When we made the decision to re-home Riley, we didn't make the decision because of any financial considerations, but because it was the best decision for us, for him, for Samson, and for our family going forward. However, looking back at the last year plus with Riley, and looking at our finances going forward, it's hard not to realize the added financial burden a second dog brings and how not having a second dog going forward will help us get debt free sooner.
When Riley and Sam had their latest and last fight, it caused a lot of heartache, a lot of stress, and a financial mini-emergency we weren't expecting, but we were prepared for. Riley was injured during the fight and had to go to the emergency vet. The visit cost around $200 which ate into our debt snowball for the month. After the vet visit, we sought the help of an animal behaviorist. We, in our hearts, knew what the outcome was going to be, but I believe we both were denying it and had to hear it from a professional. We called the Oregon Humane Society and they sent out their behaviorist to evaluate if Sam and Riley could continue living together and if their relationship could be rehabilitated.
The behaviorist was going to cost $350 for the appointment. We had seeen signs of the relationship deteriorating and sought the services of a trainer in the past, but when he came to the house it was clear to us he didn't really know how to help us. We were burned on that, so we decided the OHS behaviourist was the way to go, because after all you get what you pay for in all aspects of life.
After a 3 hour appointment of observation and interaction of the dogs individually and together, the behaviorist told us what we were expecting, but didn't want to hear. The dogs would probably never be best friends, but they could live together if 1. They were kept in separate rooms and 2. When together each wore a muzzle to prevent any biting if they fought again. In short, it would require careful management for the rest of their lives.
This wasn't acceptable to us for a number of reasons. We didn't want to manage our dogs, we wanted a home with dogs living in peace. We also didn't want to have to worry about Riley snapping and fighting other dogs at dog parks and gatherings, which he had done with increasing frequency in the last few months. We also didn't want to have to keep one dog in a crate or in another room when we were home because that felt cruel to us. We were scared too that the dogs would hurt each other again, and may injure each other even worse in the future. And finally, we thought of the children we plan on having in a few years. We didn't want to risk the dogs fighting and having a child get hurt because of it. So after considering the alternatives, we decided to re-home Riley. It was most definitely the toughest decision we've had to make as a couple.
We re-homed Riley on Wednesday to a nurse with a son. He has a much larger yard all to himself, and a little boy to play with him all the time. We know he will be happier as an only dog, and he has a boy to grow up with and love. It was very sad, and Kristi and I both shed many tears the last few weeks as the day approached, but in the end we know it's the best decisions for all involved.
Since Riley has left the home Sam has been a new dog. He has been better around other dogs, he has listened to commands more, and has definitely benefited from the extra attention we've showered on him since Riley has been gone. We took him to the beach this weekend and he was excellent, always coming when called, played with other dogs, and made lots of new human friends. This only reinforced the belief that we made the right decision.
Now, I said I'd talk about the financial impact of having a one dog versus two dog household. First off, the food costs go down as Riley ate about 1/3 more food per day than Sam, which made us go through a bag of dog food about twice a month. With just Sam, we'll be at less than one bag a month, and at $40/bag that adds up over the year. Additionally, we'll need half as much flea medicine, which is quite expensive, too. And also, the vet costs will go, too.
More important, though, than the monthly upkeep of Sam, is the freedom only having 1 dog affords us in daily life. For example, it's much easier to take Sam with us than it was to take both Sam and Riley. Also, it's much easier to have someone dogsit Sam than it would be to dogsit both Sam and Riley. Sam is also much better when left to his own devices; he doesn't chew, doesn't damage the house, and doesn't eliminate in the house, either. When we want to travel, having only Sam will allow us to either use a dog-friendly hotel or to board him cheaper than boarding Sam and Riley. And finally, it's much easier to fit one dog on the bed than two dogs!
I know we will miss Riley, I know we will struggle with our decision, even when we know and can already see it's for the best, but we will be better for it, both financially and more importantly emotionally.
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