Romeo Turns 8!

I can't believe my boy is 8! Where does the time go??
I feel like it was just last week when I drove to Philadelphia to pick up my little nugget from the airport. He was SO TINY and I was terrified. I didn't know the first thing about caring for a puppy, and here I was bringing home the most adorable little babe I could ever imagine. I had NO idea how much my life was about to change from that moment on.

I mean, look at me now. Look at US now. 8 years later, and we have this crazy business of ours. We've made so many wonderful friends along the way. I've learned so much about dogs -- and people. The amount of things Romeo has taught me is just endless. He has opened my heart in ways I've never even imagined were possible.



I've said it before and I'll say it again -- dogs, man.They're magic.

But Romeo is something else. Romeo is so special. Not only is he the biggest and beefiest French Bulldog I've ever seen (and I've seen A LOT!), but he's also the sweetest, most gentle giant in the world. He never barks nor bites. He'd never hurt another soul. He has these big round eyes that just look up at you so innocently, even after he just peed on your favorite rug to get your attention. It's quite impossible to be mad at a face like his and he knows it
and takes full advantage.

He doesn't ask for much. He just wants to be near you. If you're on the couch, he wants to be there. Not touching you of course, he'll get comfy on the other end probably with his back towards you. But I promise you, he'll turn around and check about every 5 minutes just to make sure you're still there. :) But if you're not, he'll come find you and sit by you. If you're in another room and the door's shut, he'll patiently wait outside the door for you. Even for hours without making a sound. He's so so patient. But he doesn't ask for much. Just to be near you...

For the last 8 years, that's exactly what he's done. He's been near me, by my side every step of the way. While I worked from home for 4 years growing FBL, Romeo loved to lay by my feet as I worked. He would sleep under my desk while I worked on the computer or packed my orders. When I moved the "office" down to our basement, he happily followed and found a new comfy spot under the new table. He didn't care where we worked or for how long. As long as he could keep me company, he was happy. And really -- what more could I ask for?

But working from home could get a little monotonous at times. So we made sure to take plenty of breaks for adventures. We took frequent walks by the beach, explored nearby parks, and wandered around the neighborhood -- taking a different path each time. He helped me break out of my comfort zone and see things
I never even knew were there.

When we eventually moved the business to our Brooklyn studio, our worlds opened up even more. Every day since, has been a wonderful new adventure. Romeo absolutely loves coming to work with me. Rain, shine, snow.. whatever... Romeo is there, buttwiggle and all. He never misses a day by my side. He's the most loyal, most loving, most forgiving being I have ever met. And I'm so lucky that out of all the nuggets in the world, this one somehow ended up with me. Soulmates, for sure.

Happy happy birthday to my favorite boy in the world and my best friend.
I love you so much. Thank you for the best 8 years of my life.
Here's to you and all our adventures to come.