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

[Dandy_Dan]

Just got word from Leslie about the Blog Home page. Hopefully this link will work. Old Fella Memorial
I thought this was a good start. Leslie has been quite helpful.

[mistressofdistr]

Looking at the pictures of the inmates and the animals it is my opinion that they may both be reaping the benefits of this program. I see a lot of smiles on the inmates faces :B.

[Dixie_Flyer]

kokosfriend wrote:
Richard - how are you all doing this morning? I am thinking about you and your loss.
Barb

Each day gets a little better especially when I am doing something for the Old Fella cause. The hurt is still there and most anything will bring tears to the surface. I am in the process of setting up the Old Fella Memorial fund so we can put his memorial on the property one day. I am looking forward to that day with great anticipation. When I am able to see that accomplished along with the shelter and the spay neuter clinic I will know for sure his legacy will live on. There is a lot of work still to be done and animals to be saved so the work continues.

The Inmates from the jail have also added a new dimension to the Old Fella legacy as we see the benefits from this adventure. Many good things are yet to come and for Old Fella, he can be proud and cheer us on as we reach new goals every day.

[mincey]

Richard -
Thank you for posting the photos of the prisoners working at the shelter. Working with animals is a truly wonderful way to help rehabilitate folks that have taken the wrong paths in life. There is something about working with and being responsible for animals that just stirs the soul. And the smiles on the inmates faces are just priceless!!

We know you are still grieving, but it is such a joy to see everything that Fella inspired!!

[kokosfriend]

Richard - how are you all doing this morning? I am thinking about you and your loss.
Barb

[W7SFO]

Starting tomorrow afternoon (July 3rd) We will be gone for the holiday weekend. In my absence Dan "dandy Dan" is authorized to invite folks to join the FOOF Yahoo group. So after say 5pm (pacific time on the 3rd) you can send a message to Dan with your email address or Yahoo ID to be invited to the group.

[whimstock]

Dixie Flyer wrote:
Highways Magazine article May 2006 "Puppy Love

See if this link works

Works great!

[Dixie_Flyer]

Highways Magazine article May 2006 "Puppy Love

See if this link works

[whimstock]

A sweet trip down memory lane....thanks!

🙂

[Dixie_Flyer]

A New Beginning for an Old Stray

I thought some of you would enjoy reading this article

[Dixie_Flyer]

When I went to the city animal shelter and watched the inmates work with the dogs and saw the interaction between them I couldn't help but think that Old Fella's magic was still alive and working. As long as I can keep projects like this going I feel I am keeping Fella and his memory alive and well.

The past few days have been hard ones for Sue and I as we try to stay focused and not dwell on Fella too much. But when you love something or someone as much as we loved Fella it is hard. We miss him so much.

[chrisnpat]

Richard I also want to say thank you for posting all of the pictures.

[kokosfriend]

What a wonderful thing is happening for the men and the animals. This is great!!
Barb

[Dashonthedash]

agteacher wrote:
Animal Planet is doing their hero of the year. Time to nominate Richard and Old Fella. Let's deluge them with nominations. Winner gets $10,000 for their organization.

Hero of Year

Remember that the nomination must be in your own words. Duplicate nominations will be disqualified, and read the rules closely, particularly as it applies to length of nomination.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Hoops wrote:
Richard thank you for posting all the pictures, makes us feel we are a part of it all.

You are and have been a part of it all. Without the forum few people would know little if anything about Old Fella.