Old Fella Burke County Animal Rescue

"A Grassroots Rescue Effort for Companion Animals"

How we began...

It was Labor Day 2005 when Richard and Sue Daniels from Waynesboro, Burke County, GA set off on a camping trip to Modoc, SC in their RV. Little did they know they would meet a friend for life in the form of an old black dog. When Richard and Sue first met Old Fella, he was a stray roaming around for scraps of food at their campsite. Many travelers had fed Old Fella during the five years he had been there, but it was Richard who could not get the harrowing image of this miserable animal out of his mind.

After returning home, Richard went back to the campsite several times before finding Old Fella, and with the help of some food and gentle sedatives, he took him to the vet. He was in terrible condition: old and frail, missing a paw, almost toothless, a fungal infection and on top of all of that, heartworm. After weeks of care, Richard and Sue decided to adopt him into their family. He has lived happily with them ever since.

Old Fella and Richard

To honor this dog, Richard brought together a small group of caring animal lovers and formed the Old Fella Burke County Animal Rescue in late 2006. In February 2007, we were first licensed; becoming the first licensed rescue group in Burke County.

In the past few months, Old Fella struggled daily with , first, arthritis, and then cancer. Sadly, on Saturday, June 28,2008... almost 3 years after being rescued by Richard and Sue, Old Fella passed away.

To honor Old Fella, we will continue to do what was started in his honor...to save the abandoned companion animals of Burke County. In 2007, Old Fella Burke County Animal Rescue took in 143 dogs and 11 cats and adopted out 105 dogs and 4 cats.   For Old Fella and all that loved him, with support, we will continue to save more of his kind.

To read more about Old Fella's story and the support the Daniel's received from other RV.net forum members:
                                           A very old stray {The Old Fella Story}

                                              A beautiful tribute to all of our friends waiting at the Rainbow Bridge

                                                          Old Fella we will miss you....
         because you inspired us....these have been saved in your name.

"We may not make a difference for all animals,
but we WILL make ALL the difference for some."

Who We Are: Old Fella Burke County Animal Rescue is the oldest and largest licensed rescue group operating in Burke County. We are the only registered non-profit with 501C3. Before our rescue began, several, caring, private citizens picked up strays and found homes for them. Most strays were left to fend for themselves on the rural roads and at the county dumpsters. Some were left at the city pound with only one fate. These animals had no opportunity to be adopted or saved.

Our Mission:

The mission of this organization shall be:
     a. the prevention of cruelty to animals
     b. the provision of humane education materials to children and the general public
     c. the promotion of early, aggressive spay/neuter programs
     d. to increase the quality of life of unwanted and homeless animals by providing   necessary care and seeking suitable homes through adoption.
     e. to work cooperatively with local, state and national rescues/shelters groups with similar objectives
     f. to be a "no kill" in philosophy, wherein euthanasia is performed only for medical necessity, as well as public safety, as determined by a veterinarian
     g. to never knowingly allow any animal in our care to undergo any experimentation or to release any animal for such experimentation

Vision:

We envision the day when no animal will suffer because of human abuse, neglect or ignorance and that every pet born will be assured of a good home and care for a lifetime.