What you need to know
- Derek Hough and his wife Hayley Erbert are mourning the loss of their beloved dog Romie.
- Hough shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, expressing his deep sorrow and gratitude to Romie.
- Fans and followers offered their condolences and support, recognizing the deep connection and grief that comes with the loss of a beloved pet.
Dancing with the stars Judge Derek Hough and his wife, Hayley Erbert, are mourning a heartbreaking family loss following the death of their dog.
On Sunday, October 25, the professional dancer took to Instagram with a video of his beloved pet with the caption “14 years by my side. I miss you so much already. My heart hurts. Goodbye my son. My boy Romie.”
Derek added in the caption: “Romie came into my life when I was just trying to figure out life, it was just him and me. And for a long time, he was my constant. He saw me at my worst and at my best. He loved me through it all and gave me purpose when I couldn’t find it myself.”
After pointing out that Romie watched him “grow up, fall in love, become a husband,” he shared, “And when he started to get tired, I asked him to hold on so he could meet his little sister, and he kept his promise. He held on.” (Derek and Hayley welcomed their first child, a daughter named Everley Capri Hough, in December 2025.)
Additionally, Derek confessed, “Waking up without him feels unreal. I keep looking at that spot where he usually went around the bushes, waiting, hoping. It’s strange knowing he won’t come around that corner again.”
He concluded the update by thanking Romie “for carrying me, for giving me so much.” The grieving pet owner added: “There is a pain that seems unbearable. But it is also proof that love lived here fully. And you always will. Goodbye for now, my sweet Romie Boy.”
In the comments, followers offered their condolences to the Houghs, with one Instagram user writing, “There’s a different kind of heartbreak with our fur babies because they are always there for you no matter what’s going on in our lives. I’m so sorry for your loss.”
Another shared: “There is no loss like that of our fur babies. There is never enough time. Grief is a vast ocean and we must ride the waves as they come. Sending so much love.”
Someone else echoed: “I’m so sorry for your loss. Dogs are not just your pets, they become your family.”
Meanwhile, another Instagram user commented: “Awww! So sad but what an amazing life Romie had!!”
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