I think the same argument can be made for children. We make critical choices about their care and that can be anything from circumcision to deciding to end life support. I know a lot of people on here consider their pets their children and that is why I make the argument.
My dogs are neutered because it is healthier for them. Their tails came docked or else I would have left them intact. I just got my gallbladder out because it was healthier for me, I didn't want to do it but it NEEDED to be done.
Debarking doesn't need to be done. It is being done solely to prevent undesirable behavior that is at the crux of what a dog is.
Sorry for the rambling thoughts still on Vicodin
