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

[Earl_E]

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[Dandy_Dan]

May All the FOOF's have a safe and happy holiday weekend.
10 more days til Branson blastoff.:B:B:B

Dan Lori and Anna Banana

Richard, glad you got the kit to help Old Fella. Sure will be nice to see him again. Extra nice to see you and Sue:B:B:B

[GizmosMom]

Richard,
I hope that you know that you and Fella will be in our prayers throughout the next few days, weeks and months.

When I look at a photo of Smudge I just see another cute face.

But when I see photos of Old Fella and read your loving, caring posts, I see hundreds of dogs and other pets who have been rescued thanks to you.

Old Fella and your family have enriched countless numbers of lives and we can never thank you enough for the joy, tears, smiles and hope you have given to us.

Even though I cannot attend the rally, nor be in Waynesboro, I feel that I am right there with you. I think that hundreds of others who read and post to this amazing thread, feel the same way.

[Dixie_Flyer]

I had a long talk with Dr. Ford this morning and perhaps I haven't been listening to her all along. The reality is Fella's shoulder joint is damaged with arthritis. The joint is just about gone with nothing to give support to the front leg. The joint is so badly damaged that it can never be right again. Pain management is the only answer. So, for now we will try to do the best we can with the pain using the prescribed methods Dr. Ford has given. When Fella has had enough he will let us know. I will be taking a medical kit with us to Branson given to me by Dr. Ford with instructions and her phone number. I don’t want to take away his dignity so I will remember that is his care. As long as he is happy and eating well and able to walk around to take care of him self he and I will do the best we can to keep him with us.

[Hoops]

You are doing what you think is best for them. We have the same problem with our Missy. The DAP works, but only if you have time to spray it before she travels. Not always possible.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Folks I don't know what to tell you concerning Old Fella's continuing health problems? I guess it's like any old person, there are going to be good days and bad days, you just hope the good days out number the bad days.

Our trip to Branson for the Old Fella Rally has come down to the fact Suzie will have to stay home. She continues to have problems with being car sick if she is not on medication. She can't have water or anything on her stomach, she does well if that is the case, but she throws up regardless of medication if she drinks or eats. I just can't see not giving her water over a 10-12 hour period while we travel and it will take us almost two days to get there. Stopping at the rest areas and taking a break would cause her to become thirsty and in need of water and Fella requires the two of us to get him about as one has to support him as the other tries to walk him on the leash. Putting him in the camper requires both of us as he has to be lifted into the camper.

I get stressed out just thinking about leaving Suzie for ten days in the kennel and putting Old Fella through the stress of the trip. But anyway I have made up my mind that this is the best way to handle the situation.

[Code2High]

Ginger is good for both pain and nausea, and I've used it in older dogs to good effect... but it can have a blood thinning effect, if memory serves, so check with the vet regarding what other meds he is on and if there's a conflict.

[Uppercrust]

Sorry to hear about Old Fella. Praying that he starts to feel better.

[Dashonthedash]

You might want to try Ginger Root capsules for Fella. Since it is natural, it shouldn't interfere or interact with his medications, but you could ask the vet if you're unsure. You can get it at any health store or Vitamin Cottage, or online.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Old Fella's night wasn't that good. He got me up at 4 in the morning wanting to go out side to throw up. Then he was restless when he came back inside and would move from one place to another in the bedroom throwing himself down on the floor. This morning at 6:30 he wanted back outside to throw up again. He didn't eat his breakfast and is resting on the floor behind me at this moment.

Suzie is just as naughty as she can be. That means she is her usual self this morning. I am looking for a better day today so lets hope it does get better.

[Dandy_Dan]

Wow, Only 11 more days til blastoff to Branson. Can't hardly wait

[Dixie_Flyer]

Today has been stressful for me as nothing seems to be going right. But what the heck, I'm still alive and breathing and that has to count for something.

Fella is doing about the same, no better, no worse so I guess you might could say that is progress, at least he isn't going backwards with his health issues. I will be glad when June gets here so we can take off for Branson and the Old Fella Rally

[mistressofdistr]

Becky, you can rest assured that Richard understood what you were saying. He has never asked for help but many of us have helped him in Old Fella's name and been proud to do so, after all he is "Our Dog" so to speak and we all love him and Richard and Sue also for undertaking the care of him, which has certainly been a challenge to them.

[Hoops]

Richard, please don't think I took it to mean you were asking for money. You were not. You were just posting what the doctor said. I would just like to help some since Old Fella means a lot to us as well, and didn't know if it was against the rules to ask. You have been very good about following the rules, so please don't think we thought you were asking for money.

Becky

[Dixie_Flyer]

dogdiva wrote:
RIchard are you still giving the supplements to Fella, could they be causing the gastritis>???
Have you tried letting Fella swim >>>> I hope you are still touching him when he is laying down, to relax and stimulate his muscles., The T TOuch is a form of accupressure and does work
My prayers are with you and Fella

Old Fella is off everything except for what Dr. Ford has prescribed. We have not been able to get Fella to a swimming pool as of yet and he gets his rub down twice a day.