Pet of the Month: Romeo

This is part of the “Pet of the Month” feature in partnership with the Newberg Animal Shelter. The goal is to shine a light on some of the shelter’s longest tenured residents with the hopes of them finding their forever homes. To learn more, visit the Newberg Animal Shelter website.

If you’re looking for a dog with equal parts heart, humor, and horsepower, allow us to introduce Romeo, the Newberg Animal Shelter’s longest-waiting resident.

Romeo has been at the Newberg Animal Shelter for 343 days and counting. He arrived in Newberg from the Maui Humane Society in February 2025, part of a hopeful effort to help him find a fresh audience—and, finally, a forever home. Before that, Romeo had already spent months in shelter care and a short stint in a foster home, where he proved himself to be potty trained, non-destructive, and a solid overnight sleeper who did well with a 15-year-old kid in the house.

At nearly 4 years old and about 70 pounds, Romeo is a hound/pointer mix (likely foxhound and English pointer). Translation: calm and cuddly indoors, extremely athletic outdoors. He’s the kind of dog who will happily join you for a long run, a hike, or a spirited game of fetch—then immediately transform into a world-class couch potato once the zoomies are out of his system.

Staff describe one of his signature quirks like this: outside, he’s a bouncy goofball; inside, he curls into a tight little ball and delivers dramatic “I’m being ignored” faces until someone offers affection or treats. It works. Every time.

Because of his size, strength, and prey drive, Romeo would do best in a home with a fully fenced yard, no cats or chickens, and either older kids (12+) or adults only. He thrives with regular daily exercise and clear routines—and in return, he offers loyalty, affection, and an impressive ability to be both adventure buddy and snuggle companion.

Thinking about fostering instead? With kitten season approaching this spring, the shelter will soon be looking for kitten foster homes. Community members interested in helping can apply by filling out a volunteer application on the shelter’s website.

Whether you’re ready to adopt, foster, or simply spread the word, Romeo—and many others like him—are waiting for their next chapter to begin.