Rescue Puppy Spent 6 Months Hiding Behind Sofa Before Trusting New Family
A rescue dog who spent 6 months hiding behind the sofa is now a loving family member thanks to the patience of her adopted parents. Sophie was found on the roadside in Romania, where she and her littermates had been dumped as puppies. A young Romanian vet rescued them and brought them to her father’s farm, where they lived in a barn until an animal rescue group stepped in.
Just before Christmas, Sophie was transported to the UK, arriving in the middle of the night where Rory Cellan-Jones and his wife were waiting to welcome her into their home. Her new family quickly discovered how deeply traumatized she was.
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Sophie was fearful of stepping outside and refused to leave the sitting room. Eventually, they reached out to their veterinarian who prescribed an anti-anxiety medication, after which Sophie began to venture out and explore their home and she began to trust them enough to be touched and petted.
Cellan-Jones, who has Parkinson’s, says that Sophie has been a wonderful addition to the family. She keeps him active and keeps his mind off of his illness. They go on daily walks and she is bonded with him and his wife.
He says that Sophie has taught them a lot about patience and acceptance: “Accept the dog you have, not the dog that you dreamed of. She’s always going to be cautious but we love her. She’s family.”