Homage to Romeo
Sadly, Romeo, one of our beloved dogs has passed away. It was time. He was twelve. But it’s never time, is it? We’re sorely missing him today. He’s not laying across our feet, wagging his tail at the door, bopping around outside with an overzised ball in his mouth.
Romeo had a special “spirit” connection to StartupNation that I’ll share with you as a sort of homage to him.
When my brother and I launched StartupNation, we were determined to create an “un-business” business resource. We wanted to make sure that StartupNation was different from the other humdrum and mind-numbing offerings available to entrepreneurs. High on our list was to ensure that we included the lifestyle aspects of being an entrepreneur - call it “the soft side” - so vital and integral to the experience of running your own business.
To highlight that lifestyle aspect we wove into the site not just written content featuring the human side of business, but also photos that we felt represented that priority on lifestyle as entrepreneurs.
Not sure how many of you frequented StartupNation back in the early days of 2003 and 2004. If you did, you would have seen the photo I’ve included here. It’s of Jeff, me and in between us, Romeo.
That was the published photo. It was meant to show that business is about people, who we are, what gives us contentment - not just the file cabinets, cubicles, commutes and spreadsheets that are more often associated with business.
The day that photo was taken the photographer came to shoot us alone. We didn’t intend to have Romeo in the scene, but each time Jeff and I sat down to “pose,” Romeo slithered in between us. He was all about love and fun and more love and more fun. We quickly realized we wanted him in the shot for that very reason. He embodied the love of life and game spirit that we know is so important to a rich life. But to really get a sense of how wonderful Romeo was, here’s a photo from the same series:
And beyond the fancy, schmancy photo shoot, here are a few other pictures of Romeo that will hopefully bring a smile to your face, remind you that life is meant to be loved, and act as an appropriate homage to a great friend that has moved on.
May 29th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Thank you Richard for sharing your thoughts and your memories and your pictures of Romeo. I will never forget the moment we agreed upon his name because if there ever was a perfect match up for name and personality…that was Romeo! A true lover!!!
We were all so lucky to have had him in our lives…he was a very special presence in our world and we will miss him.
Mom
May 29th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Thanks for sharing about your best furry friend. At times of loss it is difficult to know what to say. The easiest thing to do it just be there for the one suffering a loss. Virtually we’re all there for you! Could you please provide the tissues?
May 29th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
virtual kleenex on its way. thanks for being there. most of all i hope that people realize the urgency of living life to the fullest. times and events like these are undeniable reminders of that…
May 29th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
I’m so sorry. What a guy. What a life.
May 29th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Richard…I was just telling someone the other day “I don’t know why anyone would want any dog but a golden retriever” They are precious in every way but, best of all, they know how to be a true friend. Our hearts are sad for you. love, Molly
May 29th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
molly,
i have Romeo to thank for bringing you to me, another true friend…
sending love right back to you, don and the rest of the family.
May 30th, 2008 at 11:23 am
OMG - (Sob)
I’m going home, pick up my Yellow Lab, and bring him to the office. I hurt for you guys today.
And at the same time the pain is so bad, we are grateful for the life, aren’t we?
Frank
May 30th, 2008 at 11:33 am
sorry to hear it, I lost my dog in january and I still miss her.
May 30th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Frank, hope your pup is happy to be at work with you. that’s the idea… relish the “special,” make time for them, live true… thanks so much for the thoughts.
Dr Wright, thanks for chiming in. heart goes out to you. keep missing her - it will remind you of what’s important on a daily basis.
we’re sorely missing romeo… all i can say. he was a pure soul…
May 30th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
I’m sorry for your loss. It stinks.
I have two dogs, one 12 and the other 13. The 13 yr old lab-border collie had a growth removed last spring. The surgery unfortunately caused paralysis of his right front leg. He has trouble getting around. He’s not long for this world much longer.
The 12 yr old pure bred black lab still acts like a pup and is full of life. Problem is, she has cancer. We tried to remove it once and now it’s back. I hope she makes it through the summer as she loves frolicking in the lake.
My three young boys love both of the dogs to death and I do not look forward to the day that they are no longer around. Their barking drives me crazy, but I will miss it dearly.
Thanks for sharing the photos and story.
Chris
May 30th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
chris,
thanks for sharing your “tails”, too.
i’m getting a sense here: we need to launch a “dog-loving entrepreneurs club”.