11/17/2025
*content warning: graphic animal abuse discussions*
In April of 2024 Romi was returned to me by a concerned citizen after starvation, lack of proper medical care, and abandonment pursuant to RCW 16.54.010. At this time ownership by her previous owner was terminated and we began trying to figure out what was best for Romi while she decompressed and enjoyed farm life with us.
We ultimately decided to place her temporarily with Melissa Sanders of Magnum Opus German Shepherds, beginning in July of 2024. As she was a dear friend and mentee, we believed that Melissa would give her an excellent life while with her and that Romi could contribute to producing more service dogs to bless those in need. And she did have a great life for many months- that much we know. She got to be in a Royal Canin commercial, she ran and played at the lake, and she made very good dog friends. Everyone who met her reported back to me how amazing she was and how well taken care of she was.
However, in Summer of 2025, communication with Melissa suddenly decreased. She blamed her split with her ex fiance and emotionally struggling with his behavior for the lack of communication and we did our best to give her space and respect her time while still requesting updates from her. In late summer 2025 we were informed that Romi's breeding to Kaiser (co owned between Melissa and Jay Hill) was successful and on September 9th, 2025, we were told that she had delivered 5 puppies naturally, 4 males and 1 female who I got to see. I was so happy for Romi, who is a natural momma who takes joy in it all, just as her mother, momma Shar, does.
I received very few visual updates afterward, although I did talk on the phone with her a few times. Overall, the communication was very lacking for me having puppies there that I needed to know about and communication completely ceased on October 23rd. I could not get a response from her whatsoever. This was very distressing for me, but I still believed in Melissa and I had never had her fail be before, so I kept hope.
I have now learned that on November 13th a search warrant was executed on Melissa's home which uncovered a horror show. She was arrested later that evening with 3 puppies in her possession. They are still unsure exactly how many dogs and puppies have lost their lives at her hands, but we do know that the majority were starved to death. One of the investigators told me that it is the worst thing he has seen in his career so far.
Currently, we have not been able to identify if Romi's body was one of the bodies found due to the conditions. They are still searching for microchips to confirm which dogs have passed and which possibly were moved elsewhere. Only 2 adult GSDs left her home alive.... 5 GSD puppies, 4 males, 1 female who fit the right age range are among the puppies recovered from the property and her person. We are working with the stud owner and animal control to try to figure out if they are Romi's babies and get them back to one or both of us safely.
I dont have words for how I have felt this weekend. So many of us have lost a friend. We trusted her implicitly and for a long time she gave us all good reason to. I don't know yet how much of our relationship was manipulation vs someone who just lost all control and made the worst possible choices. I dont know what to do about the fact that Romi likely has suffered starvation for a second time because people I trusted to love her and who showed they would, suddenly turned around and began abusing their animals. I dont know what to think or who to trust, but I am so grateful for how the dog community has come together to help support eachother through this.
If you have any information on Romi- if you even think you may know of someone who could have her, please let me know. I am praying and staking so much of my sanity right now on the hope that she got out.
I will post more in the coming days for anyone who would like more details.
The photos below are of Romi when she was happiest. Please share in hopes she will be found.
