just lets me know she is near with that touch of her nose or that brush of her head against my arm. I am blessed by her acceptance of Sue and I along with the other fur gang by just knowing she deeply loves us and wants to please. When God made dogs he certainly gave a gift to mankind that magnifies compassion. Too bad the world can’t take lessons from such grace and unconditional love.

It’s the Christmas season now, so let’s hope and pray that the true meaning of Christmas springs forth with such gentleness and love that the whole world is consumed in the spirit for which it was intended. “Peace on Earth and Good Will toward Men.” May you have a blessed day and hug your family and tell them how much you love them.

[campincandice]

Richard, what wonderful news regarding your vision! He is good!

[Dixie_Flyer]

Good morning everyone. Its a beautiful day here in the Deep South with clear skies and bright sunshine. It was 38* when I got up this morning, but it is warming up fast.

Hobo pulled a sneaky this morning. I promise I wasn't ten steps behind her but she managed to eat Suzie's food faster than a vacuum cleaner can suck up dog hair. I fussed at her but she knew she had won the food wars for the morning and slipped off to her bed for a rest thanking the doggie angels for the extra food this morning.

Of course Suzie had a long face when she discovered her food was gone, but I fussed at her for leaving it unattended. Anyway I put more food out for Suzie and made sure the food thief wasn't anywhere around.

It looks as if our annual trip to Hunting Island will be in jeopardy this year. Most likely we will be in Greenville taking care of business for the new home in Piedmont, SC. I am looking forward to being close to the mountains and the grandchildren. The property is only five minutes from Intersdtate 85 and the 385 loop around Greenville which means we are only twenty minutes from the mountains and just minutes from being on the road in any direction.

We will still have our home in Waynesboro spending time between the two places, most likely spending much of the winter months in Waynesboro where it isn't as cold, besides we couldn't leave Old Fella completely. What a story he has created and the legacy lives on as you look around the city and see reminders of him in many places.

When you travel south you must come through Waynesboro to see the memorial at the city park and then visit the Library and see first hand his beautiful portrait that is on display with the Old Fella story next to it. For those of you who bought a brick or bricks, you must come and see what will be there for generations to come. Thank you for helping to build memories that will be cherished for a long time to come.

[Dixie_Flyer]

The walk is taking shape and is really going to look great. Today the eye doctor told me the eye had passed all of his expectations and in a few months I should have normal vision in the left eye.

I hope all is well with everyone as we look to the Christmas season. Here is wishing you a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS !!

[Dixie_Flyer]

SGTJOE wrote:
Hmmmmmmm, wonder if I can convince Angie that our route home from Yuma needs to go through Waynesboro?

Just tell her all roads lead to Waynesboro.

[SGTJOE]

Hmmmmmmm, wonder if I can convince Angie that our route home from Yuma needs to go through Waynesboro?

[Dixie_Flyer]

Work started this morning on the Memorial walk at the city park. It will be finished this week. So for those of you headed South for the winter be sure and stop by Waynesboro and see the statue and walkway.

[Dixie_Flyer]

I hope everyone had a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving. Sue and I along with the fur gang had a great time at Camp Dixie. The nights were cold but the day time was nice. We lost our heat Friday afternoon so it was kind of cool inside the camper. The generator would only pull the electric heater in low heat so it had a hard time keeping up, but it was 65* inside the camper this morning so that wasn’t too bad compared to 32* outside.

Monday we start on the walk leading to the Old Fella Memorial statue and most likely will be finished by Wednesday. What a great year this has been for the Old Fella organization and myself. Soon there will be a new RVer of the Year and I hope they will be as excited as I was at being named to such an honor. The Good Sam Club is really a great organization with a great staff to boot. I think Sue Bray is top of the line with a great personality to go along with it. I look forward to meeting the new winner and seeing the Good Sam people again in Louisville next summer.

Okay I have to unload the truck and the camper so I will go for now and talk with you later.

[SGTJOE]

Cookie Monster and Rocky Road pigged out on Turkey. I would post their pics, but just can't figure it out. Oh, the cats Murray and Panda got Turkey too.

[chrisnpat]

Maggies tummy gets to upset with anything other than her chow, so no Turkey for Maggie May. 😞


I did give her a big Hug though and a new toy!!!!!!

Does that count?

[Hoops]

Ahhhh poor Missy didn't, she didn't even get to smell it. We went out to eat with friends.