We have a Romanian rescue too (Willow) and what a journey we've been on. Willow came to us at eight months old, terrified of the world and everything in it. We were given terrible advice from so-called experts to get her out and about in the world as soon as possible, regardless of her concerns. If only we'd known to do things slower - that's why I'm so happy you have a good behaviourist on board; you're doing all the right things! Willow seemed to be coping well for a quite a while, until eventually she didn't. Her anxiety about people crossed in reactivity. We did loads of work helping her to feel comfortable and safe when out and about, then, sadly, one day, a man who was drunk was shouting about hating dogs. Willow barked at him in fear and he pinned her to the ground and hit her with his bag, then turned on me. Her fear of strangers went through the roof. A few weeks after that, my friend's dog attacked Willow out of the blue. Suddenly, she was terrified of dogs too. She shows it by making herself look and sound as loud and scary as possible.
My mental health took such a nose dive when this happened. Suddenly, we had to avoid everyone on walks - dogs and humans. An off-lead dog invading Willow's space could turn her into a barking, growling mess. She weighs 37kg, so people judge her as aggressive, even though she's actually far from it. People can be hostile. They say she should be muzzled but when she's muzzled, they shout out that muzzling is cruel! I hire secure fields several times a week for Willow to have fun and stress-free times outside, sometimes with the dog friends she still trusts from before the attack. These times are good for my mental health too.
Despite the worry and stress though, Willow is our everything - an absolute dream to live with. Once she trusts you, you get to see the amazing, goofy, sweet, intelligent, sensitive girl who loves unconditionally. I recently lost my dad and she has been this gentle, unwavering presence in the face of my grief. I wish the world could see her as we do. I wish people would be less judgemental. I wish we held dogs to less unrealistic standards (they aren't all the life and soul of the party). Life with Willow hasn't always been what I dreamed of but, my goodness, she has been one of my greatest teachers.
Your dog has had such provocation; it’s sad. Our’s is also prone to wild barking at dogs he’s scared of, but it’s lovely when he meets a friendly dog he likes; it’s happening more and more, and his trust outdoors is better. At home he’s totally gorgeous!
I agree with everything you say, dogs are very good for mental health and physical health. They make you exercise, get up etc. But there are also ups and downs, not just with rescue dogs, (my story is below, please feel free to ignore). They can be stressful worrying about them, I have 2 young labradors, for me sometimes wondering if I should part with them, doubting I am a good dog owner, with one of mine a constant concern that she may not be here next ….., she’s only 4, dodgy kidneys and cancer, but as mad as a box of frogs. There are scrapes and bruises occasionally. But they get me out, they provide me with security, and they are amazing companions. I think the other important point you make is how you have bonded through Sophie to her trainer. Dogs definitely encourage you to talk and meet new, and often very different people. You have both bonded with Sophie and vice versa, that is clear. You have also proved the power of dogs through your tweets for others. I will definitely read the paper from the BPS. My story may confirm what you are saying.
If anyone is interested I am not quite so mad as to go blindly into gave 2 labradors. My husband died 4 years ago, then our old Labrador 3 months later. I got Mildred because I couldn’t stand the empty house, she came into a house with grief. She was diagnosed with kidney dysplasia at 6 months and give 6 -12 months to live. So I got Humphrey both for her and me. He came along 1 month before lockdown in 2020. My daughter had a massive stroke in 2021, and died 2 months later. She helped me bring both puppies home so they are a link to her. Mildred then got a cancer in 2022, major op etc, but again took it all in her stride. Humphrey struggles with me being upset and is far less confident than Mildred. Mildred takes it in her stride and just gives me her paw or a cuddle. I adore both of them and gain so much from them, but I do worry about being a good owner, as you those worries are often at 4 am. But Mildred is still alive and just been given a really good health check.
Dog ownership is a wonderful but ,sometimes, a bit of a rollercoaster, weighing up I would say far, far, far more positives than negatives. As previously a cat owner of 55 yrs (from childhood 😁) interested in the bit about felines and human life expectancy
Thank you Karen, this is a video of Mildred taken a couple of days ago. She definitely has a zest for life. Dogs, as Rory, Diane and Sophie show are incredible in helping people get through and we can help them!
😀 She is lovely and so full of life! What a great bed she has. I love dogs but can’t have them; I have 2 cats though 😻. Pets are indeed incredible; couldn’t imagine having to live without them.
I firmly believe in the health benefits of pets. One of my masters in public health students has published a review of the benefits of animal therapy for emotional wellbeing in university students. Rescue pets can continue to be shy and nervous around strangers (our two rescue cats are like that, even after 11 years; we suspect they were inadequately socialised in kittenhood). But I am sure Sophie will soon bond firmly with you and The Prof, given your patience and gentleness with her, as Mork & Mindy have done with me and my husband. We both look forward to the daily updates on Sophie.
Love each and every update about Sophie and of course (as every dog owner knows even without the research) they are a huge bonus for every aspect of our lives :)
My 3 year old Labrador keeps me, a fellow Parkie, active - walking him (or vice versa!) about 4 miles a day. I also have experience of the benefits of canine companions to wounded, injured or sick military Veterans as a former Trustee of Help for Heroes. Some couldn’t live without them. Keep going with Sophie!
Congratulations on the addition to your household.
We have two rescue dogs....not from as far as Romania but they both had been poorly treated. Two walks a day and lots of cuddles! Whilst dogs are undoubtedly a benefit to us humans I think dog owning goes wrong for so many people because they don't train the dogs to understand rules and boundaries. I have a friend who regularly feeds his dog food from his plate at the table but when the dog tries to get food himself he complains! We often confuse our dogs with are own confused behaviour so be kind but have rules and stick to them.
Wrote a long response to this, then lost it when had to sign up! But in short: since getting my dog (March 22), 30 years of battling bulimia, anxiety, depression, hopelessness and body dysmorphic disorder seem to be in the past. I feel content and complete. I feel "enough" in myself, because I have him. I worry about not being the best mum, and when I first got him I cried and cried thinking I had made a massive mistake, but I'm learning to forgive myself for being human. He seems to think I'm OK (Romanian rescue, 8 years old). You three are doing splendidly.
I have never owned a dog, but have owned a cat and during that time the recovery from tonic clonic seizures greatly reduced. This was simply down to having my cat, Jazz, lying beside me purring and stroking her coat. The calming effect helped regulate my breathing. Before I had a cat it would take longer to recover from the seizures. Thankfully my seizures have reduced and now i am recovering after a hip operation so a dog in the future might be a possibility! I do miss having a companion as i strongly believe it is good for physical and mental health to have an animal. However the only time i would say that it is not good is if you know that you are struggling financially. Pet owners will often spend more on their pets (sometimes without realising) than on themselves and put their own health at risk. So great thought has to be given about buying a pet. Myself at the moment I am not having one simply due to the cost. Sad times, but in the future i hope to get a rescue dog. I love seeing #sofiefromromania she is beautiful!
Agreed - it is a financial commitment, but there are charities in place to help people really in need. I decided I could afford a dog as long as I cut down on treats for myself and he is the best treat I could have! I try to save a little a month into a separate account to supplement my insurance.
Our Romanian rescue, Rupert, is 4 now and been with us for 3 years+. He settled at home quickly but has massive issues on walks and outdoors. He looks incredibly similar to Sophie, but is a hunter with zero recall, terror at bikes, runners, cars and everything larger. We walk him for a couple of hours a day, but he can react to other dogs so always on a harness, sadly.
Highly protective of us and our house.
On balance, wonderful. But very different to our retriever!
Sophie will give buoy both so much happiness. Good luck.
I went through a stage of looking after rescues. There were lots of benefits to us - more active, fun around the house, loyal friend. All of that was absolutely true. I am not sure it needed much research.
But pets are also a responsibility, and that can be hard too. We took on a few who were near the end of their lives, and that was too much for us. But also, at that time, we could afford to keep pets, and we were out in the country with lots of places for the bigger dogs to play properly.
One friend ran into financial difficulties, and her dog went from being a boon to her life to a financial burden where, as it was older, she dreaded potential vet's bills and even just getting the best food. We eventually took her dog on for her, but sadly, we were some long distance away. She missed the dog like crazy, but she slept better at night.
I suppose like everything, it is a balancing act.
I could do with a dog now, to be honest. My obesity could DEFINITELY do with it! But I am also a carer for my 99 yr old, unstable (wobbly, not bad tempered!), mother, who is scared of dogs. It would not work.
We have a Romanian rescue too (Willow) and what a journey we've been on. Willow came to us at eight months old, terrified of the world and everything in it. We were given terrible advice from so-called experts to get her out and about in the world as soon as possible, regardless of her concerns. If only we'd known to do things slower - that's why I'm so happy you have a good behaviourist on board; you're doing all the right things! Willow seemed to be coping well for a quite a while, until eventually she didn't. Her anxiety about people crossed in reactivity. We did loads of work helping her to feel comfortable and safe when out and about, then, sadly, one day, a man who was drunk was shouting about hating dogs. Willow barked at him in fear and he pinned her to the ground and hit her with his bag, then turned on me. Her fear of strangers went through the roof. A few weeks after that, my friend's dog attacked Willow out of the blue. Suddenly, she was terrified of dogs too. She shows it by making herself look and sound as loud and scary as possible.
My mental health took such a nose dive when this happened. Suddenly, we had to avoid everyone on walks - dogs and humans. An off-lead dog invading Willow's space could turn her into a barking, growling mess. She weighs 37kg, so people judge her as aggressive, even though she's actually far from it. People can be hostile. They say she should be muzzled but when she's muzzled, they shout out that muzzling is cruel! I hire secure fields several times a week for Willow to have fun and stress-free times outside, sometimes with the dog friends she still trusts from before the attack. These times are good for my mental health too.
Despite the worry and stress though, Willow is our everything - an absolute dream to live with. Once she trusts you, you get to see the amazing, goofy, sweet, intelligent, sensitive girl who loves unconditionally. I recently lost my dad and she has been this gentle, unwavering presence in the face of my grief. I wish the world could see her as we do. I wish people would be less judgemental. I wish we held dogs to less unrealistic standards (they aren't all the life and soul of the party). Life with Willow hasn't always been what I dreamed of but, my goodness, she has been one of my greatest teachers.
Your dog has had such provocation; it’s sad. Our’s is also prone to wild barking at dogs he’s scared of, but it’s lovely when he meets a friendly dog he likes; it’s happening more and more, and his trust outdoors is better. At home he’s totally gorgeous!
I agree with everything you say, dogs are very good for mental health and physical health. They make you exercise, get up etc. But there are also ups and downs, not just with rescue dogs, (my story is below, please feel free to ignore). They can be stressful worrying about them, I have 2 young labradors, for me sometimes wondering if I should part with them, doubting I am a good dog owner, with one of mine a constant concern that she may not be here next ….., she’s only 4, dodgy kidneys and cancer, but as mad as a box of frogs. There are scrapes and bruises occasionally. But they get me out, they provide me with security, and they are amazing companions. I think the other important point you make is how you have bonded through Sophie to her trainer. Dogs definitely encourage you to talk and meet new, and often very different people. You have both bonded with Sophie and vice versa, that is clear. You have also proved the power of dogs through your tweets for others. I will definitely read the paper from the BPS. My story may confirm what you are saying.
If anyone is interested I am not quite so mad as to go blindly into gave 2 labradors. My husband died 4 years ago, then our old Labrador 3 months later. I got Mildred because I couldn’t stand the empty house, she came into a house with grief. She was diagnosed with kidney dysplasia at 6 months and give 6 -12 months to live. So I got Humphrey both for her and me. He came along 1 month before lockdown in 2020. My daughter had a massive stroke in 2021, and died 2 months later. She helped me bring both puppies home so they are a link to her. Mildred then got a cancer in 2022, major op etc, but again took it all in her stride. Humphrey struggles with me being upset and is far less confident than Mildred. Mildred takes it in her stride and just gives me her paw or a cuddle. I adore both of them and gain so much from them, but I do worry about being a good owner, as you those worries are often at 4 am. But Mildred is still alive and just been given a really good health check.
Dog ownership is a wonderful but ,sometimes, a bit of a rollercoaster, weighing up I would say far, far, far more positives than negatives. As previously a cat owner of 55 yrs (from childhood 😁) interested in the bit about felines and human life expectancy
My goodness, you have been and are going through a lot, I am so sorry. You seem like a wonderful dog owner. Good luck with Mildred and Humphrey ❤️
Thank you Karen, this is a video of Mildred taken a couple of days ago. She definitely has a zest for life. Dogs, as Rory, Diane and Sophie show are incredible in helping people get through and we can help them!
https://jolinney.substack.com/p/mildred-madness
😀 She is lovely and so full of life! What a great bed she has. I love dogs but can’t have them; I have 2 cats though 😻. Pets are indeed incredible; couldn’t imagine having to live without them.
I firmly believe in the health benefits of pets. One of my masters in public health students has published a review of the benefits of animal therapy for emotional wellbeing in university students. Rescue pets can continue to be shy and nervous around strangers (our two rescue cats are like that, even after 11 years; we suspect they were inadequately socialised in kittenhood). But I am sure Sophie will soon bond firmly with you and The Prof, given your patience and gentleness with her, as Mork & Mindy have done with me and my husband. We both look forward to the daily updates on Sophie.
Love each and every update about Sophie and of course (as every dog owner knows even without the research) they are a huge bonus for every aspect of our lives :)
Yikes! I had a heart attack just before Christmas. So if I still want to be alive next Christmas I need a dog and quick!
For those who cannot have a dog as a permanent family member, Borrow My Doggy could be the answer.
My 3 year old Labrador keeps me, a fellow Parkie, active - walking him (or vice versa!) about 4 miles a day. I also have experience of the benefits of canine companions to wounded, injured or sick military Veterans as a former Trustee of Help for Heroes. Some couldn’t live without them. Keep going with Sophie!
What a journey she’s had. But how lucky to have found such a loving home. I look forward to following your adventures together.
Hi Rory,
Congratulations on the addition to your household.
We have two rescue dogs....not from as far as Romania but they both had been poorly treated. Two walks a day and lots of cuddles! Whilst dogs are undoubtedly a benefit to us humans I think dog owning goes wrong for so many people because they don't train the dogs to understand rules and boundaries. I have a friend who regularly feeds his dog food from his plate at the table but when the dog tries to get food himself he complains! We often confuse our dogs with are own confused behaviour so be kind but have rules and stick to them.
Good Luck
Tim
I am looking forward to reading about Sophie’s progress.
Me too. Keep us posted.
Nice article!
We have 5 cats.
We are cat people, but we like dogs also and you can read about dogs on our blog:
https://www.catdogwrld.com/
Wrote a long response to this, then lost it when had to sign up! But in short: since getting my dog (March 22), 30 years of battling bulimia, anxiety, depression, hopelessness and body dysmorphic disorder seem to be in the past. I feel content and complete. I feel "enough" in myself, because I have him. I worry about not being the best mum, and when I first got him I cried and cried thinking I had made a massive mistake, but I'm learning to forgive myself for being human. He seems to think I'm OK (Romanian rescue, 8 years old). You three are doing splendidly.
I have never owned a dog, but have owned a cat and during that time the recovery from tonic clonic seizures greatly reduced. This was simply down to having my cat, Jazz, lying beside me purring and stroking her coat. The calming effect helped regulate my breathing. Before I had a cat it would take longer to recover from the seizures. Thankfully my seizures have reduced and now i am recovering after a hip operation so a dog in the future might be a possibility! I do miss having a companion as i strongly believe it is good for physical and mental health to have an animal. However the only time i would say that it is not good is if you know that you are struggling financially. Pet owners will often spend more on their pets (sometimes without realising) than on themselves and put their own health at risk. So great thought has to be given about buying a pet. Myself at the moment I am not having one simply due to the cost. Sad times, but in the future i hope to get a rescue dog. I love seeing #sofiefromromania she is beautiful!
Agreed - it is a financial commitment, but there are charities in place to help people really in need. I decided I could afford a dog as long as I cut down on treats for myself and he is the best treat I could have! I try to save a little a month into a separate account to supplement my insurance.
Thank you, she is! Love cats too
Our Romanian rescue, Rupert, is 4 now and been with us for 3 years+. He settled at home quickly but has massive issues on walks and outdoors. He looks incredibly similar to Sophie, but is a hunter with zero recall, terror at bikes, runners, cars and everything larger. We walk him for a couple of hours a day, but he can react to other dogs so always on a harness, sadly.
Highly protective of us and our house.
On balance, wonderful. But very different to our retriever!
Sophie will give buoy both so much happiness. Good luck.
Love your stories and videos. Please hang in there with Sophie. She is worth it.
I went through a stage of looking after rescues. There were lots of benefits to us - more active, fun around the house, loyal friend. All of that was absolutely true. I am not sure it needed much research.
But pets are also a responsibility, and that can be hard too. We took on a few who were near the end of their lives, and that was too much for us. But also, at that time, we could afford to keep pets, and we were out in the country with lots of places for the bigger dogs to play properly.
One friend ran into financial difficulties, and her dog went from being a boon to her life to a financial burden where, as it was older, she dreaded potential vet's bills and even just getting the best food. We eventually took her dog on for her, but sadly, we were some long distance away. She missed the dog like crazy, but she slept better at night.
I suppose like everything, it is a balancing act.
I could do with a dog now, to be honest. My obesity could DEFINITELY do with it! But I am also a carer for my 99 yr old, unstable (wobbly, not bad tempered!), mother, who is scared of dogs. It would not work.