Life with Charlie and Romey

 Well, hello, strangers. First, sincere apologies to those of you who have faithfully followed my blog, only to be left in the lurch with no warning. I still can't believe it's been that long since I posted!

Life has a funny way of throwing a wrench I into your routine. Yes, we moved into a manufactured home community in 2017. We enjoyed it for the most part, but skyrocketing rents in Las Vegas forced us to consider a move to a 55+ independent living complex in August of last year (2024). We couldn't be happier. Munchie cat had passed on before that at a ripe old age but Charlie is still hanging there, as feisty as ever - just frostier in the snout.

Moving was as chaotic and challenging as we remembered it. The waiting for confirmation of an apartment, qualifying for it with all the necessary paperwork, pet fees and holding fees and so on. Boxes piled halfway to the ceiling in the living and dining room while trying to keep an aisle free to go in and out and around all our "stuff." The cost of moving was terrible. That was what kept us from moving sooner! But after a frenetic month or two of prepping, downsizing all our junk, organizing, packing, giving stuff away that we would no longer use, saying goodbye tearfully with a couple of neighbors since we were moving to a different part of Vegas, we finally got to the big day. And big it was! Hours and hours of them loading the truck, extra expenses that we hadn't realized that we would be charged for, boxes packed in 2 BR apartment that used to be in a 3 BR manufactured home to cram into our new digs. And then the days of unpacking. Let's be honest, the MONTH or more of finding a space for everything!

Finally, we were done. And not having enough chaos in our lives, we decided to add a "brother from another mother" to the mix a couple of months ago. Now Charliee has a feisty, playful, mischievous Romey to terrorize him and keep him on his feet protecting his territory and his toys, not to mention his food bowl! 

Of course, we got Romey from The Animal Foundation and of course, they had no clue about his nature when we adopted him. "They" said that he didn't like you looking him in the eye, he didn't like hugs or confinement and he didn't like being touched. Right about that when you are a stranger, but within a couple of weeks he was cuddling with us, stretching out in my lap while I watched TV, barking at dogs and people he didn't know, and allowed pats on the head from those he did. It didn't take long at all for him to adapt. We learned the last time we adopted to take others' observations with a grain of salt. Say hi to our new little man:

Life has certainly been interesting. We decided to keep his current name, Rome (funny because that is the name of our street) but softened it to Romey because it is easier to call to him. The vet thought he was a senior but he isn't: we figure he is about 5 years old instead of the 7-10 years they thought. He is too spry, feisty, and quick to be a senior dog, in our opinion and with our experience.

He loves his toys (at first hugging and licking them and then taking the stuffing out of them), lets us know what he needs and wants (he has a deep WOOF rather than a bark like Charlie) and as near as we can tell, he is a standard doxie mix. That is something the vet and we agreed on. We just can't figure out what the mix is! No way does Charlie let him have HIS toys. We have those on the bed.

Romey wouldn't go on the couch for a long time, even with the ramp and he still prefers to be lifted and cuddled by me when he wants "upies." It has been an adjustment. He is a barker and we are trying to train that out of him but it won't be any easier than it was with Charlie. Dogs have their nature and the best you can do is work with them. Since walking is not as easy with 2 dogs, Mike generally runs with Romey while I plod along with Charlie at our own pace. I must say that when I take Romey for his morning stroll, he is a very good boy and listens carefully to what I tell him...until he sees a maintenance guy with a bucket or leaf blower, or another person shoots up unexpectedly in a stroller or cart. Then all bets are off and barkfest ensues.

Charlie doesn't mind the company. When we go out, he just goes up to his territory on our bed when Romey gets too active. Then Romey has the living room to himself and revels in it. Their personalities are definitely independent and wary, like most doxies, but so loving in such different ways. And they love their food and treats! They make a pretty good mix - one chill and the other more active - and we are glad to be a two-pup family.

For those of you who adopt, bless you. You will make a lifetime of difference to your new family member and they will give a lifetime of love and devotion to you. Visit a pet a couple of times before taking them home. Don't necessarily listen to staff who have only dealt with them in an institutional setting where they may be overwhelmed by the chaos, barking, or lack of attention. Make your own judgment. Please consider adopting a new friend, if you have the time, space, and patience. It is an act of love that will be returned tenfold. Please support your local shelter with donations of blankets, dog food, toys, and towels!

Love from our family to yours,