LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Writer hopes killers of dogs will eventually regret their act

To the person or persons responsible for shooting two walker hunting dogs and leaving them on Highway 34:

Having been in animal rescue for nearly 40 years, I have seen, heard and dealt with a lot of unpleasant people and situations. I have seen every form of abuse and heard every excuse. But it never ceases to amaze me how callous, cruel and inhumane people can be.

My two grandsons, ages 16 and 10, have during the past year become very active in showing and hunting various breeds of hunting dogs and each excelling in their age categories in both youth hunts and shows. They have been involved with a wonderful group of gentlemen who help guide them, such as Harvey Drawdy and many others who have a very positive influence on young people. Events are planned throughout the year, which include family members who can participate in these activities. My grandsons, along with my son, enjoyed and looked forward to participating in these events, as well as in hunts, both on local and state levels.

It was an opportunity for them to not only do something as a family, but also be involved with a fine group of individuals who would share their years of knowledge with them. These days there are so many negative influences on young people that can easily lead them in the wrong direction, and we were thrilled to have the boys involved in an activity that would teach them sportsmanship, responsibility and pride of achievement.

Thanks to the individuals referred to above, what was a source of joy, fun and fellowship to the boys has now become a source of heartache. Two of the dogs who went on a hunt on Wednesday, Nov. 4, could not be located when it was time to leave. However, the gentleman who often helps my two grandsons in working with the dogs stayed for hours searching. He went back Thursday morning and Thursday afternoon, Nov. 5, taking my two grandsons with him. After searching for quite a while, they decided to drive down Highway 34 to the Pee Dee River for a look down there. They searched a while there, with no luck, so proceeded to leave the area. Upon reaching Highway 34, there lay both dogs, which had been shot and placed on the edge of the road for them to see. The dogs were not there when they first arrived. Both dogs had on collars with visible identification. My grandsons were absolutely devastated and upset to the point of being physically sick, and most of all heartbroken, at this sight. It took hours to calm them down.

The result of this being that, now they no longer wish to participate in these activities and possibly put their dogs in harms way. We have always tried to teach the boys good sportsmanship and to respect others, be kind and respectful and to never, ever mistreat anyone, human or animal. I am sure that the sight of those two dogs, shot and laying on the side of the highway will not be soon forgotten by either of them.

I don’t know who you are, and I’m glad I don’t, but you must be very cold and heartless, to do what you did to those two dogs, with no reason or justification at all, but more important, the lasting impression this will leave on my two grandsons. You may not have to answer to anyone on this earth, but you will have to answer.

When you lay your head on your pillow to go so sleep, I doubt seriously you even have a conscience that bothers you. But I hope at some point the pain you have caused my grandsons will at least be a fleeting thought.

Rose B. Briggs
Lamar