In the past, before I retired into this area, I have been

affiliated with the Valley of Kings, exotic rescue and the National Wolf Society.
I know first hand the consequences of removing animals from their natural environments and trying to turn them into pets. Still people’s desire to own them remains strong, often with a minimum amount of research and knowledge as to what to expect.
On a lesser scale, but often just as prevalent are dogs. Many dogs were bred for specific purposes and in some cases the gene has been passed on for centuries.
They are intelligent creatures that aim to please so in the proper hands they can be trained to do just about anything. There’s a reason why some dogs are good at certain things and some at other things.
You could train a King Charles Spaniel to run with the pack on a fox hunt but since it is against their nature, the results will be less than desirable both for the dog and the human.
On the other side of the coin, I have personally witnessed Border Collies that have gone stir crazy because they didn’t have a job to do.
Above is a photo of Maggie (I like to call her Maggie Mae). Maggie is a 10 ½ month old German Shorthair Pointer. She has a mottled coat with blotches on solid chocolate and is stunningly beautiful. She is currently at Landrum vet under my care.
Maggie had been chained up for hours and sometimes days at a time. She had plenty of food and water and shelter, but besides being a pup, this was totally against her nature.
I received a call about the situation and the owner’s mother convinced the young man to turn Maggie over to me so that I may find her a proper home. I was told she doesn’t bark but she whines a lot (no kidding). She seems in good health but I’m having her checked over and she’s scheduled to be spayed.
The first time I took her out for a walk and to take some photos she was so anxious to run and play, it broke my heart.
I gave her as much exercise that this old man could handle and when I asked her to sit, she dropped like a stone. I laughingly wrapped my arms around her and said, “You’re not only beautiful, you’re smart too.”
I’m currently working on a place where she could run and play until I find her a proper forever home. She’s a sweet and frisky young lady and if you have an interest in her, please contact Landrum vet or myself.
I have one more thing to say about sweet Maggie Mae, to know her is to love her.
Thanks for listening.