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

[Dashonthedash]

Prayers, crossed fingers, toes and claws for your successful surgery and complete recovery.

[Ron___Shirley]

Richard
You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Ron & Shirley

ps Sue please keep us updated as time allows

[butterfly_girl]

Good thoughts and Prayers coming your way Richard....Please follow ALL the Dr. directions and DO NOT over do when you get home...the Old Fella rescue project needs it's leader ....

[E_Texan]

Prayers for you.

[chemisd]

Oh No was all I could say. I pray that tomorrow goes well for you. Take care.
Jana

[ClassBGirl]

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Richard, and we hope the surgery is successful and that you will have a speedy recovery. God bless you both as you go through this.

[kokosfriend]

Oh Richard - I am so sorry you are going through this. I will pray for God's guidance for the surgeon and for you and Sue. I am sure many of us will be praying fervently for you. You have so many friends who love you and you have never even met some of them.
Barb

[CindyNRoger]

Richard, as ALWAYS, you are in our prayers. Please keep us posted as best you can.

[Dixie_Flyer]

This morning it was determined that the retina in my left eye was detached again. Emergency surgery is scheduled for tomorrow.

[Dixie_Flyer]

This morning has started out great. All the fur babies have been fed and are outside. I go to the doctor this morning to see about my eyes. Sue and I should be back about 3 O'clock this after noon. With the positive meeting yesterday with Burke County's Commissioners I feel we will be able to have our shelter this year. If I can convince the owner of the building to lease it to the county with the option to buy next year we will have our building. I believe the county will fund the renovations to the building so that it will fit our needs. I will know more about leasing later in the week. All commissioners present were for the Old Fella Rescue having a shelter in Burke County and applauded the work we have done.

Those opposing our work are no longer in the picture so all is well.

Old Fella says good morning to everyone and have a nice day.

[chemisd]

Wanda I had thought the same thing! Take care Carl!

[DIXIESMAMA]

Carl, you just got out of the hospital with your lung problems and you are out to work at a fire? Be careful. The animals need you but we need you even more.

DIXIESMAMA

[Camper_Carl]

You guys should be in the ditch digging business. You have the man (dog) power...:):):)

Carl

[Dashonthedash]

Dixie Flyer wrote:
The meeting this afternoon went well. The budget for this year has been set so the funds will have to be found somewhere in the Splosh fund.

The "Splosh fund"?? Is that legal :E :B :B

Greyt work and good luck with the shelter funding.

[Dixie_Flyer]

The meeting this afternoon went well. The budget for this year has been set so the funds will have to be found somewhere in the Splosh fund. Every Commissioner at the meeting { one was missing} was in agreement to support the Old Fella Rescue effort. Some even asked how to donate to the rescue effort. Now let them meet behind closed doors and find the way to do it.