Sophie From Romania cover art

Sophie From Romania

A Year of Love and Hope with a Rescue Dog

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Sophie From Romania

By: Rory Cellan-Jones
Narrated by: Rory Cellan-Jones
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

How do you welcome someone new into your home and heart? A week before Christmas, newly
retired BBC journalist and award-winning Movers and Shakers podcaster Rory Cellan-Jones receives a special delivery that will change 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. 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.

'A DAILY DOSE OF HOPE' Jojo Moyes

'FILLS MY HEART WITH SO MUCH JOY' Niall Harbison

© Rory Cellan-Jones 2024 (P) Penguin Audio 2024

 Art & Literature Brain & Nervous System Dogs Journalists, Editors & Publishers Pets & Animal Care Physical Illness & Disease Heartfelt Inspiring Feel-Good Christmas

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Critic reviews

I am one of the many who has followed the story of Sophie from Romania. Those of us who adopted traumatised rescue dogs know that their story is one of patience, perseverance, and frequent setbacks. But what Sophie, Rory and Diane have also shown is the utter joy and reward that comes with every step forward. In a dark time, their story has given all of us a daily dose of hope, and a reminder of the importance - and endurance - of kindness.
I find myself rushing online to see what little Sophie has been up to... It fills my heart with so much joy. A wonderful dog, rescued by beautifully patient humans. Everything that is good about life.
A love story of sorts... A tale of a besotted middle-aged man – former BBC technology correspondent Rory Cellan-Jones – and Sophie, a rescue dog from Romania, the pointy-eared object of his affection (Margarette Driscoll)
Olive and Mabel are fascinated by Sophie’s journey, firmly believing that sofas are to be slept on, rather than hidden behind and are excited to hear her story being read to them by their human assistant.
This is a loving, moving, honest book about the incredible patience required to build up trust with a traumatised dog, and the love that builds on both sides
We’re cat people, not dog people. But it turned out to be a great read. Not just because it is a salutary tale about what you let yourself in for when adopting a rescue dog. But also because it’s also about how Rory is dealing with Parkinson’s and Movers and Shakers, the remarkable podcast series he started with several friends who also have the condition. (John Naughton, Technology Columnist)
All stars
Most relevant
Absolutely loved every moment. I feel incredibly grateful to learn more about the journey I have followed along with on Twitter. Such a beautiful story about patience and learning to love.

The most uplifting book I’ve read for years!

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Having a nervous rescue dog myself I could relate to some of this story. It was a delight to read of the, albeit very slow, progress of Sophie, and could not be happier for the continued progress I see ,now over on Instagram. Would recommend to any dog lover. As we all know, they are to precious and deserve all the love (the dogs that is, not the owners, well, them to I guess)

Yay Sophie!

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Rory is a natural narrator and a great story teller. I've been following Sophie's journey on Instagram and couldn't wait to listen to the book. A heartwarming story of patience and kindness! Learnt some tips to try with my own Romanian Rescue dog.
Ruskin Park is also an excellent listen!

Written from the heart

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I have followed #sophiefromromania’s progress on social media and have marvelled at the love and patience Rory and Diane have shown to this frightened little girl. The book gives us a much bigger insight to their trials and tribulations. Beautifully written, beautifully narrated, thank you for allowing us to be a part of Team Sophie

Such love, patience and honesty

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As this is a warts and all story of taking on a rescue dog, it would be the perfect read for anyone considering this move but also for any animal lover. I began listening to this book on audible and felt that it was slow going.  I think the author reading the book was a lovely decision but perhaps others could have read it with more emotion. That said, the story and the struggle soon grabbed me and I would happily recommend it

A warts and all story of taking on a rescue dog 

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