Coincidences, coincidences

I think that's an amazing and wonderful thing to have happen!  How often do people say "Oh I've been gone for TWO weeks -- my dog won't even remember me!"  Oh yes they do!
 
The man looked older, and the dog 'changed' too as he aged -- but I'd betcha Romeo would say "but heck -- SMELLS don't change!!!"
 
That is absolutely awesome. 
 
But this is likely why you've bonded so well with him -- he's an old soul and obviously he's known love and ... 'bad' times.  so when a dog like that bestows its love on you, you KNOW you're loved!  don't let it make you said -- instead let it be more precious to know that he came thru so many things and people to come to YOU and make your life so much richer. 
 
It's like when my husband and I think of all we both went thru before we 'found' each other -- I don't let myself get bummed out because we didn't meet when we were 20 -- because WE weren't 'ready' for each other then.  When we found each other we WERE ready then.  so were you and Romeo!

I think the story of Romeo and the man is a bittersweet one.  I would be sad, too, learning of his true age and feeling a bit envious of his obvious joy in seeing the man.
 
But, on the other hand, a reunion like that is an actual experience of something that I rely on as a comforting image when I think of the Rainbow Bridge -- that animals will always remember those who loved and cared for them, and that they will greet us with enthusiasm, no matter how long it is before we meet again. 
 
How full all 3 of your hearts are because of that experience.  Romeo feels the joy of seeing someone again who treated him with great care, the man gets to see that the special dog he helped is now enjoying a life and family that many dogs can only wish for, and you can rejoice that your dog is the delight he is to you today because many years ago that man helped him and allowed his life to continue on the path that eventually led to you.  A unique bond is shared between the 3 of you.

Olinda, that is a beautiful story! It makes me think of how you and Romeo were so destined to be together.
I wish I could meet the person who knew and took care of my dog when she was a pup.

Wow, what a great story.  I am sure that man was floored when he saw Romeo.  Just another reason why I would love to know what our dogs are thinking!! []

Small world!  And what a wonderful story.  I've always known that dogs remember people regardless of time and distance.
 
Olinda, I wouldn't be too discouraged by Romeo's age.  Look how long Callie's Foxy lived.  And I believe Angel (forpaws) has a 21-year-old tzu.  You never know.

Romeo has to be the most fated/fateful dog ever.  How he came to be yours, and how he came to see that man again and you were able to learn some history about him... it's just amazing! 
I think I'd be sad to learn he was much older than expected, but if he's healthy and happy, who knows how long he will be around.  Sounds like he has a lifetime full of missions/lives to touch.  How special to be one of them.
Big smooches to Romeo and hugs to you, Elizabeth!

I've always known that dogs remember people regardless of time and distance.

 
I have always believed this, too.  I wish more people understood the significance of their actions to the dogs...

What a beautiful story. It must have made that man so happy to see what a good life Romeo has now. I am a firm believer in all things happen for a reason. I don't blame you for feeling jealous, I probably would have also. But how wonderful for Romeo and the man.