Derek Hough Says Goodbye to Beloved Rescue Dog Romie After 14 Years

For 14 years, Derek Hough had a loyal companion by his side through some of the biggest changes in his life. Now, the Dancing with the Stars judge is saying goodbye to his beloved rescue dog, Romie, who was there long before Derek became a husband and father. On October 25, Derek shared an emotional Instagram tribute announcing Romie’s passing. Alongside a video of his longtime companion walking across sunlit green grass, the professional dancer reflected on their years together and revealed that Romie had held on long enough to meet the newest member of their family. Credit: Instagram A Rescue Dog Who Became Derek’s Constant Companion Derek and Romie’s story began in 2012 when the dancer volunteered to walk dogs at a Los Angeles rescue. He hadn’t necessarily planned on bringing a dog home permanently, but one particular pup quickly changed those plans. Romie initially joined Derek for what was supposed to be an overnight stay. However, the little visitor made himself comfortable, and Derek soon realized their time together would last much longer. During a 2023 interview with The Spruce Pets, Derek recalled the moment Romie climbed onto his couch and settled into his lap. That simp...