Pooch, they are good for at least two things I can think of that bring a smile to my face. First, watching a young dog figure things out a bit and seeing his light go on. Last, giving an old dog a bit of pleasure. I had that honor two dogs ago with a gaunt, cancer ridden pointer who could only walk finding and retrieving two planted birds. I carried him back to the truck and held him in my lap all the way to the vet's office and as he finally went to the big sleep.
Then I suggest you read the late Gene Hills' story- Old Tom-- same scenario. I always use a 12 bore for preserve pheasants, as I like to see them drop dead in a cloud of feathers, and make it easier for the dogs to retrive, then to cripple one with a "midget gauge" and watch a $25 bill go sailing away to later feed the coyotes, feral cats and foxes too!!
