“I gave Prozac to rescue dog”. These are the words in The Times newspaper today and they were said by Rory Cellan-Jones, a former BBC technology correspondent, 66. He and his wife Diane struggled for more than a year to settle-in his female Romanian rescue dog called Sophie.
Both he and his wife were advised by a dog behaviourist to try Prozac. Cellan-Jones said: “It was a bit of a shock to me when he suggested we should effectively put her on Prozac.” He was speaking at The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literary Festival. He continued: “We were [ashamed] in an old-fashioned [way]. Just like people don’t like to talk about depression in humans, we didn’t like to in dogs.”
They adopted Sophie from a Romanian rescue charity before Christmas 2022. He went on to write a book about the adoption and the process thereafter called Sophie from Romania: A Year of Love and Hope with a Rescue Dog.
He now admits that he should have done more research on getting a rescue dog from Romania. We don’t know whether the Prozac worked but it is a last resort and it is sometimes recommended by dog behaviourist’s. For me, it’s an act of desperation because I don’t think we really know whether a dog is depressed or not and whether Prozac or any other antidepressant is suitable.
And there is a moral dimension here. Should we really give an antidepressant to a dog because we think that they might be depressed and anxious. Obviously their behaviour would indicate anxiety but depression is another thing. We know that dogs can experience sadness and happiness and we know that they can “shut down” when confined to a shelter sometimes because there are so unhappy. But clinical depression? I’m not sure about that although it is feasible to suggest it.
The story points to the other side of the coin of rescuing dogs from Romania which has become quite popular in Britain and possibly in other countries. That’s because these dogs need rescuing and they need to be given a decent life because their life has been a form of hell in Romania.
But because they have struggled with very difficult lives early on during their life, they can be mentally disturbed, traumatised let’s say, which presents a barrier to successful adoption. And then you have the stark differences between their early life on the Romanian streets and a cosy, comfortable home in Britain being well cared for. They might not adapt to this very easily. You might think they should and would because it’s so much better but there are barriers.
Below are two mini essays on these barriers and on the pros and cons of adopting a rescue dog from Romania. One is written in a more balanced, scientific way and the other blunt appraisal is written in a more natural way. Both tell the same story and I think this story is a gentle form of warning to kindhearted people who want to help Romanian rescue dogs. It is an act of great kindness but I think these good people need to be aware of the possible problems that they might encounter.
More: Prozac – this is a tag. Click to see some more on Prozac.
Blunt appraisal
Adopting a Romanian rescue dog as a UK citizen might sound like a heartwarming, heroic act, but let’s not sugarcoat the reality – it’s a massive gamble. Sure, you’re saving a life, but are you really prepared for what that entails? These dogs aren’t coming from cozy homes or loving shelters. They’re street survivors, feral fighters, sometimes with more trauma than you can imagine. Think about it: you’re bringing a dog that’s lived through chaos, neglect, maybe abuse, straight into your British living room. What could go wrong? Well, a lot.
First off, do you really think this dog is going to fit seamlessly into your quiet suburban life? They’ve probably never seen a vacuum cleaner, heard a doorbell, or dealt with traffic the way we do. You’re expecting them to adjust to your world, but have you considered they might see your comfy sofa as just another thing to destroy out of sheer anxiety? Many of these dogs have lived in kill shelters or worse, and they’re not going to instantly recognize that your home is safe. You’ll need patience – and by patience, I don’t mean a few days of cute doggie hiccups. We’re talking months, maybe even years, of unraveling fear-based behaviors.
And let’s talk about language. You think dogs don’t understand words? Sure, to an extent, but good luck telling a dog that’s only ever heard Romanian commands to “sit” or “stay” in English. It’s not going to click right away. The communication barrier is real. Imagine trying to comfort a terrified dog who doesn’t even know what “good boy” means – it’s frustrating for both of you. And that’s if you’re lucky enough to even get to that stage without the dog bolting in terror every time you come near.
The behavioral challenges are a whole other beast. You’re adopting a dog with street instincts, not a cuddly, well-socialized pet. Food aggression? Check. Separation anxiety? Absolutely. Fear of men, children, cars, loud noises? You bet. These dogs are wired for survival, not to be your next Instagram star. They might spend weeks cowering in a corner, or worse, become aggressive because they’re terrified. And no, love alone doesn’t magically fix that. You’ll need to invest in a proper behaviorist, not just rely on a couple of YouTube videos on how to train a dog.
Then there’s the health aspect. These dogs aren’t coming with a clean bill of health, let’s be real. Romania’s streets aren’t exactly known for producing robust, healthy pups. Parasites, distemper, God knows what else – you’re probably signing up for a trip to the vet with a bill that’ll make you wish you’d gone for a UK rescue instead. Oh, and the paperwork – ever tried navigating the bureaucratic nightmare of bringing a dog into the UK? One wrong move and that dog isn’t getting off the plane. You might be left dealing with a logistical mess before you’ve even met your new pet.
And let’s not ignore the ethical dilemma. You’re adopting from Romania because you want to feel good about rescuing a dog from some harsh Eastern European reality, but have you thought about the UK shelters full of dogs in desperate need too? You’re spending money and time to bring a dog across borders when there are countless local dogs facing euthanasia or long-term shelter life. Are you really helping, or just fueling a trend?
Look, adopting a Romanian rescue dog isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s messy, it’s challenging, and it’s probably going to make you question your decision multiple times. Sure, it can be rewarding, but don’t walk into this thinking it’s all cuddles and wagging tails. You’re taking on a serious responsibility that’s likely to test your patience, your wallet, and your sanity. You up for that?
Balanced appraisal
The adoption of rescue dogs from Romania by UK citizens has become increasingly common in recent years, but it can come with several challenges as well as benefits. These dogs, often saved from harsh conditions such as streets, kill shelters, or abandonment, can face a difficult adjustment when transitioning into a British home. Some of the key factors to consider include cultural differences, behavioral traits, health issues, and even language barriers, which can contribute to both the success and potential pitfalls of the adoption process.
Reasons for Adopting Romanian Rescue Dogs
- High number of street dogs: Romania has a large population of stray dogs, often living in poor conditions due to the country’s history of street dog overpopulation. Many UK citizens adopt to provide a second chance to these animals.
- Ethical motivations: People are driven by compassion to help animals that come from dire circumstances, especially since Romanian dogs are often in kill shelters.
- Cost-effective: The cost of adopting a dog from Romania can sometimes be lower than adopting from a UK shelter.
Potential Pitfalls of Adopting a Romanian Rescue Dog
- Cultural Differences and Previous Experiences
- Many Romanian dogs come from environments where they have had minimal human interaction, have lived in packs, or faced abuse. They may not have had the same socialization experiences that a UK-born dog would, and their reactions to people, traffic, other animals, or being indoors may be unpredictable.
- They may have lived in survival mode on the streets, where instincts to scavenge or defend themselves are highly developed. This can lead to fear-based behaviors like guarding food or toys, or being fearful of men or people in uniform (common if the dogs had negative encounters with dog catchers in Romania).
- Behavioral Challenges
- Fear and Anxiety: Romanian dogs can exhibit high levels of anxiety or fear-based aggression due to past trauma or lack of socialization. They might not be used to living in a home or being walked on a lead, which can make the adjustment to life in the UK difficult.
- House Training: Dogs from the streets or shelters may not be house-trained, leading to issues with toilet training, chewing furniture, or not understanding the boundaries of indoor living.
- Environmental Changes: Transitioning from a rural or urban Romanian environment to a suburban or urban UK environment can overwhelm the dog. City life (with its cars, people, and noise) may be alien to them, and this can result in behavioral problems, including barking, stress, and reactivity.
- Language and Communication
- While dogs do not understand spoken language in the way humans do, tone and specific commands are important. A Romanian dog will have been exposed to Romanian words for basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” or “come.” While dogs are capable of learning new commands in any language, this language transition can take time and patience. Some adopters might find it challenging to re-train the dog using English commands.
- Dogs are highly adaptable, but miscommunication in the early stages can make the dog feel confused or disoriented, potentially leading to slow progress in training.
- Health Issues
- Many Romanian rescue dogs suffer from diseases such as distemper, parvovirus, or parasites that are less common or better controlled in the UK. Dogs brought to the UK typically undergo health checks and vaccinations, but there can still be underlying health issues that emerge later, which can be costly for adopters to address.
- Some rescue dogs come with physical disabilities, either from accidents, abuse, or poor living conditions, which require ongoing medical attention.
- Legal and Logistical Challenges
- Transporting a dog from Romania to the UK requires a series of legal procedures, including vaccinations, microchipping, and a pet passport. Sometimes, rescue organizations cut corners or fail to properly prepare the dog for travel, leading to complications upon arrival.
- There have been reports of scams, where UK citizens pay for a dog that never arrives or arrives in poor condition. It is essential to adopt from reputable charities or organizations that provide support post-adoption.
Success Stories and Strategies for Overcoming Challenges
Despite the challenges, many UK citizens have successfully integrated Romanian rescue dogs into their homes, with the right support and commitment. Here are some key strategies to help ensure a smoother transition:
- Patience and Time: Romanian rescue dogs, especially those from traumatic backgrounds, need time to adjust to their new environment. Gradual exposure to new situations, people, and stimuli is critical.
- Behavioral Support: Working with a behaviorist or trainer experienced with rescue dogs can help address fear-based behaviors, aggression, or anxiety. Many of these dogs require gentle, reward-based training to rebuild trust with humans.
- Training and Language Adaptation: Dogs can learn new commands in English through consistent positive reinforcement training. Using treats, toys, and affection helps teach them to associate English words with desired actions.
- Proper Socialization: Slowly introducing the dog to new environments, other animals, and people is crucial. Controlled socialization can help them adjust to life in the UK without feeling overwhelmed.
- Health Management: Adoptive families should be prepared for potential health issues and seek out veterinarians familiar with common diseases found in Romanian rescue dogs. Routine check-ups and vaccinations are essential.
Support Networks and Adoption Charities
There are many UK-based charities and organizations that specialize in Romanian dog adoption, offering advice, home checks, and post-adoption support to help adopters through the process. Some of these organizations even have networks of foster homes in the UK, which allows the dogs to acclimate to British life before adoption. Examples include:
- Many Tears Animal Rescue
- Love Underdogs
- Dogs4Rescue
These organizations often provide detailed information on the dog’s background, temperament, and any health issues, ensuring that adopters have realistic expectations.
Conclusion
Adopting a Romanian rescue dog in the UK can be an incredibly rewarding experience, giving a dog a second chance at life. However, it is not without its challenges, particularly around behavioral issues, cultural differences, health concerns, and even language adaptation. Success depends on careful preparation, patience, and seeking out the right support, including working with reputable charities and trainers to ensure the dog has a smooth transition into its new home.
