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]

Dashonthedash wrote:
Are they sure they weren't lost, have they checked the chips and contacted the owners?

They were chipped after they were found. An effort was made to find the owner according to Kelly.

[Dashonthedash]

Are they sure they weren't lost, have they checked the chips and contacted the owners?

[Dixie_Flyer]

I just got this from the rescue organization that has Mary Kate and Ashley. They were at the Greenville animal shelter when Kelly found them:



They were found wandering as strays together, greenville shelter put them up as in need of rescue.
They are thought to be 10 years old, all vaccines, microchipped and spayed.
They are very sweet, very bonded and in need of a home to stay together, they weigh 80 and 75 pounds.


I don't know where I got the idea they were litter mates, so we don;t know how long they have been together.

Currently they are being boarded because there isn't a foster home available.

[Dixie_Flyer]

I am going to the place where Mary Kate and Ashley are boarded this afternoon and take pictures to post. Hopefully by then I will know about them.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Good morning. It seems there is some problem with sending the pictures of the labs. Each time she says they have been sent I receive nothing. I have asked to go to where they are and take the pictures myself to post.

[SGTJOE]

Hey, I was just kidding.

[Dashonthedash]

I have 3 older dogs, and they can be a big expense. They are well worth it, but then I can afford it. Some people just can't: that's why so many wind up in the shelters, or simply abandoned.

[Code2High]

More people should adopt older dogs... they are SO much better behaved!

[Dashonthedash]

Actually, I wasn't suggesting it...if the dogs didn't kill him, Sue would :W

[chrisnpat]

SGTJOE wrote:

Dashonthedash wrote:
Good luck with finding the labs a home. We all know you have a particular fondness for old black strays...

Gary, you're not suggesting what I think you are. Are you??

Umm that would make 6 dogs for him, you have to be a little realistic here guys.......:D

[kokosfriend]

Daisy was old and crippled and Labrador Friends of the South took her in and they even found her a home!!

Barb

[SGTJOE]

Dashonthedash wrote:
Good luck with finding the labs a home. We all know you have a particular fondness for old black strays...

Gary, you're not suggesting what I think you are. Are you??

[Dashonthedash]

Good luck with finding the labs a home. We all know you have a particular fondness for old black strays...

[Dixie_Flyer]

kokosfriend wrote:
Are you in touch with Laborador Friends of the South rescue in Atlanta?

Barb

Not yet. I am still waiting on further contact with Upstate Animal Rescue

[kokosfriend]

Are you in touch with Laborador Friends of the South rescue in Atlanta?

Barb