Romey's Remarkable Rescue: A Success Story

Love at First Leap: Romey's Journey from Transport to Treasured Companion

For Jan, the moment she knew Romey was meant to be her dog happened in the backseat of a car. After years of volunteering as an overnight host for Mobile Mutts Rescue alongside her husband, Jan had seen many dogs come and go. But when the Australian Shepherd mix named Romeo climbed into the car that fateful day in May 2014, something extraordinary happened.

"When Romey got into the back seat of the car with me, he literally flew into my arms and immediately fell asleep on my lap," Jan recalls with fondness. In that instant, she turned to her husband and declared, "This is my dog!"

The Tasmanian Devil with a Heart of Gold

At approximately eight months old when adopted, Romey earned the nickname "the Tasmanian Devil" due to his boundless energy. "Early in his life, he was a whirling dervish of energy!" Jan shares. But beneath that spirited exterior was a deeply affectionate dog who thrived on family connection.

The journey wasn't without its challenges. "Romey didn't care for other dogs, except for his 'brother', Bongo (another Mobile Mutts alum), whom he loves," Jan explains. Determined to help him overcome his reactivity to leashes and other dogs, Jan enrolled him in several training classes. Her dedication paid off as Romey improved tremendously, even earning his Canine Good Citizen certification. "We've learned over the years to trust each other even in difficult situations," she reflects.

A Neighborhood Celebrity with a Taste for Adventure

One of Romey's most endearing traits is his enthusiasm for food, which has turned him into something of a local celebrity. "Romey LOVES food. Over the years, he's learned all the houses in the neighborhood where he can expect a snack," Jan laughs. This gastronomic passion has also earned him the title of Jan's "sous chef" in the kitchen.

Now at eleven years old, Romey has naturally slowed down, particularly after developing nasal carcinoma nearly three years ago. Yet Jan speaks with pride about their success in fighting the disease and maintaining his quality of life: "We have been successful in fighting it and slowing its progress while keeping him healthy, active, and happy."

Days Filled with Simple Joys

A typical day for Romey now includes morning and late afternoon walks with Jan, playtime, and snacks in between, and romps in the backyard with his brother Bongo. Evenings find him contentedly sleeping on Jan's lap or by her side – a far cry from the whirling dervish of his youth, but no less cherished.

When asked about their favorite activity together, Jan doesn't hesitate: "Walking around the neighborhood and collecting snacks from our neighbors (Romey has developed a solid fan base!). We also enjoy a good nap together."

A Retirement Inspiration

For Jan, the decision to adopt Romey shortly after her retirement became transformative in unexpected ways. "Romey and I have a true friendship. It's unlike any relationship I have known," she shares. Perhaps most remarkably, Romey's presence in her life inspired Jan to pursue a new passion: "Because of his inspiration, I have become a full-time painter of rescue animals."

When reflecting on the most rewarding part of adopting a rescue animal, Jan's answer reveals the depth of their bond: "For me, it's growing together with my dog, and developing a relationship of trust and unconditional love. It's a true partnership."

A Lifetime of Rescue Commitment

As a self-described "true believer in adoption," Jan has welcomed many rescue pets throughout her life. Her advice to prospective adopters is straightforward but profound: "Make sure you have the time, resources, and commitment to providing care and love for the animal you adopt."

Her gratitude to Mobile Mutts Rescue speaks volumes about the organization's impact. "We were attracted to Mobile Mutts Rescue because of its mission and commitment to helping move endangered animals out of kill shelters and providing foster and adoption opportunities," Jan explains. After hosting dozens of dogs and having previously adopted from local shelters, she found profound fulfillment when Romey entered her life: "When I finally found that dog of my very own, one who truly needed me as much as I needed him, I felt immediate joy!"

Now, eleven years after that fateful car ride, Jan and Romey continue to enrich each other's lives – a testament to the beautiful bonds formed when rescue animals find their forever homes.

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