To the Editor:

My brother in Atlanta once had a dachshund who barked incessantly, creating quite a nuisance in his neighborhood. He and his family loved Doc and were at a loss as to how to deal with the problem.

One morning my brother crated Doc up and announced that he was on his way to the vet for an appointment. Upon his return that evening, Doc was released into the yard and began his barking routine as usual. This time, though, all he could muster was a breathy (and quiet) Rasp! Rasp! Rasp! due to the simple procedure he had undergone that day in which his vocal cords had been severed.

Thus all problems involving Docs disruption of the peace were pragmatically solved. He lived to a ripe old age, blithely rasping to his hearts content. My brother and his family were able to keep their beloved pet and the neighbors no longer resented them.

Charles Wolff