It's funny I should read this today.
Last night at my handling class there was a gorgeous Irish Setter that had just won a 5 pt major. It was in a crate waiting for it's owner to practice with her. She was making this god-awful noise, kind of a huffing and wuffing sound. In true innocence I said to the owner "It sounds like your dog is having a heart attack".
She told me that she had been debarked, as had 5 of her littermates. The others in the litter were left intact.
I have to tell you that I would never do that to a dog. I never liked the procedure before, but I am more adamant after hearing that poor thing last night. The sounds she made were WORSE than barking.
The owner said that she thinks the dog stresses MORE since she can't bark normally. It was really very sad.
__________________ I LOVE MY BABIES |