What is the meaning behind the howling dog, heard so many times in the background of Simpsons episodes?

Question

I have been watching The Simpsons for several years and I have heard this howling dog in the background of many of the episodes. I am thinking that there is a hidden meaning to this, similar to the horse neighing everytime Frau Blucher's name was spoken in Young Frankenstein. If you could answer this for me, even if it is just a simple running gag, I would be appreciative.

Answer 1

There is no real meaning behind it, it's just a stock sound effect used when scenes in Evergreen Terrace are set up. Like the crow when the Power Plant is shown off etc.