Oh Romeo.

I have been feeling like a terrible parent. Not to Noelle, but to ROMEO. 

Poor guy. 

I give him the worst parenting ever now that Noelle is around. 

I yell at him not to beg but demand he eat anything dropped on the floor.

He's like a ROCK in bed so we shuffle him around until Maxx gets frustrated and says he's not allowed in bed anymore. (He always gives in the next day, though :)

His breath stinks so bad, no matter if I brush his teeth or not

He's been getting into any trash and it makes him stink sooo bad- making me have to give him more constant baths. (which is SO not convenient)

He rolls in dead things when I let him outside and comes in to try and get on the couch. (gag)

I can't count all the things that drives me nuts! I caught all of this after I finally  said "I hate this stupid dog!" 

How terrible?! But I feel like it's always something. But the poor guy! I must totally ignore him all the time and just talk and play with Noelle. On the other hand, NOELLE is obsessed with him. He isn't quite so fond of her but she lovesss him and cries out for him everywhere we go. So he gets lots of attention by me telling her to "be nice" or pet him "soft".

I can't imagine when we have more kids! The things is that I used to/still do loves DOGS! What happened? He's not really a bad dog so why am I always so mad at him? He has been rebelling a lot more now that I'm back at work, though. He's not liking it very much at all.

When it came down to taking this trip to FL, we debated on taking him and of course I said we'd go ahead and haul him on down. Because you see, he's always been like my "kid" and he went everywhere with us. But after a few days of thinking about it, I decided he could just stay back. We have friends that have pups (and are awesome owners :) so I felt comfortable leaving him there with them for the duration of our trip.

Since we were supposed to be leaving at 6am, Maxx dropped Romeo off the evening before, while I was at work. As soon as I got home I started eating some leftovers that were still on the counter. I dropped my very first bite and yelled "Roooommmeeoo" to come eat my cheesy macaroni shell. 

I didn't hear his nails running across the floor. 

I didn't feel his wet kisses on my feet.

I didn't see the macaroni gone!

I suddenly got sad.

I've never had him not there for 3 entire years.

Romeo has just been there- through it all.

Now, I sit here remembering all the things he has been with me through. 

Moving, traveling, cooking (he hates when I fry food for some reason), first snow, having a baby, working, not working, working again....

When it comes down to it I'm just missing my buddy. I think I may have re-kindled a new spot for the little man and I'll try to be more appreciative of his loyal friendship to me. I mean, he is still just a dog after all, but he's still my baby. 

I don't think I could EVER give him away but this does put a hold on getting another (bigger) dog like Maxx wants. I have heard, however, that he may be better with a companion.  
Oh, dear.