All ActivityMost RecentMost LikesSolutionsRe: A very old stray {The Old Fella Story}I personally want to thank you Richard and Sue. I believe I speak for everyone who has followed Old Fella's story when I say that it felt like Old Fella belonged to all of us. The story started here with us. You filled our days and hearts with tales of an old stray who got not only two of the most loving people on earth to take care of his day to day needs and belly rub requests, but also the love and support of a whole online community. The legacy of Old Fella WILL go on in the hearts and minds of these people for a long time. We came to think of Old Fella as our own dog vicariously through your posts and stray animals across the country have gotten new loving homes due to you and OUR Fella. We will definitely miss the daily stories and updates of his newest adventures. I want to thank you for taking such good care of Fella in his last years on this earth. He was unwanted and uncared for for so long until you came along. Without you, he probably wouldn;t have made it this long and he would not have as many of us out here missing and mourning him. You did what you could for him and then his time came. I can tell you he lived his last years and months the luckiest dog ever. You and your wife are very special people. God Bless! BTW: Can you post the very first picture of Old Fella along with the very last picture? I would love to see the two together.Re: A very old stray {The Old Fella Story}Dixie Flyer, I was all caught up on this thread awhile back, but it goes so quickly I can't stay caught up for long. I know it's been awhile, but I was very sad to read about Levi. I am so sorry. I know he is watching you and feeling very proud to have been a part of the OLD FELLA STORY. Of course it's not just Old Fella anymore is it? It's Old Fella, Suzie, Izzie and ........... More than anyone can possibly list I'm sure. To all those pets out there and to all the OLD FELLAS yet to find their Dixie Flyer, Merry Christmas.Re: A very old stray {The Old Fella Story}Here's a story for you:TAZ the used to be strayRe: A very old stray {The Old Fella Story}Richard, it saddens me to hear about you dealing with depression. I think you should be proud of what you've accomplished since Fella came into your life. I know Old Fella is proud of you. I can see it in his eyes in the pictures you post of him. I'm sure when his time comes, he will go to the Rainbow Bridge and tell all those who went before him what you have done for canine and feline kind not to mention human kind. You have given him the kind of life that all animals must dream about. To think of where he came from and where he is now, it's such a miracle. He came into your life for a reason. I think you needed him as much as he needed you. He is an old dog and will be dealing with old dog problems, but with you by his side seeing to his needs, he is one lucky guy.Re: A very old stray {The Old Fella Story}Congrats on the land! I'm glad to hear the book is still in the works and that Old Fella is still going strong!Re: A very old stray {The Old Fella Story} Dixie Flyer wrote: The day was passing fast and Old Fella was getting comfortable with his new surroundings. From time to time Richard would venture out to the back yard to visit with Fella, reassuring him he was going to be alright. Richard would sit down next to Fella speaking softly trying to get him use to his voice. Fella would lay there and look around or just get up and wonder off somewhere as if to say “I need some space”. As the sun began to set in the lengthening shadows of the day Fella realized he was in the presents of a gentle man who truly cared about him and his welfare. He felt that he could trust this man to comfort and take care of him so he began to let his guard down and walked over to smell Richard’s hand and then kissed it ever so softly and then looking up for approval. This was the first sign that he had shown of any affection since his rescued. That evening Fella was allowed in the house with Levi and Izzie. They had all gathered in the kitchen to get some treats. Fella was just following along to see what was going on. Levi began to run around the kitchen barking with excitement making a nuisance of himself. Finally Richard having enough of Levi’s antics turned to Levi and said “Sit!” Then the most amazing thing happened, Old Fella sat! Looking at Richard with expectations of a reward he had a smile on his face and all the while waging his tail. “What the?” Richard said walking over to Old Fella. Pointing his finger to the floor Richard gave the command “Lay down.” Old Fella lay down on the floor. “Sue come here! You aren’t going to believe this!” Sue comes into the kitchen with a puzzled look on her face, “What’s going on?” she asked. “Watch this.” Calling Fella over to him RIchard gave the command “Sit.” Old Fella sat. “Lay down.” Richard said. Old Fella lay down. Sue and Richard looked at each other in bewilderment and then laughed out loud. “What in the world do you think we are going to discover about this old dog before it’s over?” Richard said. Continued: I am not an expert editter or anything so please take my suggestion with a grain of salt, but (and I am in no way being critical of the story, the way it's written is beautiful, you are very gifted with words Richard!) I see some areas where you are teetering between past and present tense. "Old Fella sat", "Richard gave....""Sue comes into" .Re: A very old stray {The Old Fella Story}WOW, this tory just keeps growing. I haven't checked in for awhile so I wanted to see if the "Old Fella" is still allive and helping other stray or abandoned animals. I see a story...does that mean the Old Fella Book is going to be written and published sometime soon?Re: A very old stray {The Old Fella Story}I am thankful the owner brought Queenie back. If the owner is sick and just can't take care of her, she's better off with her locing rescuer. I hope the owner gets better and is able to come back for Queenie. I, too, would have all the puppies from that group checked for the same problem with the bladder. I would hate to think of another family adopting and falling in love with a puppy and then having the puppy cross over.Re: A very old stray {The Old Fella Story} Dashonthedash wrote: In spite of two snowstorms and a Broncos loss, Gary, Dash and Lily wish you all a Happy New Year from the foothills of the Colorado Rocky Mountains (Hey, our town even got a mention on CNN...) How much snow did you get in the most resent storm?Re: A very old stray {The Old Fella Story} Dixie Flyer wrote: MrsKottfam6wi wrote: I read that letter and my kids asked me what was wrong because i was crying. It is so sad that this poor dog was thrown out like nothing more than a bag of trash. I am so thankful that Richard and this person came to this poor dogs rescue and now he has a chance at life rather than facing a cold, lonely death of starvation. How is he doing by the way? I think I remember this dog, you've posted pictures of him haven't you? The Dog, {Bart} is doing great. He is being fostered by the person who owned him as a puppy. They have decided to keep him to remind them of what can happen when the wrong people adopt a pet. He has gained weight and is very playful. They have moved Bart into their bedroom at night so he can be close to them. I posted a picture of him when he was first rescued, it is enough to make you cry. When you see animals like this rescued and living happily it makes it all worth the effort. That's right, I remember now. The breeder took him back in. I am glad that they are first of all, willing to take him back in and secondly willing to learn from mistakes made so that future dogs they adopt out will not meet the same fate.