My husband, Jeff is an avid hunter of both small and large game. Being from Wisconsin, it’s like second nature to partake in the hunting seasons. October 1st of 2005 would be a hunt Jeff would never forget. He and a few friends traveled to Ladysmith, WI for Jeff’s first Black Bear excursion with hounds. The Plott Hounds aided Jeff and treed a large female Black Bear after several hours.
Later the same night, my husband called me and spoke with our two boys Trevor whom was 9 and Caleb 7. The expressions on their faces were evident that his hunt had indeed been successful. I was next to hear the news first hand as Jeff’s call became direct concern towards me. I was 8 months pregnant with our third boy and many complications.
After several minutes Jeff became silent for a moment to ask me a question he would truly know the answer to. “Karinne, “ Jeff begins. “I was talking with one of dog owners today after our hunt. There is a dog, a female Plott Hound who doesn’t have the heart to hunt bear anymore. “ I knew what was coming next. Of course, I started laying out the scenario to Jeff. “We have two boys with another on the way. We are in the mist of remodeling our home. I won’t be on maternity leave for another month. Who is going to care for this dog during the day? Is it housebroken? Has she ever seen a vet?” Jeff response was chilling to me and I would never forget. “Karinne, when these dogs loose their will to hunt, the owners don’t want to spend money to feed these dogs. They destroy those that don’t hunt.” That was it. I wanted her home with us. (more…)
