During quail season in Georgia, an Atlanta journalist met an old farmer hunting with an ancient pointer at his side. Twice the dog ran ahead as his body ached rheumatism and pointed.
Twice his master fired into the open air. When the journalist saw no birds rise, he asked the farmer for an explanation. "Shucks," grinned the old man, "I knew there weren’t no birds in that grass. Spot’s nose ain’t what it used to be, but him and me, have had some wonderful times together. He’s still doing the best he can -- and it would be mighty mean of me not to encourage him at this stage of the game!"
Bits & Pieces, August 20, 1992, pp. 15-16.