Like many, many others on X/Twitter, I became captivated by the story of #SophieFromRomania ever since Rory Cellan-Jones, a former technology journalist/presenter on the BBC, adopted her and she was brought to his house and placed in his arms in the dead of night in December 2022. The first tweet that Rory shared of her was of a forlorn and scared looking dog, with fear in her eyes at her new home and new surroundings, but who was the most gorgeous and precious little dog that there ever was.

Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, Rory hoped that Sophie’s arrival would mean a return to daily walks which would be very beneficial for him with his condition, something that had stopped ever since he and his wife, Professor Diane Coyle, lost their previous dog Cabbage to old age. Sadly, it wasn’t to be – after arriving with Rory and Diane, Sophie ventured to behind their red sofa in the lounge, and hardly ever came out for a good long while.

The Story of #SophieFromRomania

Thus began a story of perseverance, patience, and the profound emotional connection between humans and animals. The touching narrative during the talk focused on the experience of rescuing Sophie, a dog who had endured hardships and trauma, but who eventually found a loving home with a family determined to help her heal. This wasn’t a typical adoption, as not only was Sophie from Romania, it was also during the challenging lockdown period, when the world felt uncertain, and daily routines were thrown off balance.

Sophie arrived looking terrified, described by Rory as “the most sad and frightened animal on earth.” The image of her curled up in the hallway, seeking comfort in small spaces like behind the red sofa in the lounge, paints a vivid picture of the anxiety and fear she carried. It took her seven months to even begin to feel comfortable, and during that time, Rory and Diane showed immense patience, offering love without pushing her too far.

One of the most poignant aspects of Sophie’s journey is the deep bond that formed through these small moments of trust—like the time Sophie accepted a piece of sausage from Rory’s hand for the first time, an event they filmed and shared online. This simple act, though minor to an outsider, marked a breakthrough for a dog who had experienced so much fear and trauma.

The story of #SophieFromRomania also touches on the emotional challenges faced by Rory and Diane with her. There’s a raw honesty in how Rory describes the shame he felt about having to use anxiety medication (Prozac) for her —something many pet owners might relate to. They struggled with societal expectations and even their own preconceptions about handling Sophie’s behaviour, but ultimately, they did what was necessary for her well-being. It’s a reminder that caring for a rescue dog often means unlearning what we think we know and being open to different methods of care.

How Sophie’s Story Is Intertwined with Rory’s

Rory also reflects on broader issues, like mental health and the reluctance to speak openly about struggles—whether personal or related to pets. Rory’s vulnerability in sharing his own experiences, including his encounter with an unpleasant experience with the NHS when he fell and broke his arm in 2023, adds another layer to his journey with #SophieFromRomania. It’s not just about rescuing Sophie; it’s about navigating life’s challenges as a whole.

Rory’s talk about #SophieFromRomania is a beautiful testament to the healing power of love and patience. Sophie’s transformation from a frightened, timid dog to one who could enjoy even small moments of joy shows that, with time and care, even the most damaged souls can heal. For anyone considering adopting a rescue dog, Sophie’s story offers a heartfelt look into the realities of the process—the highs, the lows, and the moments that make it all worthwhile.

Final Thoughts

I was honoured to meet Rory after the event and for him to sign my copy of his book about #SophieFromRomania, as well as his book “Ruskin Park”, and I’m very much looking forward to reading Rory’s book about #SophieFromRomania. My friend Wendy made a bee-line for the entrance to Waterstones where Rory was doing his book signing after the event, and as a result we were first in the queue to get my book signed. Thanks to Wendy, I also got this photo of myself with Rory:  

I celebrate in every milestone that Sophie makes which Rory shares religiously on X/Twitter and Instagram. Recently she has started to venture upstairs for the first time and even sleep on Rory and Diane’s bed, and I was so happy to see Sophie reach these important milestones after such a long time, it really is testament to the patience both Rory and Diane have with her.

They are things that many dog owners take for granted, but for #SophieFromRomania, they were huge challenges that had to be overcome. It has taken a long time for Sophie to feel at home with Rory and Diane, and many would have given up and returned her to where she came from. Their patience and resilience with Sophie is finally starting to pay off, and it has been an honour to follow Sophie’s story and journey through Rory.  I look forward to continuing Sophie’s journey and celebrating all her milestones to come.

You can buy Rory’s book “Sophie From Romania: A Year of Love and Hope with a Rescue Dog” from Amazon.