Neurosurgeon Spends $200K on Protection Dogs

Dr. Reg Haid, a neurosurgeon, has invested a total of $200,000 in two protection dogs from the breeder Svalinn. The purchase was driven by the dogs' high level of intellect and emotional intelligence.

Haid initially purchased his first dog, Elias, for $75,000. Impressed by the animal's capabilities, he later paid $125,000 for a second dog, Rooster. Despite the high price tag, Haid views the dogs as a valuable investment in security and companionship, particularly for his wife, Mary Ellen. The dogs require daily training and a significant emotional commitment, but Haid reports they are well-behaved and deeply connected to the family.

Dr. Reg Haid, a neurosurgeon and consultant to a medical device manufacturer, initially resisted the idea of owning a protection dog. As a doctor who had stitched up children with dog bites and a military veteran who witnessed the ferocity of working dogs, he did not want an aggressive animal. However, his perspective shifted when his wife, Mary Ellen, convinced him to visit the Svalinn ranch in Montana.

During the visit, a Svalinn dog approached Haid, kissed him, and placed its head in his lap. Haid described this moment as the turning point, noting that the dog seemed to possess a real intellect that allowed for an emotional connection. This encounter occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when Haid felt a need for companionship. Consequently, he and his wife spent $75,000 on their first dog, Elias, who is now 8 years old.

The experience with Elias was overwhelmingly positive. Haid described the dog as loving, gentle, and playful with their children and grandchildren. The Svalinn team delivered Elias to their cabin for Christmas, where he immediately integrated into the family. Haid admitted that he was "smitten" by the dog's demeanor and capabilities.

Following the successful integration of Elias, Dr. Haid decided to acquire a second dog. He paid an additional $125,000 to secure the pick of the next litter. This brought his total expenditure on the two dogs to $200,000. The second dog, named Rooster, is currently 4 years old.

Haid expressed embarrassment regarding the total amount spent, citing his upbringing on a West Virginia farm without plumbing or heat. He noted that he could not previously fathom spending six figures on a dog. However, he emphasized that his financial success as a neurosurgeon and consultant allows him the means to make these purchases. He contrasts this spending with his personal habits regarding vehicles and clothing, stating that he drives a Ford truck and does not spend money on "fancy clothes," but is glad to invest in his dogs.

The value proposition of the dogs, according to Haid, is "amazing." He believes the dogs offer a transcendent experience similar to riding an intelligent horse, describing an emotional connection he did not anticipate. He noted, "I never knew I could love a dog so much."

The primary utility of the dogs for the Haid family is protection, particularly for Mary Ellen. While Dr. Haid, as a man, does not worry much about his own safety, he appreciates the dogs' presence during hikes in Montana. On one occasion, the dogs became alert during a hike; Haid left the area immediately without waiting to investigate the cause.

Mary Ellen relies on the dogs as deterrents while Haid travels for work. She reportedly never worries about being home alone because Elias and Rooster sleep in the bedroom. Haid has observed that if something startles his wife, the dogs become "very attentive and engaged."

Beyond security, Haid values the dogs' lack of behavioral issues. He stated that the dogs provide all the benefits of pet ownership without the inconveniences typically associated with dogs, such as barking or misbehavior. This high level of discipline is a key component of their value to him.

Ownership of Svalinn dogs requires more than just financial capital; it demands a significant investment of time and emotion. When Elias was delivered, Dr. Haid and his wife participated in two days of training with Svalinn trainers to learn how to handle the dog properly.

To maintain their proficiency, Haid works with the dogs daily to keep them updated on their commands. Furthermore, the family returns to the Svalinn ranch at least once a year for additional training sessions. Haid describes these sessions as an "awesome couple of hours learning together."

He summarizes the experience by noting that while the cost is high, the intellect and emotional intelligence of the dogs make them "worth every penny." He acknowledges that without the experience, he might have thought the price was crazy, but maintains that Elias and Rooster are simply "different" from other dogs.