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

[butterfly_girl]

My Dear Husband came across this site this morning and I thought I would pass it along.

Dog friendly places around the country...and internationaly.




lots of information for you and your fur babies here for when you are traveling.

[Dashonthedash]

Hope you and Babe can join us this June in Branson. I believe there are 22 rigs signed up so far, it's not far from you, and we're going to have a great time. Check out the Rally thread:

Old Fella Rally 2011

[dogdiva]

Welcome to the thread'Its great that you are willing to do what ever necessary to keep Babe with you and happy. I travelled with a paraplegic dog in the motorhome for years and altho it was definitely a challenge, it was wonderful and I would do it again with no hesitation
SOme good advise has been given, so just go on your trip and enjoy every day you have with Babe...Life is an adventure Keep us posted

[Terrydactile]

FlightMech wrote:
This story is of a subject very dear to my heart, that is our "Old Pets" . I am just about ready to make my first tour in my newly aquired motorhome and have been concerned with a pet of mine, an old "Rescued" Poodle. I have 3 small poodles and 2 cats burried along my front fence each in their own New Pine Box and Granite Grave Markers.

I got him, "Babe" some 11 or 12 years ago and he at that time had a few years on him. Had to have him shaved to get his hair to where it could be controled. Today he gets me up repeatedly during the night to go outside to do his thing. Another problem is, he does not have a tooth in his head and his tounge hangs out the right side of his mouth. He is quite hard to feed not having any teeth and is quite picky at what he will eat. Human food is a No-No, really messes up his bowel movement.

Babe has since my wife passed away 6 months ago been the reason I am not already on the road. I have decided to try and do the RVing with him and would really appreciate good Help/Advice on how to maybe train a dog of his age to use a Pad placed in the Shower of my Motorhome so I could better enjoy it and my trips. I took him on a weekend trip the first of October 2010 and on one of his outside visits around mid-night he wondered off. He was 5 days later brought up to the RV Park gate from somewhere off site. The lady at the gate called me and within 5 minutes I was on my way back to the park to get him. He was so tired and hungry, he never moved all the way back home, I feel sure he spent at least a little time running from the Big Dogs. After that he means even more to me.

Any help APPRECIATED.

J.C. Wheeler
Clarksville, Arkansas

Welcome to the Old Fella thread. Noticed you live in Clarksville, I lived there in the early 80's and worked in the underground coal mines outside of town. I really enjoyed living in that little town and spent a lot of time in the mountains north of there.

I think the advise about UTI is sound advise unless of course a vet has ruled that out. Glad he wasn't hurt during the time he was missing. Without any teeth he is kind of defenseless.

[Dixie_Flyer]

FlightMech wrote:
This story is of a subject very dear to my heart, that is our "Old Pets" . I am just about ready to make my first tour in my newly aquired motorhome and have been concerned with a pet of mine, an old "Rescued" Poodle. I have 3 small poodles and 2 cats burried along my front fence each in their own New Pine Box and Granite Grave Markers.

I got him, "Babe" some 11 or 12 years ago and he at that time had a few years on him. Had to have him shaved to get his hair to where it could be controled. Today he gets me up repeatedly during the night to go outside to do his thing. Another problem is, he does not have a tooth in his head and his tounge hangs out the right side of his mouth. He is quite hard to feed not having any teeth and is quite picky at what he will eat. Human food is a No-No, really messes up his bowel movement.

Babe has since my wife passed away 6 months ago been the reason I am not already on the road. I have decided to try and do the RVing with him and would really appreciate good Help/Advice on how to maybe train a dog of his age to use a Pad placed in the Shower of my Motorhome so I could better enjoy it and my trips. I took him on a weekend trip the first of October 2010 and on one of his outside visits around mid-night he wondered off. He was 5 days later brought up to the RV Park gate from somewhere off site. The lady at the gate called me and within 5 minutes I was on my way back to the park to get him. He was so tired and hungry, he never moved all the way back home, I feel sure he spent at least a little time running from the Big Dogs. After that he means even more to me.

Any help APPRECIATED.

J.C. Wheeler
Clarksville, Arkansas

Yours is not an easy solution with a dog that is aged and having problems with his bladder. It is going tp take time and effort on your part to train him to use a pad.

I would start by using a kennel crate. Put a pad in his crate at night and I believe he will get used to using the pad. Dogs don't like to mess in their beds. Have the crate large enough so that at one end he has his bed, at the other he has his pad.

The next advise I can give you is to never let your pet outside by himself, always go with him and put him on a leash. Never allow any pet to go outside in a camping situation or when you are away from home without being on a leash.

I have had a number of older dogs in my life time and each one needed special care, that is just a part of growing old. It is going to take a lot of love and understanding on your part to deal with his accidents and retraining. I have discovered that old dogs can learn new tricks, they have to be encouraged and know they are loved, then they will want to please, no matter what. Just remember your pet's abilities are limited at his age and even though he may be 12-14 years old, he is still a baby about three years old in his mind.

Also listen to Gary's advise and have him checked for UTI at your vet.

[Dashonthedash]

FlightMech,

First, welcome to the Forum and the Old Fella Thread, congratulations on your new motorhome and thank you for rescuing your poodle and for taking care of your dogs in their old age. Seniors are very special, but are often subject to Urinary Tract Infections. Have you had your vet check him out? These infections can often be treated, and that would be the first thing I would advise. The vet may also have special food and advice for a toothless dog. As for training him to use a specific place, contrary to the old saying, it is possible to teach an old dog new tricks. When he needs to go, lead him by leash to the spot you want him to go, and reward him for going on the pad. There are also products available that are often used for puppy training. I should emphasize that you should still have him checked out for a UTI or kidney/bladder problem. If the problem is treatable, both you and the dog will be much more comfortable.

Gary

[FlightMech]

This story is of a subject very dear to my heart, that is our "Old Pets" . I am just about ready to make my first tour in my newly aquired motorhome and have been concerned with a pet of mine, an old "Rescued" Poodle. I have 3 small poodles and 2 cats burried along my front fence each in their own New Pine Box and Granite Grave Markers.

I got him, "Babe" some 11 or 12 years ago and he at that time had a few years on him. Had to have him shaved to get his hair to where it could be controled. Today he gets me up repeatedly during the night to go outside to do his thing. Another problem is, he does not have a tooth in his head and his tounge hangs out the right side of his mouth. He is quite hard to feed not having any teeth and is quite picky at what he will eat. Human food is a No-No, really messes up his bowel movement.

Babe has since my wife passed away 6 months ago been the reason I am not already on the road. I have decided to try and do the RVing with him and would really appreciate good Help/Advice on how to maybe train a dog of his age to use a Pad placed in the Shower of my Motorhome so I could better enjoy it and my trips. I took him on a weekend trip the first of October 2010 and on one of his outside visits around mid-night he wondered off. He was 5 days later brought up to the RV Park gate from somewhere off site. The lady at the gate called me and within 5 minutes I was on my way back to the park to get him. He was so tired and hungry, he never moved all the way back home, I feel sure he spent at least a little time running from the Big Dogs. After that he means even more to me.

Any help APPRECIATED.

J.C. Wheeler
Clarksville, Arkansas

[Dandy_Dan]

Here's hoping the two of you had a very great anniversary Saturday and are looking forward to many more ahead.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Good morning. It was 27* when we got up with a forecast of rsin this afternoon and a high in the 40's. Thursday the weatherman is calling for one to two inches of snow for our area. It's a few days away so maybe we will dodge that bullet.

I have no real plans for today except to stay dry and warm, walk the dogs as soon as possible and have another cup of coffee. Then I am going to relax and do as little as possible before Sue gives me my orders for the day. If I can hide in the camper maybe she won't come out to get me. Saturday we celebrated twenty-two years of wedded bliss, ain't life great!

I watched the Super Bowl yesterday, pretty good game I thought. Have you ever paid attention to the size of these guys? They are huge, it would be like a run away freight train hitting you from the blind side. Then can you imagine getting up and going back for more???? When I was a youngster I could take my licks and keep on ticking, but now it would take me the rest of the month just to catch my breath.

I watched some of the linemen with those big thick thighs walking like their legs were talking to each other. "You let me by this time and I will let you by the next time. When I was a working in the garage of a car dealership I ofter heard cars coming in with the engine knocking, we called that "Rod talk". "You let me by this time and I'll let you by next." That's enough of bad jokes for the morning. Okay I am going to get ready to face the day and wait for Spring to get here.

[Dashonthedash]

No, he couldn't even get up on the old one any more. He's almost 12 years old.

[colliehauler]

Dashonthedash wrote:
Snowblower just got an oil change, tune-up and carburetor cleaned.

Just in time.

Nice motorhome Gary can Dash still ride on the dash?

[Dashonthedash]

Just for kicks, I decided to check the official NWS forecast for Punxsutawney, PA, home of the oversized rat. Sounds like an early spring, indeed:

Tonight: A chance of light snow, mainly after 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 26. Southwest wind between 5 and 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Total nighttime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Monday: Snow likely, mainly after 10am. Cloudy, with a high near 36. Southwest wind between 6 and 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Monday Night: Snow likely, mainly before 4am. Cloudy, with a low around 16. West wind between 8 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
Tuesday: A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 22. West wind between 11 and 17 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Tuesday Night: A slight chance of snow showers before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 5. West wind between 7 and 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 21.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 4.
Thursday: Cloudy, with a high near 18.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 6.

Looks like Barbecued Groundhog will be the featured dish at the next town picnic.

[Dixie_Flyer]

It hasn't been that long ago we were snowed in.

[Dashonthedash]

Snowblower just got an oil change, tune-up and carburetor cleaned.

Just in time.

[Ron___Shirley]

This is the 24 inches of snow we got a couple of days ago in Missouri and this is also why we spend the Winter in South Texas.

Shirley