Well, turns out my guy has a malignant tumor on his larynx. It's very rare. Treatment options include removing the larynx and the tumor, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. I've decided that, at his age and the fact that he also has a severe heart murmur, I'm going to treat him symptomatically, spoil him rotten, and take one day a time.

If anyone has a dog who exhibits a dry, hoarse bark and shows fatigue or breathing distress. Have your vet check him/her out immediately. A hoarse bark is not normal and can be treated. There could be many causes. Don't let it go too long without a vet's opinion.

Thanks again for your input. I hope this information helps someone else out there.