My family is full of hunters - responsible, conservation minded hunters. Moving here from Pennsylvania, I have never seen quite the style of hunting that is practiced here, relying so heavily on dogs. That said, I have no doubt that most hunters here are responsible with their dogs. However, it is clearly a problem when such a pattern is obvious each year in the shelters.

We have just adopted one such abandoned hunting dog - a gorgeous pointer that was left to fend for herself. She was severly anemic, dehydrated and malnourished. She was infested with hookworms, whipworms, and ticks. She had infections in both ears and both eyes, abrasions and cuts all over her & injuries on her hind leg that required sutures. Her rear teeth are worn to nubs & she has advanced periodontis & gum disease.

Psychologically, she is withdrawn, timid & nervous. It will take months to begin to see a healthy dog emerge. She did not deserve this suffering just because she was a poor hunter or the season was over.