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

[Dixie_Flyer]

Levi is doing some better. He is able to move around and he doesn't seem to be in as much pain as he was. He is back on the Rimadyl twice a day and will go back for the shot again on Friday. His is still not eating much of his food so I have to watch the food thief and make sure what Levi leaves is put up for later.

Last night it was suppose to be below freezing so Sue covered the ferns on the back steps with a sheet. Suzie was so thrilled to have something new to play with this morning. Since the time change the humans have regulated to the change but Suzie's clock is still on the old time. She calls everyone to attention at 5:30 in the morning, so if you can lay in bed and ignore the call of the wild for an hour you are doing good. I told Sue this morning I am going to bed at 9 tonight so 5:30 in the morning won't seem like such an obscene hour.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Code2High wrote:
Do you have acupuncture or chiropractic care available for pets in GA? I've used both on my dogs when they were old, for pain, and had really good and fast results. It can be used with/in addition to the pain meds.

I will have to check on that and see. Thanks for the tip.

[Code2High]

Do you have acupuncture or chiropractic care available for pets in GA? I've used both on my dogs when they were old, for pain, and had really good and fast results. It can be used with/in addition to the pain meds.

[E_Texan]

Richard, prayers for Levi and your Friends.

[bonniesoo]

Oh my Richard...when it rains it pours in your household....Heartfelt prayers for your grieving friends and also for sweet Levi. Here's hoping he will respond well to Dr. Jim's treatment. Keep the faith...Old Fella has done well with him treatments and Levi should also. The love and caring you and Sue will give him will also help as well. Please take care. Donna

[Dandy_Dan]

Richard, Here is hoping that Levi will be able to get along and still have a good life. Here is the way I remember Levi:
Sorry, He takes a better picture than I do:B

[kokosfriend]

Prayers for dear Levi. It is so hard when the arthritis gets to our furkids. So hard to see them in pain. Hannah had a lot of help taking metacam.
Barb

[sisodals]

Prayers and hopes for a good and quick recovery coming from Helen & me.

[dogdiva]

What meds has the vet given Levi. Perhaps that is the reason he wont eat.
Just hang in there, dont give up as there will be good days and not so good days. Levi probably doesnt understand why he feels bad, just reassure him and give him lots of loving touch. Have you ever heard of T Touch>>>>Its a great form of accupressure you can do with gentle touching all over his body, I am sure you can find the technique on line but it is simply using your fingers in a light touch and a circular movement and working down from the head all over the body. It is very relaxing and yet stimulating to the energy flow thru the body/ Let me know if you want more info
You all are in my thoughts and prayers

[Dixie_Flyer]

sisodals wrote:
How old is Levi?

I sure hope he is not giving you that look that says I need your help cause it is time for me to go.

Best Wishes,

Ray & Helen

Levi is eleven years old. This morning he won't eat and is in a lot of pain. He can hardly get around and seems very depressed. We will keep him going as long as he can stand it. Fella senses something is wrong with Levi and watches him closely. Suzie hasn't got a clue that Levi is not feeling well and wants him to play with her. I hope the treatment that Dr. Jim is doing will help him.

[sisodals]

How old is Levi?

I sure hope he is not giving you that look that says I need your help cause it is time for me to go.

Best Wishes,

Ray & Helen

[Dixie_Flyer]

This morning when we got up Levi was doing as well as he had been, but still having pain in his hips. We all went for our morning walk and Levi was fine. This afternoon when I called for Levi, Fella and Suzie to come inside Levi didn’t come. I found him lying next to the house in terrible pain. I took him to Dr. Jim where he was diagnosed with arthritis of the spine and hips. Dr. Jim said his spine is a mess and he will be having a hard time of it from now on. He gave him a shot and prescribed some medication for him to ease his pain.

I brought him home and he has remained quiet the rest of the day. I just let him go outside with Fella and Suzie and he seemed some what better but still struggling to walk. He looks at me with those big eyes of his and wants to know if I can help him? It’s so hard to see him like this as he has always been so active and a busy body. I hope Doc can make it better for him.

Our friends are still struggling with the loss of their daughter. The funeral will be Thursday so please keep them in your prayers.

[AGRNBRTSLOVE]

Our hearts and prayers go out to those parents, hopefully their daughter is at peace now...

[Hoops]

Will pray for them as well.

[kokosfriend]

Prayers for these concerns from Nashville
Barb