Me & My Pet: Rory Cellan-Jones and Sophie from Romania

We talked to ex BBC journalist and author, Rory Cellan-Jones, about what a difference his Romanian rescue dog Sophie has made to his life. We also discuss his wonderful new book ‘Sophie from Romania’, which Amazon has described as gripping, heartwarming and inspiring.   

At PetsPyjamas, we have followed Sophie’s adventures for some time – she has become an internet sensation! Rory, who has Parkinson’s, explains how Sophie has become such a support to him.

Please tell us all about your lovely new book Sophie from Romania and how it came about?

The book is based on my relationship with Sophie, and it came about as she has become something of an internet celebrity and a trending topic on X.  It follows the story from Sophie’s adoption, all her anxieties, the joys and rewards she has brought. 

Please tell us about when and how you got Sophie?

We lost our adored rescue dog Cabbage at the end of 2022. One of our friends had got a rescue dog from Romania, and we heard about Sophie who was living in a barn in Romania.  She needed a forever home, so we decided to adopt her.  She arrived just before Christmas, having taken three days to cross Europe. She was absolutely terrified and promptly settled behind our red sofa, too frightened to come out. This was where she remained for the next few days – which turned into six months as we tried to coax her out! Sophie Raworth arrived with a film crew, but to no avail she still refused to come out.

I started to write about her, and it seemed to catch the nation’s imagination. Eventually we tried her on puppy prozac and things started to improve. After six weeks, Sophie was standing in the hall, and after another six months she went for a walk!

Tell us about all the progress you have made with Sophie and how she was coached out from behind the sofa

A fantastic dog behaviourist called Si Wooler suggested we try the Puppy Prozac. With his help, she gradually came out from behind the sofa and is now sleeping in her own bed.  Sophie now goes into the garden as well as walks out on the street and in parks, although these are sometimes stop start affairs. Sometimes she enjoys her walks and other times she gets to the end of the street and refuses to go any further. 

What is a typical day for you and Sophie?

It varies from day to day. Sometimes she enjoys her walks – sometimes it is more difficult. She enjoys sitting with me when I am working and when my wife, Diane (Professor Dame Diane Coyle) is home, she sits with her in Diane’s office.

Who is her favourite person – you or the Prof?

Slightly annoyingly, she seems to like Diane best. Although, as Diane is away quite a bit for work, she spends more time with me…

Does Sophie fit in with the rest of the family?

Not really.  She barks and is a bit cautious of the children and grandchildren, but we are working on it.

What difference has she made to your life?

She is a big thing in my life and has dominated my life, but it’s a good thing, a distraction. And something else to worry about. It is good for me to have someone else to worry about.

What are Sophie’s favourite parks?

Sophie’s favourite park is Gunnersbury Park, although she is a bit scared. Our wonderful trainer, Si Wooler – who comes down from Scotland, is hugely important in training her.

Any funny incidents involving Sophie?

There’s always a drama! One time she escaped from the front door. She thought it was a big adventure, but it was terrifying as I had to chase her down the street in my pyjamas..  

What do you feel strongly about with regard to animal welfare?

I feel strongly that people need to be better educated about the responsibility of having a rescue dog. It’s important to be prepared, especially if it’s an overseas rescue dog as they can be very frightened and scared.

Are there any holiday destinations you would like to take Sophie to when she is ready?

We have taken Sophie to Cardigan Bay in Wales which she loved. What she likes is a peaceful holiday somewhere with quiet woodland walks.