HUNTING DOGS -- Ranger, my Brittany pup, appears to be one of those slow learners when it comes to porcupines.

The photos show his first encounter two weeks ago and his second encounter on Saturday.

The first amounted to one quill that I pulled out with my fingers.

The second encounter amounted to around 80 quills and a bill for $510 from the Pet Emergency Clinic, which is more than a standard acupuncture treatment.

I know, I know. It could have been worse.  People have been sending me photos of the worst-case scenarios.

My other bird dogs have pointed porkies.  

We're going to work on that, before I go broke.