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 featuring the text, “14 years by my side. I miss you so much already. My heart aches. Goodbye my son. My Romie boy.”
Derek added in the caption, “Romie came into my life when I was just trying to figure life out, it was just me and him. 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 somehow gave me purpose when I couldn’t find it myself.”
After pointing out the Romie witnessed 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’d usually come around the bushes, waiting, hoping. It’s strange to know he won’t come around that bend again.”
He concluded the update by thanking Romie “for carrying me, for giving me so much.” The bereaved pet ownder added, “There’s an ache that feels unbearable. But it’s also proof that love lived here fully. And you always will. Goodbye for now my sweet sweet Romie Boy.”
In the comments, followers showered the Houghs with condolences, with one Instagram user writing, “There is a different kind of heart break with our fur babies because they are always there for you no matter what is going on in ours lives. I’m so sorry for your loss.”
Another shared, “There is no loss like that of our fur babies. No time is ever enough. Grief is a wide ocean and we have to 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, yet another Instagram user commented, “Awww! Sooo SAD but what an incredible life Romie had!!”
Read the latest entertainment news on TV Insider.
