What kind of person takes a prized, purebred hunting dog and leaves it for dead at the animal shelter? Worse yet, three hunting dogs? That’s the question Megan Villarreal was asking in May of 2005.

Pointers are both excellent hunting dogs and loyal family companions. They’re categorized in the sporting group. These dogs are energetic but there are ways to try and keep their exuberance in check.

Owner Tom Jackson, from left, and his wife Lora, handler Shawn Kinkelaar and Jackson's parents Dr. Bob and Margie Jackson pose with Chelsea's Thunder Bolt after "Bolt" won his second consecutive ...