Sadly, Old Fella, the dog that moved many RVers to new levels of compassion, passed away on Saturday June 28, 2008 at 11:42 DST due to complications from bone cancer.
Many RVers came to know Old Fella from the RV.net forum, and will remember how this formerly skinny black stray, missing part of his back paw and most of his teeth, was rescued by Richard and Sue Daniels of Waynesboro, Georgia on September 5th, 2005.
Old Fella’s rescue story inspired animal lovers across the United States and even prompted Burke County’s first animal rescue organization. And many RV.net members joined in supporting the Daniels’ family as the unexpected vet bills began to mount.
Efforts are currently underway to erect a memorial on the grounds for the Old Fella Burke County Animal Shelter in Waynesboro, Georgia. According to Dan Branson, a friend of the Daniels family, Old Fella will be cremated and his remains buried at the base of the memorial.
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Diana Royal
The story of Old Fella is one I won’t ever forget … and it was Mr. Richard’s help and encouragement that helped me find homes for three puppies a friend and I saved while they were looking for food and shelter just a few yards shy of a dumpster site. Old Fella and the Daniels started something BIG in Burke County, and every time I look at my “dumpster puppy” Dale now I think of them and how they’ll never know the magnitude of their selfless act.
TTbeachbum
Thank you Richard and your family for making a wonderful ‘retirement’ home for Old Fella and giving him the love he deserved.
Richard Daniels
Sometimes we are in such a hurry or so involved with our own set of problems we miss some of the blessings of life. I feel this was the case in the life of Old Fella. So many campers had the opportunity to take him home with them but for one reason or another they left the campground without him thinking the hand out of food the y gave him was enough.
For five years he waited for the family who would take him home with them and make him a part of their life. There were times he was misunderstood, I guess that is why someone shot him with bird shot from a shot gun. I guess that is why he was left to suffer from the heat and the cold, starving for food and affection. Then there were the ticks and fleas he had to put up with along with the injured paw that was cut off by the leg hold trap. Then there were his teeth that were broken off and worn down as he gnawed his way out of the steel jaws of the trap that held him for four or five days without food and water. There he lay in the jaws of pain chewing away at the foot until he was able to free himself. His life was one of misery and neglect and no one saw any value in this old black dog, at least not enough to try and make his life better.
The one day a family came along that saw something of value, something precious as life itself and saved this old dog and gave him not only a home, but a place in their hearts. Then this old dog found a place in the hearts of thousands of people all across these United States. Today in his memory Old Fellow will be honored by those who have stopped to remember him as the sweet old dog that changed a community and also touched the lives of others of his kind. No longer will anyone who knows the Old Fella story look at another old stray dog the same as they have in the past. Compassion is the word I would use to describe Old Fella’s second chance at life, compassion that reaches out beyond understanding and reasoning to give life another chance at happiness. Don’t pass up the blessing in life just because what you see isn’t beautiful on the outside, because what may be on the inside could be the greatest treasure you will ever find.
Nina Leshley
I am broken hearted at the loss of Old Fella, or Blackie, as we called him. But I know his last years were full of love and wonderful care and he was happy. He is in a better place now and no longer in pain.
God Bless Rich and Sue for the job they did with him.
Fella will be greatly missed by many
Monte J Forney SMSgt USAF(Ret)
We we fortunate to save our beloved Bear from the street. He showed up with his ear tips chewed off and his nails worn down to the quick. We did the usual posters and such without result with no luck. One day his former subhuman owners showed. They lived just down the street and had kept Bear tied to a fence in their back yard next to another uncaring Vet’s pile of dog crap that had drawn the flies that had chewed his ears. Proud of Bear the way he ignored them with a lofty look even while they tried to entice him with a treat.
He died in my arms at the Vet when we had to put him down. But I like to believe he died happy. He could not walk any more but he sure wolfed down the three pound sirloin that was his last meal.
Ray
A DOGS PRAYER
By Beth Norman Harris
Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps falls upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.
Feed me clean food, that I may stay well , to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.
And, beloved master, should the GREAT MASTER see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest, and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.
Dalton
I find myself heartbroken at the news about Old Fella. I can only take some solace in knowing that his final years were filled with love and tender care. We have a dog we rescued from the street as does my daughter. We have made a special effort to love and care for them the best we know how. I believe that all dogs go to heaven.
Bruce Storm
Old Fella was responsibe for the rescue of 143 dogs in 2007 and 105 of those dogs were adopted in 2007. 81 free spays and neuters were provided to Burke Count dog owners.300 fourth graders were trained on pet care and safety by Old Fella volunteers and 70 dogs completed the obedience class.There are 73 dogs in Old Fella foster homes waiting for forever families.See http://www.oldfella.org