Riff is SO happy having a dog of similar age/energy around to play with that it makes me happy and sad at the same time. Happy because it is so nice to see him so happy, and sad because it's just not feasible for me to get a 3rd dog right now. I'll be moving as soon as I can afford it and it's going to be hard enough finding a place with 2 dogs. I can't afford a 3rd dog right now. Riff is still such an exuberant puppy that I couldn't handle 3, not until he matures more. And there is so much I want to accomplish with my two before adding another. I want to get Rowan trialing and Riff past some of his fears/issues, and maybe into some classes as well.
I plan on having 3 eventually. I just can't do it now and I feel bad that Riff doesn't have anyone to play with, knowing now how happy it makes him.
On a related note I have to brag on Rowan. He's only 7, but he's increasingly become a grumpy old man with other dogs. He's very tolerant and gives appropriate warnings which I've always appreciated, but he still takes a long time to actually warm up to a dog. He has been so good with Milo! He's not playing with him, of course, but he has been super accepting of having (another!) crazy young dog in his home. No grumbling, no nasty looks across the room, nothing. He's even been run into numerous times by the other boys playing and just ignores it. This is the dog that snapped at Riff every time he got close to him for months.
AND his relationship with Riff has improved so, so much. Last night he actually got jealous that Riff was playing with Milo and forced his way into the game to get Riff's attention. I'm just proud of him. He can be a jerkbag sometimes but he will forever be my best boy.