Of all the memories I have of Romeo over the last 14 years, perhaps my favorite -- because it is so symbolic of who he was -- is the sight of him lightly and gingerly sniffing at Aphrodite, our African Grey, as she edged past him on the floor while shouting, "...excuse me!". Even when she leaned forward to zap him with a preemptory peck, Romey merely put his head on the floor and sighed, watching her tolerantly as she sidestepped along her way.
Romeo was the proverbial gentle giant. A calendar-worthy dog, and the offspring of a long line of champions, he was gifted with a perfect face, framed by soft white hair just tinged with blond highlights here and there. Playful, strong and energetic as a puppy, he only slowed down at age 11, a time when many dogs of his size and breed are well into advanced old age. Romey was obedient, affectionate, and calm. He was the neighborhood favorite, making friends wherever he went, people being drawn to his "picture dog" looks and placid, affable demeanor. Right up to the last week of his life, he was always ready for a walk, pulling on the leash and ambling down the street to encounter new adventures.
Romeo never met a human being that wasn't a friend. He loved Christmas, eagerly awaiting his own Christmas stocking, watching as each separate toy emerged. He was a big dog with a delicate step, moving around a house filled with spindly legs and wobbly breakables without ever toppling even one. He treasured his special toys, seeming to know who gave him which one and bringing that specific toy over to them, as if to show that he still loved his gift and wanted them to know it. He was not particularly interested in other dogs, perhaps not recognizing them as one of his own - he, of course, being one of us, in his own view.
When Charley came, Romeo would allow the little interloper to terrorize him, grab his favorite toys and taunt him, dashing impishly into Romey’s special resting spots. Naturally, Romeo tried to coil himself tight and occupy Charley's tiny bed too. Charley looked up to and adored his big brother.
As for Ditey, she talks about him every day, calling him, scolding him and then inevitably telling him what a good boy he is. She still thinks he will return from the long walk, as he had always done.
Like many well loved family companions, and all Labradors, Romeo was kind, intelligent, patient and loyal. I sometimes imagine he is at my elbow, pushing his head under my arm to be petted. Or I see him coming around the corner when I return from the store, cheerfully welcoming me back.
My life will not be the same without him and I will never forget him.
Baron's Mellow Romeo
1995 - 2009
