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Sophie From Romania: A Year of Love and Hope with a Rescue Dog
'A DAILY DOSE OF HOPE' Jojo Moyes | How do you welcome someone new into your home and heart? A week before Christmas 2022, former BBC journalist and award-nominated podcaster Rory Cellan-Jones received a special delivery that changed the course of his life. This is the story of #SophieFromRomania, told in full for the first time.
In January 2022, the Cellan-Jones-Coyle family said goodbye to their beloved elderly Collie Cross, Cabbage. Newly retired, Rory had become inseparable from her during daily pandemic walks which alleviated his Parkinson’s Disease symptoms. After a grief-stricken year, Rory and his wife Diane contemplated opening up their hearts again and came across a dog listing for ‘a kind girl who loves everybody and is just looking for her forever home’.
Bright-eyed, big-eared and trembling, Sophie arrives in London in a van from Central Europe on 17th December. Rory holds the Romanian rescue in his arms, excited for their first walk together – unaware it is more than a year ahead. Sophie from Romania follows the journey of her adoption – from her battles with anxiety, to the joys of play and her first foray outside – as Roryand Diane work with expert dog trainer Si to win Sophie’s trust, and navigate Rory’s Parkinson’s diagnosis.
This is a moving story of growing together through love, kindness and a lot of patience, revealing how adopting pets can be challenging but also full of rewarding moments. It’s also a celebration of rescue dogs, and communit,y as Rory uplifts fellow Romanian dog owners and his new friends from the #SophieFromRomania hashtag.
In January 2022, the Cellan-Jones-Coyle family said goodbye to their beloved elderly Collie Cross, Cabbage. Newly retired, Rory had become inseparable from her during daily pandemic walks which alleviated his Parkinson’s Disease symptoms. After a grief-stricken year, Rory and his wife Diane contemplated opening up their hearts again and came across a dog listing for ‘a kind girl who loves everybody and is just looking for her forever home’.
Bright-eyed, big-eared and trembling, Sophie arrives in London in a van from Central Europe on 17th December. Rory holds the Romanian rescue in his arms, excited for their first walk together – unaware it is more than a year ahead. Sophie from Romania follows the journey of her adoption – from her battles with anxiety, to the joys of play and her first foray outside – as Roryand Diane work with expert dog trainer Si to win Sophie’s trust, and navigate Rory’s Parkinson’s diagnosis.
This is a moving story of growing together through love, kindness and a lot of patience, revealing how adopting pets can be challenging but also full of rewarding moments. It’s also a celebration of rescue dogs, and communit,y as Rory uplifts fellow Romanian dog owners and his new friends from the #SophieFromRomania hashtag.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2024
75 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
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October 29, 2025
Animal lovers will always do their best to help other animals, dogs and cats, and how some countries treat the dogs and cats is terrible, shocking.
But the true story below shows if you have the patience and time and will to help, and give love an animal will always give love back, okay It many take some time, but you must remember you do not always know their story, their history.
How do you welcome someone new into your heart and home? A week before Christmas, newly retired BBC journalist Rory Cellan-Jones receives a special delivery that will change his life.
This is the story of rescue dog #SophieFromRomania.
In January 2022, the Cellan-Jones-Coyle family said goodbye to their beloved elderly Collie cross, Cabbage. She and Rory had become inseparable during daily pandemic walks, which alleviated his Parkinson’s symptoms. After a grief-stricken year, Rory and his wife Diane come across a listing for ‘a kind girl who loves everybody and is just looking for her forever home’.
Bright-eyed, big-eared and trembling, Sophie arrives in London on 17 December 2022. Rory holds the Romanian rescue in his arms, excited for their first walk together – but the road ahead will be a long one.
This book follows the real journey of Sophie’s adoption – from her battles with anxiety, to the joys of play and her first time outside – as Rory and Diane work with expert dog trainer Si to win Sophie’s trust and navigate Rory’s Parkinson’s disease.
This is a moving story of love, kindness and a lot of patience, paying tribute to rescue dogs and their tender community.
Three stars
But the true story below shows if you have the patience and time and will to help, and give love an animal will always give love back, okay It many take some time, but you must remember you do not always know their story, their history.
How do you welcome someone new into your heart and home? A week before Christmas, newly retired BBC journalist Rory Cellan-Jones receives a special delivery that will change his life.
This is the story of rescue dog #SophieFromRomania.
In January 2022, the Cellan-Jones-Coyle family said goodbye to their beloved elderly Collie cross, Cabbage. She and Rory had become inseparable during daily pandemic walks, which alleviated his Parkinson’s symptoms. After a grief-stricken year, Rory and his wife Diane come across a listing for ‘a kind girl who loves everybody and is just looking for her forever home’.
Bright-eyed, big-eared and trembling, Sophie arrives in London on 17 December 2022. Rory holds the Romanian rescue in his arms, excited for their first walk together – but the road ahead will be a long one.
This book follows the real journey of Sophie’s adoption – from her battles with anxiety, to the joys of play and her first time outside – as Rory and Diane work with expert dog trainer Si to win Sophie’s trust and navigate Rory’s Parkinson’s disease.
This is a moving story of love, kindness and a lot of patience, paying tribute to rescue dogs and their tender community.
Three stars
October 18, 2024
If anyone has followed Rory on Twitter or instagram they will have seen the journey that little Sophie has taken. From a very shy and scared dog, to a dog now enjoying life on walks and socialising with other dogs. It has been brilliant and heart warming to see her grow in confidence through the love of Rory and Diane. A wonderful book that takes us through that journey.
May 26, 2025
Of course as an owner of a very anxious Bulgarian rescue I am biased but this is a truly lovely account of Sophie's journey. I could relate to so much of it that, listening along, I cried, nodded a lot and laughed! Sienna from Bulgaria is rooting for Sophie from Romania 🐾
October 12, 2024
Sophie from London
I have followed Sophie’s story on Twitter/X almost from the beginning and each morning I check on her…often before I do anything else!
I have loved reading all the extra details this book has shared with us and I adore the way it ends by calling her Sophie from London. She is truly home 💕
I have followed Sophie’s story on Twitter/X almost from the beginning and each morning I check on her…often before I do anything else!
I have loved reading all the extra details this book has shared with us and I adore the way it ends by calling her Sophie from London. She is truly home 💕
February 4, 2025
Unlike many reviewers - I have not followed the story of Rory and Sophie up till now. Coming to this fresh, I have been rewarded with a truly relatable and heartwarming story of a man and his dog, both in need of each other and their determined efforts to overcome their challenges. I have been swept along in their journey and enjoyed every minute, my heart has sunk with their setbacks and left with joy at their triumphs - however small they may be. Beautifully honest.
December 11, 2025
Delightful, heartfelt and well written. Would be a good Christmas present for a dog lover. I was worried it might be depressing, especially the stuff about the author’s Parkinson’s, but was upbeat whilst honest throughout.
I will say though - the author’s own timorous nature seems to be imprinting itself onto the dog. In the epilogue, he finally just takes her out for a walk, after a year of painful gentle parenting and doggy antidepressants(!), and it turns out… she is totally fine. I also think the family seems to rely on Si, their random dog trainer from Twitter, far too intimately - he invites himself over for weeks on end and his advice is largely ineffective, especially compared to Sophie’s sister, Bella, whose pawrents just got on with it and allowed her to thrive.
I will say though - the author’s own timorous nature seems to be imprinting itself onto the dog. In the epilogue, he finally just takes her out for a walk, after a year of painful gentle parenting and doggy antidepressants(!), and it turns out… she is totally fine. I also think the family seems to rely on Si, their random dog trainer from Twitter, far too intimately - he invites himself over for weeks on end and his advice is largely ineffective, especially compared to Sophie’s sister, Bella, whose pawrents just got on with it and allowed her to thrive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2025
3.5⭐️
A heartwarming read for any dog lover.
Unfortunately, I knew most of the story already and didn't really get anything extra about Sophie out from it. I did get more information about Rory's Parkinsons which was interesting to read.
I also thought the book had a few typos in it. Having read Ruskin Park (Rory's other book) I don't think his writing style is for me.
A heartwarming read for any dog lover.
Unfortunately, I knew most of the story already and didn't really get anything extra about Sophie out from it. I did get more information about Rory's Parkinsons which was interesting to read.
I also thought the book had a few typos in it. Having read Ruskin Park (Rory's other book) I don't think his writing style is for me.
Read
November 19, 2024A week before Christmas 2022, author and former BBC journalist Rory Cellan-Jones received a special gift that would change the course of his life. Having already gained hundreds and thousands of social media followers invested in Rory’s four-legged friend, this book tells the story of Sophie, the rescue dog from Romania.
In January 2022, the Cellan-Jones family said goodbye to their beloved elderly Collie, Cabbage. Rory and Cabbage became inseparable during the pandemic with daily walks alleviating his Parkinson’s Disease symptoms. Following a grief-stricken year, Rory and his wife Diane decided they were ready to open their hearts again when they came across a listing for a puppy who ‘loves everybody and is just looking for her forever home.’ Bright-eyed and trembling, Sophie arrived in London from Central Europe. This book chronicles Sophie’s first year in Britain, with Rory detailing the triumphs and setbacks of settling a timid rescue dog into the home. Rory also details his challenges with his own health from receiving long-term treatment for ocular melanoma and his diagnosis with Parkinson’s, and how daily walks with his furry friend mitigated symptoms and provided respite.
From an incredibly shy and scared puppy to a playful dog full of character, this book takes us on the painful yet moving journey of rearing a rescue dog and demonstrates our pets' meaningful impact on our lives. It is a story of patience, resilience and overall love.
In January 2022, the Cellan-Jones family said goodbye to their beloved elderly Collie, Cabbage. Rory and Cabbage became inseparable during the pandemic with daily walks alleviating his Parkinson’s Disease symptoms. Following a grief-stricken year, Rory and his wife Diane decided they were ready to open their hearts again when they came across a listing for a puppy who ‘loves everybody and is just looking for her forever home.’ Bright-eyed and trembling, Sophie arrived in London from Central Europe. This book chronicles Sophie’s first year in Britain, with Rory detailing the triumphs and setbacks of settling a timid rescue dog into the home. Rory also details his challenges with his own health from receiving long-term treatment for ocular melanoma and his diagnosis with Parkinson’s, and how daily walks with his furry friend mitigated symptoms and provided respite.
From an incredibly shy and scared puppy to a playful dog full of character, this book takes us on the painful yet moving journey of rearing a rescue dog and demonstrates our pets' meaningful impact on our lives. It is a story of patience, resilience and overall love.
August 16, 2025
Finished this book several days ago but have waited a few days before reviewing it.
Rory and his wife clearly put in a massive amount of work with little Sophie to make her feel comfortable in her new home, as did the animal behaviourist, Si.
It made me think about a few things that don’t sit too well with me and I know these also concerned Rory. First off is the wisdom of bringing dogs over from Romania. My niece did the same and her dog hated men and they have always had to be very careful with it. Someone in our village had one and it ran away the first night it arrived. I do feel we have enough dogs in our own country without bringing these very troubled dogs in.
I have always had dogs myself and two of them were very nervous. One we rescued from a chaotic household where they just opened the door in the morning and he wandered all over town. He came to us full of fleas, scared of cars and bikes and small children. He had never worn a collar and lead and was very aggressive if anybody touched an old slipper of my husband’s which he guarded. It took 12 hours of taking it off him (wearing padded gauntlets!) and returning it to him but he got the message and was never aggressive again. He lived to 18 and was a good dog who just slotted in to the family.
The other dog we bought from gypsies as a tiny puppy. I don’t think he could have been abused as he was so tiny but he was scared of his own shadow. He shook from head to toe going to the vets, took himself upstairs if visitors arrived, avoided being fussed and would just go rigid if you tried to pet him. We managed to train him to live as part of the family and he turned into a super dog who loved long walks on the beach, swimming in creeks and travelling in the car wherever we went. He lived to nearly 19 in his own quiet way and we miss him dreadfully.
So, on reflection I do feel Sophie might have settled down sooner if they had been firmer with her and taught her to fit in with them rather than them stepping cautiously around her. It pains me to say this because thy really did their best. I do hope they can get Sophie to become the dog they want.
I am passing this book on to a friend who has Parkinson’s.
Rory and his wife clearly put in a massive amount of work with little Sophie to make her feel comfortable in her new home, as did the animal behaviourist, Si.
It made me think about a few things that don’t sit too well with me and I know these also concerned Rory. First off is the wisdom of bringing dogs over from Romania. My niece did the same and her dog hated men and they have always had to be very careful with it. Someone in our village had one and it ran away the first night it arrived. I do feel we have enough dogs in our own country without bringing these very troubled dogs in.
I have always had dogs myself and two of them were very nervous. One we rescued from a chaotic household where they just opened the door in the morning and he wandered all over town. He came to us full of fleas, scared of cars and bikes and small children. He had never worn a collar and lead and was very aggressive if anybody touched an old slipper of my husband’s which he guarded. It took 12 hours of taking it off him (wearing padded gauntlets!) and returning it to him but he got the message and was never aggressive again. He lived to 18 and was a good dog who just slotted in to the family.
The other dog we bought from gypsies as a tiny puppy. I don’t think he could have been abused as he was so tiny but he was scared of his own shadow. He shook from head to toe going to the vets, took himself upstairs if visitors arrived, avoided being fussed and would just go rigid if you tried to pet him. We managed to train him to live as part of the family and he turned into a super dog who loved long walks on the beach, swimming in creeks and travelling in the car wherever we went. He lived to nearly 19 in his own quiet way and we miss him dreadfully.
So, on reflection I do feel Sophie might have settled down sooner if they had been firmer with her and taught her to fit in with them rather than them stepping cautiously around her. It pains me to say this because thy really did their best. I do hope they can get Sophie to become the dog they want.
I am passing this book on to a friend who has Parkinson’s.
February 2, 2025
For over 14 years, Diane Coyle and Rory Cellan-Jones enjoyed the companionship of Cabbage, a rescue Collie-cross. Adopted when she was a year old, Cabbage was a dog who fit well into their active lifestyle; she loved her exercise, joined the family on holidays and was an integral part of the neighbourhood social scene.
Cellan-Jones was the BBC's principal technology correspondent until he retired. In June 2024, Rory was awarded an OBE in recognition of his services to journalism.
His wife, Diane Coyle, is a British economist. Since March 2018, she has been the Bennett Professor of Public Policy at the University of Cambridge. Diane was awarded a DBE in 2023 for her contribution to economics and public policy.
Knowing a little about their background is as vital to the reader as Sophie's will be. Her journey starts with Cabbage's death and the void Rory and Diane need to fill. Research brought them to Friends InDeed, a dog rescue charity, where they learned about the large numbers of street dogs in Romania. On December 17, 2022, one of those dogs is placed in Rory's arms. With that delivery, all dog norms, even all rescue dog norms, went by the wayside. Sophie was a slightly wild little dog with a relatively unknown history, terrified of people and no concept of living in a home.
Sophies first year is well documented on Instagram and X (Twitter) under the hashtag #SophieFromRomania. In addition to journaling Sophie's new life in the UK, Rory writes about his daily challenges with Parkinson's and a retirement that turns out to be anything but relaxed or quiet.
Dog lovers will enjoy this book and empathize with Rory and Diane. I give them credit for their perseverance and patience. Sophie is one of those rescues with no right or wrong answers to help her overcome her fears; all her owners could do was try their best to handle each new challenge and setback, and this couple did just that. It is easy for armchair dog behaviouralists to critique their actions, but none were harder on them than they were on themselves.
In the end, Sophie is fortunate to land on the doorstep of this caring couple.
Cellan-Jones was the BBC's principal technology correspondent until he retired. In June 2024, Rory was awarded an OBE in recognition of his services to journalism.
His wife, Diane Coyle, is a British economist. Since March 2018, she has been the Bennett Professor of Public Policy at the University of Cambridge. Diane was awarded a DBE in 2023 for her contribution to economics and public policy.
Knowing a little about their background is as vital to the reader as Sophie's will be. Her journey starts with Cabbage's death and the void Rory and Diane need to fill. Research brought them to Friends InDeed, a dog rescue charity, where they learned about the large numbers of street dogs in Romania. On December 17, 2022, one of those dogs is placed in Rory's arms. With that delivery, all dog norms, even all rescue dog norms, went by the wayside. Sophie was a slightly wild little dog with a relatively unknown history, terrified of people and no concept of living in a home.
Sophies first year is well documented on Instagram and X (Twitter) under the hashtag #SophieFromRomania. In addition to journaling Sophie's new life in the UK, Rory writes about his daily challenges with Parkinson's and a retirement that turns out to be anything but relaxed or quiet.
Dog lovers will enjoy this book and empathize with Rory and Diane. I give them credit for their perseverance and patience. Sophie is one of those rescues with no right or wrong answers to help her overcome her fears; all her owners could do was try their best to handle each new challenge and setback, and this couple did just that. It is easy for armchair dog behaviouralists to critique their actions, but none were harder on them than they were on themselves.
In the end, Sophie is fortunate to land on the doorstep of this caring couple.
December 31, 2024
‘Sophie from Romania’ is a deeply moving and beautifully written memoir that chronicles the life-changing journey of former BBC journalist Rory Cellan-Jones and his wife Diane as they open their hearts to Sophie, a rescue dog from Romania.
After saying goodbye to their beloved dog Cabbage, Rory and Diane are uncertain about opening their hearts to another dog. That is until they discover Sophie online, a timid Romanian rescue dog looking for her forever home.
What follows is a journey of mutual growth, as Sophie works through her anxieties and fears, while Rory contends with his Parkinson's Disease, a condition that affects his daily life.
Through his candid reflections and keen insights, Rory shows how a dog can bring immense joy and healing to a home despite its traumas and challenges. The book doesn't shy away from the difficulties of training and bonding with a dog that is as nervous and anxious as Sophie, but it also celebrates the small victories – such as the moments when Sophie finally comes out from behind the sofa she has spent months hiding behind, and when she learns how to play and trust her new family.
I had never heard of Rory Cellan-Jones but came across his Twitter/X profile in December 2022 just after Sophie arrived. Within a few weeks, the hashtag #SophiefromRomania was trending, and I have been hooked on their regular updates ever since!
The narrative is engaging and deeply personal, yet it resonates universally. ‘Sophie from Romania’ is not only a celebration of rescue dogs, but of the resilience and kindness of the human spirit. It is a book that will appeal to animal lovers, but also to anyone who has faced grief, loneliness, or the uncertainties of health challenges.
‘Sophie from Romania’ is more than just a tale of adopting a dog - it's a profound exploration of healing, patience, and the transformative power of love.
After saying goodbye to their beloved dog Cabbage, Rory and Diane are uncertain about opening their hearts to another dog. That is until they discover Sophie online, a timid Romanian rescue dog looking for her forever home.
What follows is a journey of mutual growth, as Sophie works through her anxieties and fears, while Rory contends with his Parkinson's Disease, a condition that affects his daily life.
Through his candid reflections and keen insights, Rory shows how a dog can bring immense joy and healing to a home despite its traumas and challenges. The book doesn't shy away from the difficulties of training and bonding with a dog that is as nervous and anxious as Sophie, but it also celebrates the small victories – such as the moments when Sophie finally comes out from behind the sofa she has spent months hiding behind, and when she learns how to play and trust her new family.
I had never heard of Rory Cellan-Jones but came across his Twitter/X profile in December 2022 just after Sophie arrived. Within a few weeks, the hashtag #SophiefromRomania was trending, and I have been hooked on their regular updates ever since!
The narrative is engaging and deeply personal, yet it resonates universally. ‘Sophie from Romania’ is not only a celebration of rescue dogs, but of the resilience and kindness of the human spirit. It is a book that will appeal to animal lovers, but also to anyone who has faced grief, loneliness, or the uncertainties of health challenges.
‘Sophie from Romania’ is more than just a tale of adopting a dog - it's a profound exploration of healing, patience, and the transformative power of love.
December 24, 2024
A factual account of one year in the life of a family who adopt a rescue dog from Romania. For anyone like me who has been following retired BBC journalist and now podcaster Rory Cellan-Jones’s social media since the adoption, by him and his wife Diane Coyle, of #SophieFromRomania this is a dream book. Despite the fact that I’ve been following their story since the start there is lots of new detail in the book.
The story starts in January 2022 when the family said a final farewell to their collie Cabbage. Cabbage had been Rory close companion in his walks which helped with his Parkinson’s symptoms. Eventually deciding they would adopt a new dog, after finding it hard to find a suitable rescue dog in the UK, they decided to adopt from abroad and thus Sophie arrives to the family home a week before Christmas 2022. Little did they realise the challenges ahead.
Sophie was petrified from the start and spent more than four weeks hiding behind a sofa. Eventually Rory and Diane enlisted the help of a dog behaviourist and gradually, very gradually, there was some improvement but 12 months later Sophie still wasn’t going for walks with Rory. As well as Sophie’s story we learn more about Rory’s life, and to a lesser extent Carol’s. This is an emotional and very moving story. I’m a massive animal lover and my heart broke for Sophie, how could a dog be so broken. But I also felt so sad for Rory and Diane and wanted them to have a dog to take for walks and on holidays. They are truly a fantastic couple, a lot of people would have given up, but not them. I will continue to follow #SophieFromRomania oh and Rory too! Wonderful read.
The story starts in January 2022 when the family said a final farewell to their collie Cabbage. Cabbage had been Rory close companion in his walks which helped with his Parkinson’s symptoms. Eventually deciding they would adopt a new dog, after finding it hard to find a suitable rescue dog in the UK, they decided to adopt from abroad and thus Sophie arrives to the family home a week before Christmas 2022. Little did they realise the challenges ahead.
Sophie was petrified from the start and spent more than four weeks hiding behind a sofa. Eventually Rory and Diane enlisted the help of a dog behaviourist and gradually, very gradually, there was some improvement but 12 months later Sophie still wasn’t going for walks with Rory. As well as Sophie’s story we learn more about Rory’s life, and to a lesser extent Carol’s. This is an emotional and very moving story. I’m a massive animal lover and my heart broke for Sophie, how could a dog be so broken. But I also felt so sad for Rory and Diane and wanted them to have a dog to take for walks and on holidays. They are truly a fantastic couple, a lot of people would have given up, but not them. I will continue to follow #SophieFromRomania oh and Rory too! Wonderful read.
July 7, 2025
This one was a present from @polymerhase and came along at a time where a feel-good story was much needed. Though, as anyone with a rescue dog knows, not everything about their journey is feel-good.
Sophie famously arrived in London from Romania shortly before Christmas 2022 and promptly took up residence behind the sofa of her new guardians, Rory Cellan-Jones and his wife Diane - where she stayed for quite a while. Both Rory and Diane documented Sophie’s progress (and lack thereof) on social media, and she quickly gathered a supportive following. Her fans cheered her on through every milestone: her first excursion into the garden, the first time she played with a toy or snuggled up in her bed, and of course, the highly anticipated first walk in February 2024.
Like many others, I followed along daily and was excited to dive into a more in-depth account of her journey. Rory, being the journalist he is, adds some research and background on life with fearful rescue dogs, which I found both enlightening and validating - especially when it came to Thæmbili’s behaviour. While being much less fearful than Sophie, she still has some moments where she is overwhelmed. Rosie, on the other hand, only fears one thing: that she might never get enough food in her lifetime.
This one’s highly recommended for anyone caring for a rescue dog - or anyone who loves dogs. And who in their right mind doesn’t?
October 25, 2024
Having had a problem rescue dog (albeit not from abroad), I could totally relate to Rory's frustration, worry and stress over wondering whether he was doing the right thing for Sophie and for himself.
It's a searingly honest account of the trials, setbacks and eventually hope as Sophie, with painstaking slowness, moves from behind the red sofa and into Rory and Diane's life.
Enter Si Wooler. A dog behaviourist who contacts Rory and Diane and with his practical help and brutal honesty, Sophie the Playful starts to emerge.
The two steps forward, one step back is so familiar with all of us 'problem rescue dog parents' and so are the feelings of irritability and 'why can't this dog just be what I want?' but with incredible patience, love and good cheese Sophie's character of a fun loving, playful girl is starting to emerge.
Yes, I follow Rory on Twitter and Instagram and like thousands before me, there have been many times I've punched the air and yelled 'yes Sophie' at all her 'firsts'.
She's still a work in progress but wow, what progress she's made thanks to getting her perfect home, mum and dad and of course Si.
Very special book and I hope there's a sequel in a year or so.
It's a searingly honest account of the trials, setbacks and eventually hope as Sophie, with painstaking slowness, moves from behind the red sofa and into Rory and Diane's life.
Enter Si Wooler. A dog behaviourist who contacts Rory and Diane and with his practical help and brutal honesty, Sophie the Playful starts to emerge.
The two steps forward, one step back is so familiar with all of us 'problem rescue dog parents' and so are the feelings of irritability and 'why can't this dog just be what I want?' but with incredible patience, love and good cheese Sophie's character of a fun loving, playful girl is starting to emerge.
Yes, I follow Rory on Twitter and Instagram and like thousands before me, there have been many times I've punched the air and yelled 'yes Sophie' at all her 'firsts'.
She's still a work in progress but wow, what progress she's made thanks to getting her perfect home, mum and dad and of course Si.
Very special book and I hope there's a sequel in a year or so.
November 23, 2025
I think any dog lover would enjoy this book, but it will be especially appealing to anyone who has ever taken on a rescue dog. When Rory and his wife Diane's beloved dog Cabbage died, they struggled to find a new rescue dog at the various organisations they approached in this country. When the chance of adopting a dog from Romania came up, they decided to go for it. Sophie arrived, exhausted and terrified after her long journey to the UK. Any hopes that she would quickly settle in and become part of the family evaporated when she took up residence behind the sofa and refused to come out . The book describes, in painful detail, the long months that followed, particularly frustrating for Rory ( not a patient man by his own admission !), because as a sufferer from Parkinson's disease he was anxious to increase his daily exercise by walking Sophie. There must have been many times when Rory and Diane questioned their decision to adopt from abroad.
Then a dog behaviour consultant, Si Wooler, came into their lives. His help and advice over many months was invaluable, and things very gradually improved. The book is a wonderful very honest study of the love and patience that is required when caring for a nervous dog.
Then a dog behaviour consultant, Si Wooler, came into their lives. His help and advice over many months was invaluable, and things very gradually improved. The book is a wonderful very honest study of the love and patience that is required when caring for a nervous dog.
October 19, 2024
Sophie from Romania is a searingly honest account of the difficulties encountered when taking on a foreign adoption (of a rescue dog) on blind faith. The website photos and description don't fit the reality when the dog arrives just before Christmas.
The author and his wife have experience with dogs before they take on Sophie, just not a dog like this. Sophie appears to be traumatized by her journey as she's lived in a barn in Romania with other dogs after being rescued from the street with the rest of her litter.
Rory has Parkinson's and a tumor and is a retired journalist who maintains a busy schedule. His wife is a renowned academic who travels internationally.
The book explored every step of the journey, from enlisting the support of a dog behaviourist and using anti-anxiety meds (for the dog) and the help/hindrance of social media commentary.
Their journey continues. This book is about year one.
Adopting a rescue dog is a big thing. Getting to know the dog before doing so was the crucial step missed out here.
The author and his wife have experience with dogs before they take on Sophie, just not a dog like this. Sophie appears to be traumatized by her journey as she's lived in a barn in Romania with other dogs after being rescued from the street with the rest of her litter.
Rory has Parkinson's and a tumor and is a retired journalist who maintains a busy schedule. His wife is a renowned academic who travels internationally.
The book explored every step of the journey, from enlisting the support of a dog behaviourist and using anti-anxiety meds (for the dog) and the help/hindrance of social media commentary.
Their journey continues. This book is about year one.
Adopting a rescue dog is a big thing. Getting to know the dog before doing so was the crucial step missed out here.
February 19, 2025
Fascinated to read this moving account of Sophie, the Romanian rescue dog, having rescued a dog from Romania myself. They come with quirks and fears, but none more so than this poor pup. Hats off to the patience and dedication of Rory and his wife Diane for persevering to get the dog they wanted. Sophie was afraid of everything, and spent months hiding behind the sofa, only venturing out when everyone had gone to bed. It took over a year before they could take her for a walk. But their love and patience paid off, though not without various upsets along the way. Sophie may never be classed as a ‘normal’ dog, but she’s their dog, and they love her despite her fears. A must read for anyone even remotely considering taking on a foreign rescue dog. This book tells you what the rescue centres often don’t. Adoption is not for the faint-hearted, but it can be rewarding in so many ways. Read this and see.
January 2, 2025
Having followed Sophie’s story on Instagram from the point at which Rory posted a photo of him carrying her into their home, it was obvious that I would read the book. I’m glad I did. There is information in the book that Insta followers don’t get to see; more detail about the painstaking and patient methods Rory and his wife, Diane (the Prof) adopt, guided by Simon Wooler of Sociable Dog Training; and more stories of where things didn’t work out so well.
Rory and Diane have been unwavering in their commitment to Sophie and it is testament to them that their followers can now rejoice in seeing images and videos of Sophie (mostly) at ease when out walking or playing in the local park.
Sophie is a beautiful dog. I’m so pleased she found a loving and caring furever home in which she can thrive!
Rory and Diane have been unwavering in their commitment to Sophie and it is testament to them that their followers can now rejoice in seeing images and videos of Sophie (mostly) at ease when out walking or playing in the local park.
Sophie is a beautiful dog. I’m so pleased she found a loving and caring furever home in which she can thrive!
June 27, 2025
Back when Twitter was still Twitter, I was lucky enough to stumble across Rory’s saga of Sophie from Romania pretty early on. Like everyone else, I cheered her on from afar. It was nice to get more of the story, including the harder parts that didn’t lend themselves to a cheery social media post.
The family took a lot of guff for the decisions they made in handling her, and I don’t want to join that crowd. It was really an extraordinary perfect storm of unrelated circumstances that combined to make Sophie’s first year in the UK so difficult for everyone, and no one is to blame. I give Rory and Diane credit for never giving up on her, and for getting help from experts over the long haul.
Long Live Sophie from London.
June 29, 2025
The uplifting tale of a nervous dog
This is a story of hope, patience and perseverance which will really tug at your heart strings. Not being a user of social media, I wasn't familiar with #sophiefromromania. Instead it was the cover which drew me to the book, so congratulations to Lily Richards and Yeti Lambregts on their fabulous design. If you have followed the posts on Sophie's progress, I gather the book offers a more detailed account of her journey towards confidence. The photo section (documenting Sophie's transformation from frail early puppyhood in Romania to a dog bold enough to embark on that long awaited walk in London) complements the text perfectly. Thank you, Rory, for your honesty in relating your journey with your brave dog!
This is a story of hope, patience and perseverance which will really tug at your heart strings. Not being a user of social media, I wasn't familiar with #sophiefromromania. Instead it was the cover which drew me to the book, so congratulations to Lily Richards and Yeti Lambregts on their fabulous design. If you have followed the posts on Sophie's progress, I gather the book offers a more detailed account of her journey towards confidence. The photo section (documenting Sophie's transformation from frail early puppyhood in Romania to a dog bold enough to embark on that long awaited walk in London) complements the text perfectly. Thank you, Rory, for your honesty in relating your journey with your brave dog!
November 9, 2024
I've been in a massive reading slump for a while now. But having followed Sophie's progress since day 1, i couldn't wait to read this book.
This is one of the most honestly wonderful / sad / inspiring stories I've read in a long time.
The story of #sophiefromromania, which is narrated by Rory on Audible, will stay with me for a long time. And yes. I am still following daily updates to see how '#sophiefromlondon' is doing.
Well done Rory, Uncle Si and The Prof for allowing us to share this journey with you. You should all be proud of yourselves. And Sophie, you're getting there darling girl.
This is one of the most honestly wonderful / sad / inspiring stories I've read in a long time.
The story of #sophiefromromania, which is narrated by Rory on Audible, will stay with me for a long time. And yes. I am still following daily updates to see how '#sophiefromlondon' is doing.
Well done Rory, Uncle Si and The Prof for allowing us to share this journey with you. You should all be proud of yourselves. And Sophie, you're getting there darling girl.
December 14, 2024
Heartwarming and honest, Sophie from Romania by Rory Cellan-Jones is a beautifully written story that truly resonated with me. Being the owner of a dog who struggled with anxiety myself, I truly wish this book had been available a year earlier. The insights into treatment options, including tranquilizers and antidepressants for dogs—topics that most vets, at least in Germany, rarely discuss or educate about—were incredibly valuable. Beyond that, I loved all the protagonists and the efforts they made. Their resilience, patience, and good-heartedness were inspiring and deeply moving. This book has become one of my favorites this year.
March 24, 2025
A heart wrenching account of the joys and challenges of rescuing a very nervous orphan puppy from Romania. The smaller sub-story is the author’s life changing condition, Parkinsons.
The Cellan-Jones family have the most admirable patience with little Sophie, and as a reader (listener) on audiobook, you feel her pain and really want her to succeed in adapting to her new life.
Thoroughly recommend this, especially if you are considering rescuing an international dog or even a UK stray- you will learn a lot.
The Cellan-Jones family have the most admirable patience with little Sophie, and as a reader (listener) on audiobook, you feel her pain and really want her to succeed in adapting to her new life.
Thoroughly recommend this, especially if you are considering rescuing an international dog or even a UK stray- you will learn a lot.
December 30, 2024
A fantastic Christmas present which fills in all the gaps from social media and highlights the patience it takes to nurture this dog. I love that Rory and his wife found a new friend in Si the dog psychologist via their social media coverage of Sophie. The social media and Parkinson’s aspects were also interesting. Ultimately, this is a very personal story told with humility. Highly recommend, and I’m not even a dog fan!
February 4, 2025
As a Romanian rescue owner myself, I have been enamoured with Sophie’s progress on social media since her first visit out of the sofa. I was thrilled to see such a high profile rescue promoting the ‘go at your dog’s pace’ strategy that is so important for anxious dogs, especially rommies. I hope this book is further testament to this process.
This was a lovely book which shows the realities of raising an anxious dog, and made me extremely reflective and grateful for my own Tess from Romania.
This was a lovely book which shows the realities of raising an anxious dog, and made me extremely reflective and grateful for my own Tess from Romania.
December 3, 2024
Still to come
Like so many other people I have followed Sophie's story on social media and I was awed by Rory and Diane's patience. It was interesting to read the journey Rory in particular went on and the highs and lows of living with Sophie. I am glad she made it to West Wales eventually.
Like so many other people I have followed Sophie's story on social media and I was awed by Rory and Diane's patience. It was interesting to read the journey Rory in particular went on and the highs and lows of living with Sophie. I am glad she made it to West Wales eventually.
February 24, 2025
Loved this book. Have followed Sophie’s story from the beginning but the book gives you an honest, and often emotional, insight into the hard work behind the successes and set backs posted on twitter.
Sophie has come such a long way in 14 months and I really wish Rory, Diane and Sophie a happy future together.
Sophie has come such a long way in 14 months and I really wish Rory, Diane and Sophie a happy future together.
March 15, 2025
A lovely and at times sad book
I enjoyed this book a lot and read it in one day. It’s a lovely story with a happy ending thankfully.
There are sad parts too mainly to do with the author’s health, and I can sympathise. Having a chronic illness is not easy.
Sophie is so lucky to have such patient caring owners and is having a great life now.
I enjoyed this book a lot and read it in one day. It’s a lovely story with a happy ending thankfully.
There are sad parts too mainly to do with the author’s health, and I can sympathise. Having a chronic illness is not easy.
Sophie is so lucky to have such patient caring owners and is having a great life now.
October 20, 2024
For those of us who have been following Sophie’s progress on Instagram or if you’ve never heard of her this was a truly heartwarming read, with lots of new information about her as well as more detail of Rory’s ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease. Highly recommended.
December 19, 2024
Having followed the journey of #SophieFromRomania via Rory's social media, I really enjoyed this more detailed version. And I defy anyone to read this book and not get a little teary at the epilogue and the final photo.
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