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

[Code2High]

Oh, thank Heavens! Okay a broken bone is not fun, but it could have been so much worse. He's gonna be alright. Not that this will be easy, but he's gonna be alright.

You'll probably want to get him something like this:

http://www.homevisions.com/product-2/33604.htm

They are very useful. Petsmart carries them, I'm not sure where else, or you can order online. There are other types as well, some nicer but I've used one of these on more than one big dog and done pretty well.

If its going to take a while to heal, I suppose a wheelchair might be needed. Hmmmmmmmmmmm we may have to hold an Old Fella Bake Sale....

[LeroyR]

That's definitely better news than what we were thinking or theorizing about. Hopefully, it's just a sprain and can be remedied in short order. More prayers from NH.

[CA_POPPY]

Richard, I'm glad you will know more in a few hours. Did the vet keep him? They usually have to put them out for x-rays. After favoring that leg for years, since his awful injury, it's not totally unexpected that something finally gave in his overstressed good leg. If there is anything to deal with, a cast perhaps, I know you and he will handle it. Just know that you're doing all that can be done and we all appreciate it.

[Happytraveler]

My best to Old Fella, my fingers are crossed. Did you see him hurt his leg?

[Dixie_Flyer]

CockerDodger wrote:
Did the vet advise you on the medications you were giving Old Fella?

Chuck

The vet says to give Fella the Rimadyl once a day. He says as long as the blood work is done every 6-8 months it can be carefully watched to see if there is going to be any problems.

[CockerDodger]

Richard & family, prayers for the health troubles that have come upon Old Fella. I been praying and feel relieved now that the vet has seen Old Fella and has given a somewhat favorable report. Still some mending to do. What a scare, and I pray the healing will come painlessly and quickly.

Did the vet advise you on the medications you were giving Old Fella?

We have our appointment to get the needed shots and heart worm tests done so the girls can be protected on our trip to Branson. We also will be have the needed health records just in case.
Chuck

[sisodals]

Hang in there Old Fella and Dixie Flyer, with all you have done I trust the Good Lord will guide you through this trial as well.

Remember He will never give you more than you and He can carry together.

[CindyNRoger]

Richard - Glad it's not worse. We will continue the prayers - trust me on that one! Give him a hug from us when you see him.

[DOTLDaddy]

Dixie Flyer wrote:
Back from the Vet. Old Fella doesn't have a problem with his hips....

Now that is good news alright! A sprained ankle or small fracture is much better than some other diagnosis.

[BCSnob]

Glad OF has a "simple" problem.

Mark

[Dixie_Flyer]

Back from the Vet. Old Fella doesn't have a problem with his hips. The cause for the trouble is a sprained or fractured ankle joint on his good leg. That is why he was fine one minute and not so fine the next. Its kinda a good news, bad news thing. At this point there is hope for recovery. We will know more this afternoon when the vet calls us with his report. He is going to x-ray the leg and see what is going on.

I feel there is hope for recovery now that we have discovered the problem as bed rest will improve his condition. I will let you know something as soon as the vet calls with his diagnosis.

Just keep up the prayers please...

[BCSnob]

Walter,

For both diseases, degradation of spinal tissue occurs leading to loss of motor control; for DM it is gradual while for FCE it is an event (embolism). Our favorite sire (sire of Rae, Gyp, & Jody and planned cross with Peg) had FCE during the treatment of a serious head trauma. The sire eventually regained some motor control of the affected back leg, returned to herding, and qualified for the finals.

Mark

[DOTLDaddy]

BCSnob wrote:
Two possibilities come to my mind both involve nerves in the spine. One is a slipped or ruptured disc and the other is a spinal embolism (or fibrocartilaginous embolism).

Good luck; I hope the vet can diagnose and treat OF quickly.

Mark

Mark,

The link you posted is very interesting. The symtoms presented with that condition are very similar to Degenerative Myelopathy. Makes me wonder about Missy. :?

But enough of that.

Richard, I presume you are at the vet now with OF. I will be thinking of you guys all day, hoping for the best news.

Good luck. 🙂

[tropicalwinds]

Hang in there, Ol' Fella. I'm offering up prayers for you and Richard even as I type. Please keep us posted on his progress!!!!

[Chemgoddess1]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and Old Fella this morning.