Ex BBC man reveals traumatised Romanian rescue dog has finally settled (2024)

An ex-BBC journalist who rescued a 'terrified' dog named Sophie from Romania only to discover she was so traumatised she daren't move from behind his sofa has revealed that she's finally begun to settle in his home.

Former technology correspondent Rory Cellan-Jones, 64, and his family adopted the pet from Romania just before Christmas - she arrived at 3am after a 72-hour van journey from the Eastern European country.

Ever since, Cellan-Jones has been documenting her story on social media, using the hashtag #sophietheromanian, including their struggle to get Sophie to settle - for weeks, she hid behind the sofa, and was too scared to wander their home, let alone go outside.

However, much to the delight of animal lovers who've been following her story,in recent days, Sophie has begun to relax more in her new home - thanks, Cellan-Jones says, to patience, pet psychology and scraps of sausage meat.

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A neck tickle for Sophie: ex BBC man Rory Cellan-Jones, 64, who lives in West London with wife Diane, decided to adopt Sophie the rescue dog before Christmas - and has documented how hard it's been getting the 'terrified' dog to settle...but this week revealed their patience is paying off

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Earlier today, the journalist posted on Instagram that the pet felt comfortable enough in the presence of her new owners to allow a tickle under the chin - and other photos posted earlier this week revealed she's been exploringCellan-Jones's frosty garden - although longer walks are still out of the question.

The newsman posted, alongside a photo, 'Good morning #sophiefromromania how nice that you allow a little tickle under the chin.'

Shortly after the dog arrived, Cellan-Jones, who worked for the BBC for more than 40 years until he left in 2021, described how he'd been shocked by just how scared the rescue dog was upon arrival.

While Sophie still isn't confident enough to venture out on a longer walk, the family say she's begun to explore their West London garden - after weeks of hiding indoors

You've come a long way: a 'terrified' Sophie pictured with Rory shortly after she arrived at their West London home in December

The dog has begun to bond with the journalist's wife, Diane, with Cellan-Jones posting this photo this week, along with the caption: 'Love this picture'

Cellan-Jones, who lives with his wife Diane in West London, told BBC News at the time: 'She was much more frightened than we'd imagined.'

He added: 'There is a bit of a cautionary tale here about being aware of what adopting a dog from Romania or other foreign countries means. We didn't go into it blind, we'd seen the dog on video and she seemed to be okay.'

He said that travelling such distances had likely been a 'pretty scary experience for her'.

He added that the family had been following a pet psychology programme to try and help her feel more at home but that it had been 'two steps forward one step back' - although their efforts, a month on, seem to now be paying off.

Progress: Sophie pictured pawing the frost in a plant pot in the family's West London garden

Back in December: The nervous dog barely emerged from behind the back of the family's sofa after the 72-hour van journey from Romania

He said the family had had to learn to be 'incredibly patient' and urged those who were thinking of adopting a rescue dog to think carefully - but said the family had already grown fond of their new pet, and the support her story has garnered on social media.

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Emma Billington, from the charity Dogs for Rescue, explained to BBC Breakfast how people adopting a rescue dog shouldn't view them as ordinary domestic pets.

She said: 'It takes a long time with rescue dogs. Believe they can change and the main thing is giving them the safe space. These dogs have only known trauma so they need to feel really safe.'

She said ignoring a rescue dog felt like the 'hardest thing' for a pet owner to do but it was often the best way not to overwhelm them.

Ex BBC man reveals traumatised Romanian rescue dog has finally settled (2024)

FAQs

Ex BBC man reveals traumatised Romanian rescue dog has finally settled? ›

An ex-BBC journalist who rescued a 'terrified' dog named Sophie from Romania only to discover she was so traumatised she daren't move from behind his sofa has revealed that she's finally begun to settle in his home.

How long does it take for a Romanian rescue dog to settle? ›

It can take about 6 months for a rescue dog to fully settle into a new home, sometimes longer, so you need to prepare yourself for a long haul of exciting, rewarding and sometimes frustrating experiences during that period.

How much does it cost to rescue a dog from Romania? ›

Adopting a dog from our Shelter in Romania – £525

For our dogs coming from Romania these costs are quite extensive and are necessary in order that we fulfil our responsibilities as a responsible rescue. In addition we can offer a blood chemistry screen and a full blood count at £43 if an adopter wishes.

Why are so many dogs coming from Romania? ›

The Romanian dog problem

In the 1980s, Communist dictator Ceausescu forced thousands into crowded city tenements in an effort to industrialise Romania. As people were forced out of the countryside and their traditional cottages in the city were demolished, they had to leave their pets behind.

Is it safe to rescue a dog from Romania? ›

Though there is an element of truth in this it is a key understanding that Romanian puppies come with their own quirks, such as hyperactivity, lack of focus, high sensitivity to change and a potential for reactivity which must be curbed with positive training and consistency in routine, and will need the same patient, ...

How long does it take a rescue dog to fully adjust? ›

After 3 months,

your dog is now completely comfortable in his home. You have built trust and a true bond with your dog, which gives him a complete sense of security with you. He is set in his routine and will come to expect his dinner at his usual time.

How do you know if your rescue dog is settling? ›

You can tell from body language that your dog is adjusting to a new home. They seem more relaxed. Looking happy, resting comfortably, and loosening of the body are all signs your dog is adjusting well. Also, your dog will wag its tail faster when they see you because they feel comfortable and at ease.

How to toilet train a Romanian rescue dog? ›

TOILET TRAINING:

Following on from this take them out to go to the toilet as soon as they wake up, after each meal and every couple of hours for the first week (every hour if a puppy) this will lessen the risk of accidents in the house and give you the opportunity to praise and reinforce all toileting outside.

What is the plight of Romanian dogs? ›

"Approximately 5 million puppies are born in Romania in rural areas every year, some of them being killed by their owners and the others being abandoned in the streets and the woods, and as long as the dogs with owners will not be sterilized, through coherent programs, Romania's streets will never be free of dogs."

Why are rescue dogs so expensive? ›

Shelters and rescue groups typically cover initial veterinary costs, which may be high for an animal in poor health. They also pay for the animals' food, transportation and other expenses.

What diseases do Romanian dogs carry? ›

This infectious disease is caused by a bacteria, Brucella canis, which cannot be cured. It affects a dog's ability to breed and can also affect other organs. Found commonly in animals from Eastern Europe and in particular Romania as well as other EU countries, and elsewhere in the world.

What do they do to dogs in Romania? ›

Dogs are seen very differently in Romania to how they are seen in the UK. Dog catchers are paid to find dogs and catch them in any way they can... usually this involves the use of catch-poles, beatings, abuse and manhandling. Understandibly, the dogs are terrified and most have never encountered a loving human touch.

Why is there a ban on dogs from Romania to UK? ›

In addition to rabies, there are other diseases of concern in animals from these countries, including Echinococcus multilocularis, a tapeworm that poses a serious disease risk to humans following contact with infected dog faeces.

How to stop aggression in Romanian rescue dogs? ›

Ignore any reactions, do not tell the dog off or shout, say 'let's go' and lead them in the opposite direction, taking some steps away and start again.

How many homeless dogs are in Romania? ›

There are estimated to be over 600,000 stray dogs living on the streets of Romania, more than in any other European country. Stray dogs are routinely abused and viewed as vermin in this country which lacks impactful animal welfare regulations.

What caused the stray dog problem in Romania? ›

Romania's stray dog problem is highly complex and became much worse in the 1970s, when the country-wide move towards urbanisation resulted in many people moving into small apartments and no longer being able to keep their pet dogs.

How long does it take for a shelter dog to calm down? ›

For fearful dogs or those stressed in the shelter environment, it could take a few weeks or months for them to start feeling comfortable. Robust puppies who are appropriately socialized with a reputable breeder might only take a few days.

How long did it take your rescue dog to trust you? ›

After three months, your dog definitely knows he's yours! He is comfortable with his home and has started to build true trust in you. He is likely set in his routine and is probably enjoying his new life with you. Your dog is probably falling in love with your family members as well.

How do I get my new rescue dog to settle? ›

Helping Your Rescue Dog To Settle Into Their New Home- A Guide
  1. Give Them A Guided Tour. On their first visit to their new home, keep your rescue dog in the lead and give them a guided tour. ...
  2. Make Your New Pet A Safe Place. ...
  3. Introduce Other Family Members Slowly. ...
  4. Create A Routine. ...
  5. Take Things Slow.
Jul 20, 2021

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