Lady's Story: Devocalized Once, Then Given Up Twice
Scroll down to meet Lady and her adopter in a short video.
Those with a financial interest in devocalization ("bark softening") often claim surgically altering a dog's or cat's voice will ensure the animal a permanent home. Do you believe them? Talk to Lady. This sweet little dog was left at a shelter after her bark was "softened."
She was adopted and given up again.
It wasn't until Gene and Fran came along that Lady finally found her forever home. Kind and loving, the couple embraced Lady despite her strange bark--similar to a seal's.
No vet can predict the sound of the post-surgical voice. It could be muffled, shrill or disturbingly odd. Some animals even whistle when they try to vocalize.
"It's sad to hear Lady's attempts to bark," says Gene. What's worse, he adds, are her bouts of coughing and gagging, common outcomes of voice-altering surgery regardless of the vet's skill or how the procedure is performed.
"No veterinarian should ever do this to an animal," Gene says.