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]

With much help from Dr Jim and advise from a lady who handles problem dogs it was deemed best to send Roscoe on to Rainbow Bridge. Roscoe had many issues, too many to send to a family and put them and Roscoe at risk. It is hard to terminate a life, that is what makes this job tough deciding which one gets a chance and which one doesn't. So it has been a sad day in that respect.

Late this evening I went to the property and watched as the brush and small trees were being mulched and thought of all the animals that one day will pass through the doors of this new facility and go on to be a part of families and bringing joy to children and animals alike. In all of my life I never dreamed that I would be a part of something so wonderful and fulfilling. I pray that Fella lives long enough to see this project completed and perhaps somehow know that the years he spent as a stray were not wasted years but time waiting to pay dividends to all of those who have waited just like him.

[Ron___Shirley]

Dixie Flyer wrote:
Today we will make a decision on Roscoe. I will let you know the outcome.

I am assuming the news is not good? I know your decision will be made from the heart in the best interest of all involved.

Shirley

[HobbsHauler]

What fantastic news for the clinic and how quickly everything is falling into place. What a blessing you and your volunteers are for the animals in your area.
Good Luck and Hugs to Roscoe.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Today we will make a decision on Roscoe. I will let you know the outcome.

[Hoops]

Great news, and so much of it. Keep us posted on Roscoe.

[campincandice]

I'm really impressed with the obedience class as well as the education module you are teaching! I'm in obedience class with our new lab pup, and it's wonderful on several levels - we get to play/work together, as well as learn something! Molly loves to practice what she is learning at home, too!

My DH works for a non-profit that coordinates financial literacy into schools in underserved areas (ie, Chicago). Education for the kids is what will make significant behavioral changes in the future. Congratulations to your success!

Dixie Flyer wrote:
Let me see if I can tell you everything we are doing now.
We have started a microchip program for our rescues and for those who want to have their pets microchipped they can have that done for a small fee. We now are sending all of our rescues to obedience class before adoption. When adopted the new owners gets to continue the obedience class until graduation. All of our rescues go to their new owners with a no cost medical insurance plan. We are now scheduled to take 18 dogs on the Dixie Dog Transport to Massachusetts at the end of the month. This will be a regular part of our operation from now on. We hope to have our spay neuter clinic open by the years' end. Our Pet Finder website is up and running. We have an add in the weekly mewspaper every week. We now have a team of educators to go into our public schools to teach the need for spaying and neutering of animals and the proper care that should be taken of animals brought into the family as pets. The fight against animal abuse and why it should be reported. The classes will last about 45 minutes and each school will host our program once a month.

The reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in dog fighting has grown to $5,000. That is all I can think of at this time. The Old Fella Burke County had its first birthday last July. I wonder where we will be on our second birthday?

[fulltimegrams22]

Well Gosh Richard, I am willing to bet your head is spinning round and round about now, would you agree? So many accomplismnets in such little time. Burke county knew they had something good and didn't let the worm off the line this time. :E

When your head stops spinning and you get a slow period I will be looking for my application to be a OFBCR membership to be emailed to me...;) At least I think that is what the memebership is called..

Fulltimegrams22

[W7SFO]

WOW WOW and another WOW! Richard this is really a fantastic thing you and Old Fella have done! I can not even begin to comment on how wonderful I think all of these things are!!!

Dixie Flyer wrote:
Let me see if I can tell you everything we are doing now.
We have started a microchip program for our rescues and for those who want to have their pets microchipped they can have that done for a small fee. We now are sending all of our rescues to obedience class before adoption. When adopted the new owners gets to continue the obedience class until graduation. All of our rescues go to their new owners with a no cost medical insurance plan. We are now scheduled to take 18 dogs on the Dixie Dog Transport to Massachusetts at the end of the month. This will be a regular part of our operation from now on. We hope to have our spay neuter clinic open by the years' end. Our Pet Finder website is up and running. We have an add in the weekly mewspaper every week. We now have a team of educators to go into our public schools to teach the need for spaying and neutering of animals and the proper care that should be taken of animals brought into the family as pets. The fight against animal abuse and why it should be reported. The classes will last about 45 minutes and each school will host our program once a month.

The reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in dog fighting has grown to $5,000. That is all I can think of at this time. The Old Fella Burke County had its first birthday last July. I wonder where we will be on our second birthday?

[maltese-lover2]

Thank goodness, your most gracious volunteer and you are trying to do your best by Rosco. Here's crossing our fingers for all good things. So glad to see how fast your Old Fella Burke County plans are coming together. I am simply amazed as to how fast this has all happened. Everywhere else, it takes at least 2 years to get the property. Good for you Richard and to all here who have helped. Thanks to your volunteer for offering to help Rosco.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Let me see if I can tell you everything we are doing now.
We have started a microchip program for our rescues and for those who want to have their pets microchipped they can have that done for a small fee. We now are sending all of our rescues to obedience class before adoption. When adopted the new owners gets to continue the obedience class until graduation. All of our rescues go to their new owners with a no cost medical insurance plan. We are now scheduled to take 18 dogs on the Dixie Dog Transport to Massachusetts at the end of the month. This will be a regular part of our operation from now on. We hope to have our spay neuter clinic open by the years' end. Our Pet Finder website is up and running. We have an add in the weekly mewspaper every week. We now have a team of educators to go into our public schools to teach the need for spaying and neutering of animals and the proper care that should be taken of animals brought into the family as pets. The fight against animal abuse and why it should be reported. The classes will last about 45 minutes and each school will host our program once a month.

The reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in dog fighting has grown to $5,000. That is all I can think of at this time. The Old Fella Burke County had its first birthday last July. I wonder where we will be on our second birthday?

[CindyNRoger]

Dandy Dan wrote:
Richard, Very much enjoyed the phone call the other day. sounds fantastic. I passed it along to Cindy who ws as excited as a little kid with a new toy. we had a good Rally over the weekend and Lori and I got home around 3 this afternoon. ...

Richard - Dan is so right, I was soooooooooooooooo excited and couldn't wait to tell Roger and EVERYONE I ran into. :B You have come so far in such a short period of time. Also, I am so very glad Roger told you to have a rally for that "old dog" and that we were lucky enough to meet you and your wonderful family. I play with Anna this weekend and my oldest son took her for a walk. What a fine young lady. We were so looking forward to seeing everyone in Branson next year; however, the boys are still in school at the time of the rally. It will depend on the exact date they get out. We will have to see. Keep the pictures coming! My best to you, your family and your volunteers.

[Dixie_Flyer]

By Friday the driveway will be finished.

[bonniesoo]

WOW great news on the property....things are really moving fast.

If Roscoe has problems with his hips that could be the whole issue....being in pain, outside exposed to the elements when used to being an "inside" dog and above all confused and missing his owner could be enough to send him over the edge. Hopefully all will work out for him

[Dixie_Flyer]

Roscoe is at the vets getting his evaluation done. He was not a happy camper when I went and got him but he was eventually persuaded to get into the truck. Once at the vet's he decided he didn't want to get out. Once he was out of the truck he didn't want to go in the building and once inside the building he didn't want to go to the kennel area. It was all teeth and show but for someone who is intemidated easily he could scare you.

I believe he has some serious problems with his hips and could be he has been hit by a car. Once he lays down he doesn't want to get up and is slow getting to his feet. For a young dog he acts old or hurt. Anyway Doc will give him a good going over and let us know what he finds.

[Code2High]

fulltimegrams22 wrote:
Such great news on Roscoe, will they check his Thyroid during his Vet check? I hope this will be on the list.

Fulltimegrams22

Typically this type of an exam would include a blood panel and that should include thyroid, since imbalances are known to cause behavioral issues.