"Debarked"

Once again, a story about dogs makes the front page of  The New York Times, but this time it's not so funny. It discusses the pros and cons of choosing to pay a veterinarian to cut the vocal chords of your sweet pooch, which reduces their bark to nothing more than "a raspy squeak."( Can you see what side I'm comin' down on?)
The article continues with this charming bit of information: "Although there is no reliable estimate as to how many dogs have had their vocal chords cut, veterinarians and other animal experts say that dogs with no bark can readily be found - but not necessarily heard - in private homes, on the show-dog circuit, and even on the turf of drug dealers, who are said to prefer their attack dogs silent. The surgery usually leaves the animal with something between a wheeze and a squeak."
Read the full article here: www.nytimes.com/2010/02/03/nyregion/03debark.html?hp
Uh, folks, with a little patience and some of your time (O.K., lots of patience and time), we dogs can be trained not to bark at every little thing, think service dogs, rescue, police work, agility, even stupid dog tricks, for crying out loud!
And, by the way, do you think those humans with barkless dogs would feel differently when that "raspy squeak" failed to wake them up from their peaceful slumber in case of a fire or intruder?
Well, now you know how I feel, but I'd love it if you all would weigh in on this issue...

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