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 simple interaction convinced him that the dog belonged with him.

What began as a volunteer experience turned into a 14-year friendship. Romie became Derek’s steady companion as his career developed, his relationships changed, and his family grew.

In his farewell tribute, Derek remembered how much Romie meant to him during his younger years. He explained that the dog entered his life when he was still figuring things out and gave him a sense of purpose during difficult moments.

Romie Stayed Long Enough to Meet Someone Special

Over the years, Romie watched Derek build a life that eventually included his wife, Hayley Erbert Hough. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Everley Capri, in December 2025.

As Romie grew older, Derek knew their time together was becoming more precious. But there was one milestone he desperately wanted his longtime companion to experience before saying goodbye.

Derek shared that he had asked Romie to hold on long enough to meet the couple’s daughter. In his emotional tribute, he said his beloved dog did exactly that.

For Derek, Romie’s opportunity to meet Everley meant that his companion from the earliest chapter of his adult life had also become part of his daughter’s story. The dog who had once shared a home with Derek alone was there to witness the beginning of an entirely new chapter.

Credit: Instagram

Derek Shares the Heartache of Life Without Romie

In his October 25 tribute, Derek described the painful adjustment of waking up without the dog who had been part of his daily routine for so many years. He admitted that he still found himself looking toward the familiar spot where Romie would usually appear.

The absence was especially difficult because those small, everyday moments had become so familiar. After 14 years together, Derek was learning what life looked like without his constant companion nearby.

His farewell also reflected the gratitude he had expressed while Romie was still alive. In his 2023 interview, Derek spoke about wanting to appreciate his aging dog and thank him for the years of companionship they had shared.

Derek had previously discussed the grief of losing a beloved pet when speaking about his sister Julianne Hough’s experience. Julianne lost two dogs in 2019, and Derek later explained that people who deeply love their pets understand the desire to protect and care for them throughout their lives.

Fourteen Years of Love and a Final Goodbye

Romie’s passing marks the end of a companionship that began with a chance meeting at a rescue shelter. From the couch where he first curled up on Derek’s lap to the family he eventually became part of, Romie remained an important presence through years of change.

Credit: Instagram

In his tribute, Derek thanked Romie for the love and companionship he had given him. Although he described the grief as overwhelming, he also recognized how much love had filled their years together.

Derek ended his message with a tender farewell to his longtime friend, calling him his sweet Romie Boy. The dog who arrived for just one night in 2012 had stayed for 14 years, long enough to see Derek become a husband, welcome his daughter, and build the family Romie had been part of from the beginning.

This content was created with AI assistance and edited by the iHeartDogs team.