Tula is our proud new addition to our family, I realize to the extent that I can let my mind go,about the horrific conditions that she must have endured before being freed. She is , I think dumb. (not stupid) can't speak. I 've had her for only 2 weeks, her confidence and self esteem has grown tremendously... I wonder, is it trama or is it something physical?

Do you mean she doesn't bark?

Nothing wrong with that, I would count it as a blessing personally.

Has she been for a vet check up?
Is it possible she has been debarked to reduce noise in the puppy mill?

I'm glad she is coming around so quickly, it would have been awful for her there and it sounds like she has a much better life now.

As Shaz said, but also, she may not have anything worth barking about. Maybe she isn't dumb, only not having anything to complain about. If she ever does bark, best go see what it is that has her talking about it.

Contrary to what many folks hope, debarking does not quell the dog's attempts at barking. Rather it just keeps them from making the traditional noise. Instead, it's more like a raspy, irritating half hearted barking like noise, as the vocal apparatus scars and begins to function, somewhat.

Due to the fact she came from a puppy mill, the chances of her being inhumanely debarked is very high. Puppy mills, in order to get approval of the community, will debark all their dogs. I have heard of many ways, all very horrific.

She may also be very quiet due to the huge change in her life. Some dogs don't adjust to change very gracefully and will be very reserved until they feel comfortable. She is in the process of transitioning.. She is not going to show her true self for quiet some time, if she ever does. She has a pretty big shell to come out of.

This dog has been exposed to absolutely nothing outside of a kennel. She is going to be very wide eyed to her new environment. I wouldn't pass that on as being "special" but as a dog that is beginning her new life as an older dog. Expose her to new things, new people and new places VERY slowly. You don't want her to go into an overload and shut down on you.

And.. be happy your dog doesn't bark! Barking can get very disruptive!