I apologize for not getting a column out for last week’s paper. We had an unexpected opportunity to make one last duck hunt before the season ended and my twins, Robert and David, wouldn’t wait for me to write a column.

As always, Mr. Mike of the B&D Hunt Club in Hyde County, N.C., didn’t let us down. The twins have got to learn to be more patient though, or I am going to go broke buying ammunition.

I have been given a few more pictures, above, of what hunting is not supposed to reflect. These pictures make me sick. It makes me sick to think that there are those amongst us that treat their hunting partners in this manner.

Virginia state law prohibits the dumping of hounds or abandonment of any dog strictly for this reason. If you see someone and suspect they are dumping a dog or appear that they are abandoning one, please call the police.

These pictures were sent to us from Mary Jo Sellers of the Tri-County Animal Shelter in Tyner, N.C. The shelter has an abundance of hunting dogs picked up as strays that are usually skin and bones, have cuts and scrapes, and are terrified, thus not appealing to potential adopters.

The shelter is a kill shelter, limited on space, medical supplies and funding, so the undesirable dogs do not have a chance. Sellers’ volunteer duties at the shelter involve rescues and transports. They have not had much luck in finding homes for hunting breeds. The pictures are of two stray hunting dogs at the shelter; they are both very sweet and do not have much time.

Sellers can be reached at 252-339-7141, if you find it in your heart to give these dogs a good home. Their time is limited but they will be held for a short time while this column reaches out.

One of my readers wrote, “Hunters are their own worst enemy. Yes, I, too, am a hunter and I loathe these worthless supposed ‘hunters’ who do this every year after the season. Owning hounds is a big responsibility and if you ain’t willing to take all that comes with owning hunting dogs, then man up and determine you ain’t the right guy for the job; don’t get dogs. I guess those guilty of this simply won’t see the light until hunting with hounds is outlawed in the state of Virginia.”

Just as we take away privileges from our children when they demonstrate that they are not ready for those privileges, ours can be taken away also. We call them freedoms, but they are privileges, and they can be taken away. When we act in an irresponsible manner time and time again, our legislatures are not going to sit and watch it happen. We can either take action, or they will.

If you see or hear of anyone abandoning or dumping dogs, call the local authorities and let’s police ourselves. Let everyone around you know you won’t sit by and let it happen. If we do this, our freedoms and privileges will not be jeopardized; if we don’t, don’t say you were victimized in the end because you chose to turn your back.

Have a great week. Let’s talk about something fun next week, shall we? Maybe some good news about these two dogs being adopted would be nice?