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]

campingshadow wrote:
Richard, I sure hope that your eye continues to show improvement and that you can recover your sight. You are truly an inspiration to all of us and deserve all the best life can offer.

I had not checked the thread for awhile and then when I did I discovered that there were a couple hundred pages to catch up on. That took a few days and a box of tissues but I am now up to date on all that has been happening. I have to agree with several other posters...you do have a way with words and a way of tugging at our heartstrings. I think even a confirmed dog hater could be turned around from reading your posts. I hope you will continue to write for a long time.

BTW.....did you ever get the updated pictures of Rusty? It just broke my heart to see what was done to that poor dog. Did they find the owner? Did they prosecute? How sad that our laws for animal abuse are so lax and have no teeth. They really need to have a hefty BITE to them...and give an abuser a taste of their own medicine. Often all they get is a slap on the wrist and a $50 fine and they go right on abusing other animals. So sad and so wrong!!!!

Mr. Darrell Lamark Kentle, we understand is running from police and has moved to Alabama to avoid being arrested. If he is stopped for any reason and his record is pulled up the outstanding warrant will show that he is wanted in Burke county for animal abuse. Because he is a second offender he may face felony charges.

Rusty has been in a home since his release from the Vet and they are planning on adopting him. HIs name has been changed to "BO". Bo is doing great and shows no signs of aggression nor does he respomd to people like he has been abused. Just goes to show how forgiveness is in the heart of these little creatures that God has made. It's called unconditional love, isn't it a wonderful role model for us humans to follow??

[Dixie_Flyer]

View this news clip that was aired last week about Rusty now named BO.

Burke County Man wanted in animal abuse case

[kokosfriend]

Richard the news about your eye is hopeful. Any improvement would be a miracle!
Barb

[campingshadow]

Richard, I sure hope that your eye continues to show improvement and that you can recover your sight. You are truly an inspiration to all of us and deserve all the best life can offer.

I had not checked the thread for awhile and then when I did I discovered that there were a couple hundred pages to catch up on. That took a few days and a box of tissues but I am now up to date on all that has been happening. I have to agree with several other posters...you do have a way with words and a way of tugging at our heartstrings. I think even a confirmed dog hater could be turned around from reading your posts. I hope you will continue to write for a long time.

BTW.....did you ever get the updated pictures of Rusty? It just broke my heart to see what was done to that poor dog. Did they find the owner? Did they prosecute? How sad that our laws for animal abuse are so lax and have no teeth. They really need to have a hefty BITE to them...and give an abuser a taste of their own medicine. Often all they get is a slap on the wrist and a $50 fine and they go right on abusing other animals. So sad and so wrong!!!!

[Dandy_Dan]

Our last 2 dogs were both rescue "mutts" Beau was 13 when he went to wait at the other side of the Bridge and of course we have Anna, sister to Richard's Suzie. I do feel that sometimes mutts are actually more friendly and behaved than some of the pure breds that I have seen. Maybe they know that they were picked out not because of their value but out of love. On the other side maybe the dog picked you as someone to love without regard to any cost factor or papers.
Anna has turned into a real ham and a good camping companion. Around here she will go out to the barn and assist in feeding the horses and seems to try to help get them out of the barn at times by barking at their heels.

I do hope that someone will come up to you and ask that they may share their love with Cy for his sake.

[Dashonthedash]

Dixie Flyer wrote:

The next time you see an excited little dog running around with it's family barking and enjoying life, just think of all the unconditional love bundled up inside that neat life, just waiting to teach us some lessons of what real love is all about. You see we always live in their grace and are forgiven of our trespasses even before we ask. You will never understand what real love is until you have experienced unconditional love, forgiven even before you ask. So the next time you look into the eyes of your pet and you see all of that love just know in your heart this is pure love that we sometimes don't deserve, but yet it is freely given to teach us how we should live with each other.

I have often remarked (as have others) that "God spelled backwards is doG" (and vice-versa). I have always wondered whether this is truly mere coincidence...

Richard, I'm so glad to hear that you are getting some sight in your eye. I hope that it continues to improve and the improvement becomes permanent. I believe strongly in a connection between mind and body, and sometimes a happy and fulfilling life helps us heal a little better.

Ladymc53, I know the decision to find a new home for your dog is a difficult one, and we mustn't be quick to judge. I know many people in rescue, and the excuses they get for relinquishment are often petty and foolish, but sometimes there is a real need, and we need to try to understand. We see too many pets abandoned at shelters, or even just dropped off on the road or at dumpsters. As you continue to read this thread, you will see this, but you will also see that, thanks to Richard and others like him, some of these stories have had happy endings. Unfortunately, most do not. At least you care for your pet enough to try to find a new home for him. I would advise trying to find someone in your area who is connected with rescue, and ask for help or advice. It is true that a "mutt" is harder to place than a purebred, but there are many people out there who would be glad to help you find a loving and caring home. Petfinders is also a good source, and friends and neighbors might also be willing to help. Good luck.

[TomW2]

I expect Suzie will love the ocean and the waves. The first few times we went to the ocean with my wife's dog he was scared out of his gourd of the waves and the sound. You could not get him to go near the water, even dragging him. Now, he loves the beach and can't wait to be let off the leash so he can go romp in the surf. My little dog loves to wade in the water - up to her belly - but she won't romp in the surf like my wife's dog.

[Luizianna]

ladymc53, I am so sorry that you have to make decision that you have had to make. Sometimes I think people forget that when you are a couple...there are circumstances that both people have to agree on what to do and sometimes compromise is what you have to do. You are showing your love for Cy by trying to find him a good home...if not, you would already have taken him to a shelter and not worried about what happened from there. Yes...there are circumstances where someone might have to give up a beloved pet. I faced that same decision a few years ago. I was lucky to find an elderly couple, the gentleman was in a wheelchair a lot of the time and my little 10 y/o coco rode around on his lap most of the time. He was still able to drive and every day he took her bye bye, even if it was just around the block cause she loved to go bye bye....

Good Luck on your search. I pray you get as lucky as I did.

[Dixie_Flyer]

I believe I am seeing a miracle going on with my left eye. As most of you know I have been blind in that eye for almost two years now. Over the past few weeks vision is returning to the eye. This morning I was able to see the shadow of my hand crossing my face more clearly. Thank you for your prayers and continue to pray that full vision returns to that eye.

Suzie is such a playful little girl, so full of life. This morning she jumped up in the bed with me to wake me up to go outside. She loves it when she has to dig me out from under the covers. She is the most talkative dog I have ever had. She barks, she squeaks, she does something between a bark and squeaking that is hard to describe and that tail of hers is forever wagging non stop.

Fella will start barking for me to get up and then Suzie will jump down on the floor with Fella and start after him with her nipping and barking. I have never seen Fella so happy. He has really joined in with Suzie lately playing with her with the toys and he has shown a lot of interest in the tennis ball.

Levi is also becoming more active with Suzie and will challenge her with the ball by trying to get it first. If he manages to grab it he then runs from Suzie who is trying her best to get it out of his mouth. All of our human children are grown and gone, I am so glad God gave us these three children to bring so much joy into our lives. I won't know how to act if I am able to see Suzie with both eyes!!

Sue and I will be taking all three on an extended camping trip the end of September to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I can't wait to see Suzie's reaction to the ocean and the beach. Fella and Levi love the beach that we often go to in South Carolina and always have the best time. Fella has never been to the Outer Banks so this will be a first for him.

When I think that Sue and I both are diabetics and me with my eye problems, I thank God we are still able to travel with our family of furkids and show them how much they add to our lives. I watch other families with their furkids, especially when they play with the children and know that in the years to come when they look back at the adventures they shared with their pets they are building precious memories and giving so much joy to God's creatures that otherwise they would have never experienced.

The next time you see an excited little dog running around with it's family barking and enjoying life, just think of all the unconditional love bundled up inside that neat life, just waiting to teach us some lessons of what real love is all about. You see we always live in their grace and are forgiven of our trespasses even before we ask. You will never understand what real love is until you have experienced unconditional love, forgiven even before you ask. So the next time you look into the eyes of your pet and you see all of that love just know in your heart this is pure love that we sometimes don't deserve, but yet it is freely given to teach us how we should live with each other.

[ladymc53]

whimstock wrote:

ladymc53 wrote:

I saw on another thread, however, that you are taking your cat Barney with you. I would think that he would bring along the same boarding issues you mentioned regarding Cy. :h

Regardless, it's a sad situation....

Nice thoughts, Richard...and you are right, as usual.

Cats don't require as much attention as dogs - some may disagree here, but I've had both for many, many years. Cat's come, get love, disappear...dogs require much more attention than cats and I think Barney will adjust better than Cy at a vet's.

[ladymc53]

Dixie Flyer wrote:
Let all your things be done with love. I have found down through the years that showing love to others even when we don't agree is always the best medicine. Where there is love there is understanding that we are all made different, with different values. True Cy is not human, he is just a dog and your husband should come first in your relationship. Being a diabetic and visually impaired I understand your concern. I am deeply sorrowed about your trouble and will pray that Cy does find the home he needs.

Thank you so much for understanding Dixie - of course Cy is very important to me, otherwise I would not have requested some suggestions. It's just that taking him is out of the question for US. I've had so many people tell me "just put him down!" and I won't do that! I trust God for an answer and I know that He uses people like those on this forum to help, so that's why I'm asking. Anyone want a great dog?

[Dixie_Flyer]

I have been reading the posts concerning Old Fella's teeth and I am now leaning towards just having the vet brush and clean as best she can without puttinh him under. This seems to have the least amount of danger of having something go wrong.

[whimstock]

ladymc53 wrote:
We live in the country and country dogs are wanted for barking purposes to let people know when someone drives up...so please pray that I can find Cy that type of home where he can continue to roam free. He would be misearable otherwise.

Maybe a neighbor will help you out. Since you live in the country, maybe landscaping isn't quite so important to someone who would appreciate him for who he is.

I saw on another thread, however, that you are taking your cat Barney with you. I would think that he would bring along the same boarding issues you mentioned regarding Cy. :h

Regardless, it's a sad situation....

Nice thoughts, Richard...and you are right, as usual.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Let all your things be done with love. I have found down through the years that showing love to others even when we don't agree is always the best medicine. Where there is love there is understanding that we are all made different, with different values. True Cy is not human, he is just a dog and your husband should come first in your relationship. Being a diabetic and visually impaired I understand your concern. I am deeply sorrowed about your trouble and will pray that Cy does find the home he needs.

[ladymc53]

We live in the country and country dogs are wanted for barking purposes to let people know when someone drives up...so please pray that I can find Cy that type of home where he can continue to roam free. He would be misearable otherwise.