I'm a very understanding, compassionate, forgiving "liberal" guy.  I'm also a "dog guy" and have had a dog every day of my 74 years.  I often say "if people were as nice as dogs, it would be a great world."  Needless to say, people aren't as nice as dogs and, in many instances, aren't nice TO dogs.  There are likely things cuter than a Golden Retriever puppy, but I haven't seen them yet.  Abandoning a puppy to die of thirst and hunger strains my "forgiving" nature beyond capacity.  I offer a fitting reprisal.  Lock the owner in the same kitchen area, with the same limited access to food, water and sanitary facilities for the same amount of time the dog spent...perhaps such an object lesson would expand his understanding.  I would adopt the puppy in a minute.......the owner....afraid not.  Gary Crum