Dogs can offer structure, exercise, companionship, and unconditional love—but not all of them. Kate Williams shares her experience with Romeo, a Staffordshire bull terrier she describes as a 'bald, psychopathic wrecking ball' with 'raw, tenacious savagery'. Unlike the typical emotional support animal, Romeo is an 'emotional drain animal'.
Williams got Romeo from Gumtree after meeting his parents multiple times. Despite red flags—his mother was named Rebel and his father Rogue—she ignored them. Rogue was always behind a baby gate during visits, which Williams initially interpreted as enthusiasm but later realised signified uncontrollability.
Romeo showed no serious aggression until 11 months old, when he fought a French bulldog. After that, incidents escalated with larger dogs like a Great Dane and a Rhodesian ridgeback. Williams now walks him only on a lead, resulting in 'long, desultory walks' where she constantly apologises. A good day involves just one incident, such as lunging at a fox or barking at a husky across a road.
Despite his aggression toward other dogs, Romeo loves all people equally. Williams finds this asymmetrical: she is just one of many love objects to him, while he is her 'One True Dog'.
