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]

I just got confromation from Highways Magazine that a sequel to the Old Fella Story along with Anna's Journey will be coming out sometime in the fall of the year. When I know that it is going to the printers I will be sure and let everyone know. Be sure your God Sam's membership is up to date so you can read it.

[chrisnpat]

Beautiful dog, I'm very Sorry for Your lose
Dan and Lori. Please take comfort in knowing that Beau is happy and pain free.

[kokosfriend]

Beautiful Beau - thank you for sharing him with us. We feel the loss along with you.
Barb

[CindyNRoger]

Dixie Flyer wrote:
The way I remember Beau

This is exactly what Beau looked like last weekend. He was laying beside or under the 5er, until someone took the time to pet him or scratch his ears. Then he sat up for us. :B

[Dixie_Flyer]

When Anna first reached her home in Ohio. There is Beau teaching her a little about snow.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Beau and Anna at Laura S Walker State Park in Waycross, Georgia last spring.



The way I remember Beau

[dogdiva]

Richard Have you tried giving the dogs Brewers Yeast. I controlls fleas from the inside out, It makes the dogs skin repell fleas. I have used it for many years as a supplement in their food. CK it out, I have the powder and give a half tablespoon sprinkled in their food depending on the weight of the dog. We dont have fleas.........
I am sure you can read about it online, sure beats chemicles.////

[Dixie_Flyer]

Late yesterday Suzie was scratching a lot as she has been doing all day. Okay so I get out the Adams flea spray and dust her coat with it. She flips out!!! Running around and falling on the floor, rubbing her body on anyhting she could find and then she started foaming at the mouth. She is fine this morning but I have never seen a dog react to Adams that way before. I will call Dr. Jim and ask him about this.

[Gottahaveit]

Richard, every new chapter you write brings tears to my eyes AGAIN. You have such a gift. Thank you so much for all you have done and are doing. Ol Fella was the "Chosen One" and what a great job he is doing.

[Gottahaveit]

So Sorry to hear of Beau's passing. My heart goes out to you with hopes that having Anna may ease the pain somewhat. I'm sure my "Buddy" was waiting at the Bridge for Beau and they are romping and playing like they were pups again. Our thoughts are with you. Take Care, Kathie

[Ron___Shirley]

Dan & Lori,
So sorry to hear of Beau's passing. Only time will heal the sorrow.

Ron & Shirley

[bonniesoo]

Dan & Lori: So sorry to hear of Beau's journey to the Rainbow Bridge this morning....please take comfort in knowing that he knew the true love and the caring of his family. I'm sure you will have wonderful memories of him and will make new ones with Anna. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Donna

[butterfly_girl]

[mincey]

I am so sorry to hear about Beau. As the mom to a bassett/lab mix of 16, I dread the day he decides to go to the Rainbow Bridge. It is comforting to know that Beau will be there waiting to greet my Boomer. I hope Anna will help you in your grief.

Cheryl

[maltese-lover2]

So very sorry to hear of Beau's crossing the Bridge. I wish there was something I could say that would help you in your loss. I do feel your pain and am so so sorry. From Beau: "When you're walking down the street with me on your mind, just remember I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind." Unknown