Some hunters make 'a dog's life' good
February 2, 2008 12:16 am


Foxhounds prepare for a hunt in Old Chatham, N.Y., in 2005. Successful hunters take good care of their dogs.

This is in response to Frances Hutchins' Jan. 29 letter, "Hunting dogs deserve better lives than most of them get."

I understand her concern and agree that many hunting dogs are mistreated, abandoned, and considered by some as "disposable" after the hunting season ends.

However, not all hunters are in that category. I have hunted with a group for more than 30 years. We do not paint numbers on our dogs; we know them by name, and they know us. We provide vet care and a pill regimen. We ensure they are properly fed and watered and have a clean environment.

At the end of each hunting day, we ensure that all "our children" are with us to return home, or we stay as late as necessary to find them. They are checked over to ensure no injury has occurred, and then "put to bed" with food and water.

I'm tired of the standard line that complains that we are all bad and have no feelings for the dogs. I'm sure there are plenty of hunters and clubs that take very good care of the dogs. Do not lump us in with the people who do not have respect for the dogs, the game, and landowners' interests.

David DiPardo

King George