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

[Gottahaveit]

The old and most recent pictures are great. More tears flowing now. God blessed you with Ol Fella and tested your patience with Suzie :S..Thank you again for all you do Richard and Sue.

[Granted]

Richard and Sue,
We are so sorry for your loss.

[yankeeblue]

Richard, you are very welcome! from our home to yours with love and sympathy.

cheryl & rich

[Dashonthedash]

Richard,

How is Izzie taking the loss of Old Fella? I know that he was close to Fella, especially when the old dog was hurting.

[Dixie_Flyer]

[chemisd]

Oh boy....tears again....I love the picture of Levi and Old Fella....You can almost imagine the two of them meeting at the bridge like that....

[MrsKottfam6wi]

I personally want to thank you Richard and Sue. I believe I speak for everyone who has followed Old Fella's story when I say that it felt like Old Fella belonged to all of us. The story started here with us. You filled our days and hearts with tales of an old stray who got not only two of the most loving people on earth to take care of his day to day needs and belly rub requests, but also the love and support of a whole online community. The legacy of Old Fella WILL go on in the hearts and minds of these people for a long time. We came to think of Old Fella as our own dog vicariously through your posts and stray animals across the country have gotten new loving homes due to you and OUR Fella. We will definitely miss the daily stories and updates of his newest adventures. I want to thank you for taking such good care of Fella in his last years on this earth. He was unwanted and uncared for for so long until you came along. Without you, he probably wouldn;t have made it this long and he would not have as many of us out here missing and mourning him. You did what you could for him and then his time came. I can tell you he lived his last years and months the luckiest dog ever. You and your wife are very special people. God Bless!
BTW: Can you post the very first picture of Old Fella along with the very last picture? I would love to see the two together.

[Uppercrust]

What a great picture Richard.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Together again

[Dixie_Flyer]

Thank you Cheryl and Rich Kindlinger for the beautiful flowers and words of comfort. The flowers are lovely and an expression of joy that life goes on, even after deep sorrow. We appreciate you thoughtfulness and friendship.

[Kfancii]

I am so sorry to hear about Old Fella's passing. As everyone has said, Richard, Sue and Fella have touched so many lives through the years. Because of this story, my husband and I have rescued 3 new fur-kids all from various shelters. Two of them are also big black dogs that had been in the shelters for over 6 months and were victims of "black dog syndrome". They are both such characters and I just can't imagine my life without them. I will miss the pictures of Fella, but I know that his legacy will live on forever.

[Hoops]

Richard, I have sent you a PM. I just went back and read the very first post of the tread. You asking yourself if you should intervene or let nature take its course. Fond memories of the beginning.

Becky

[Dandy_Dan]

Dandy Dan wrote:
I have been in contact with Richard and Sue and now I want to ask assistance from all the Friends Of Old Fella. I want to compile a book of pictures and short excerpts from anyone that had their life changed or have adopted a dog from the Old Fella Rescue. Also short excerpts from those that have had their lives changed due to "1 old dog" and the Daniels Family. I ask that you send these to me in the form of an e-mail with a picture attached as a jpeg. After I have compiled this I am going to use a program to put it in a book form. Further information can be obtained from me via e-mail. I have also penned a letter to the Affinity Group in regard to Old Fella but do not know if it went to the right place or if anyone has even read it. It was sent to forums@rv.net. If anyone can give me a better e-mail address I would also appreciate that.

I know that we are all saddened by the loss of a great animal that has changed a lot of lives and I would like to assist in his legacy remaining.

My e-mail is: (spelled out and not actually the way you would type it)
Dan218B at TDS dot Net

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Dandy Dan

Folks, I have been in contact with the Affinity Group and am trying to work out details reference the memorial for Old Fella.
Again, please send me anything that can be used to incorporate into a booklet. Thanks again

[campincandice]

Richard, my heart is breaking for you, Sue, and Suzie. We lost our yellow lab Jordan just a year ago this Saturday, and this certainly brings back those memories. Don't underestimate Suzie's grief - Max slept with Jordan's collar for weeks. He had taken it off the dining room table and hidden it in his bed!

We ended up back at the shelter where we had adopted Jordan and Max, and there was Molly waiting for us! She proved to be a wonderful distraction for all of us, and although she did not replace Jordan, she helped Max probably more than we could have.

My prayers are with you all!

[Dixie_Flyer]

Please be careful mentioning money or funds as this is against forum rules and could cause the thread to be shut down.