Sophie, a former rescue dog from Romania, was on the road to being a national treasure. It started out when Grace first landed in her new owner’s arms on a Saturday morning in December. Sophie came over from a UK-based couples’ dog rescue mission. She is a sweet, affectionate girl, looking for her permanent lap to curl up in. Yet from the very start, Sophie quickly blossomed into so much more than just another dog. She was an anxious girl, with all the marks of her abuse.
Initially, Sophie exhibited extreme fear and anxiety. In her first six months at her new home, she spent 90% of her time in a designated safe space, hiding away whenever visitors arrived. The previously fearful, but healthy and active dog now lived in panic of gatherings and severely feared small children. Her behavior was a direct result of the tragic life she had lived. She had previously spent stints in a Romanian barn before finally making her way to the UK.
Sophie had very little support as she adjusted to life in the UK. Her siblings flew in a few days later and adapted instantly, displaying no anxiety at all. Even two years after adoption, she was still an anxious dog, jumping at every little thing. The trip toward creating that confidence required both time and patience.
As the person who cared for Sophie worked to understand her anxiety and how to treat it, medication became part of the conversation. The introduction of fluoxetine — the antidepressant also known as Prozac — had a dramatic impact on Sophie’s quality of life. Gradually, her anxiety issues began to improve. Sophie fought for more than a year to find the courage. Lastly, she went outside the garden walls for her first stroll. Each small step represented progress.
Certainly one of the most extraordinary turning points in their relationship came during a state dinner. At first shy, Sophie eventually started to show interest and warmed up enough to curl up among the guests. This was an exciting turning point in her demeanor, a true testament to her developing faith in humanity!
Maybe the most heart-melting moment of all was when Sophie extended her hand to her best friend’s feet. This straightforward gesture touched their heart and represented the connection that was developing between the two. With every passing day, Sophie became a bit more trusting. She started to experience the freedom that comes with vulnerability in her new surroundings.
As days turned into months and months into years, Sophie’s personality started to emerge from underneath all the layers of fear that had once clouded her spirit. She simply relaxed, getting more at ease, engaging more often with her fellow travelers and the staff, and becoming increasingly curious about her environment. Every day was filled with new challenges but new victories, as Sophie discovered that not every human was a danger.