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

[Toolguy5]

Gary our thoughts and prayers are with you.

[SGTJOE]

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Gary for a total recovery.

[dturm]

Gary, we're with you in spirit. Keep the positive attitude.

[Martyn]

Gary: Thoughts and prayers are with you. Keep your chin up and think positive. 🙂

[Wanderlost]

Thinking positive thoughts for Gary, so he can be back with Shadow and Hannah soon.

[dogdiva]

Prayers for Gary I hope he will be able tp get his dogs with him soon

[DOTLDaddy]

Dashonthedash wrote:
Hi, I'm here. Sure you're going to hear more about me soon, but I'm still breathing :B

Gary, Garland & I are thinking of you. You have been a valuable member of this group since the start.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Good morning everyone. Last night I received a call from Gary Shapiro. Gary is in the hospital with cancer. The cancer has spread into his liver and kidneys. His reaction to the chemotherapy has been bad and his platelets in his blood are way down. Gary expressed regret that he will not be able to join us in Sevierville this October as his life style will be changing. He mentioned most likely he will be selling his home and moving into an apartment. Both of his dogs are in the kennel at his vet.

He will be in the hospital for a few more days then he will be moved to hospice care, If he improves he can be moved into therapy then he can go home. He will have home care from then on with someone coming over several times a week to help him take care of the house and himself. He didn't mention surgery of any kind so I guess at this point it is chemo treatment. He told me to tell everyone how much he has enjoyed the Old Fell group and the friends he has made through the years.

Gary attended the very first Old Fella Rally in Branson and many more through the years. He also attended the Good Sam Rver of the year Rally in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 2009.

Let us remember him in our prayers as he goes through this difficult time in his life.

I wish everyone a blessed day. Be sure to give the fur babies a hug for me and be sure to tell someone you love them.

[Scottiemom]

Thank you all for your thoughts. Duchess was to be our last dog . . . at least until we stop traveling and settle in a house somewhere. It's difficult trying to coordinate doggie day care for a special needs dog if/when one of us has health problems that require attention. That has been a real problem at times and causes so much stress for me.

We have visited a new no-kill shelter in Edinburg and they will be glad to take any donations we have. So we are going to be gathering up her beds, toys, food, harnesses, etc., and taking them in there. I had just ordered a case of prescription food which they said they can use. It arrived yesterday and I am sure I could send it back, but we decided to donate it instead. The shelter is a very nice, large facility. Not a lot of dogs, but so many cats! They all had very nice facilities and were well cared for.

I also received word that a donation to the Old Fella rescue has been made in memory of Duchess. The readers of this forum are among the best people there are.

Dale

[Dashonthedash]

Hi, I'm here. Sure you're going to hear more about me soon, but I'm still breathing :B

[Martyn]

Dale and Terry: So sorry for your loss.

[DOTLDaddy]

Dale & Terry, we are very sorry to hear you lost Duchess. 😞

[Toolguy5]

Dale and Terry so sorry for your loss.

Glad we got to meet Duchess. She was precious.

[MNGeeks61]

At least she is pain-free and can see and hear again...I know those words don't really help you either, we understand how much like family these animals are. They give so much love.

So sorry for your loss.

[dturm]

We're so sorry, Dale. We got to meet Duchess and she was so sweet, especially considering her blindness that usually causes defensiveness. You did such a great job dealing with her conditions and she did have a wonderful life with you.

It's never enough time. We're thinking of you and Terry.