14 DAY TRIAL // It is a well-known fact that the relationship between human beings and pets is very profound and unique. The story of this seven-year-old boy and his three-legged dog clearly demonstrates that, and explains why dogs are considered man’s best friend.
Owen Howkins, from Basingstoke, Hampshire, suffers from a rare genetic condition, called Schwartz-Jampel, which causes his muscles to be always tense. After realizing that his disease made him different from other children, little Owen became an isolated person and was afraid to interact with others. He even refused to leave the house.
Everything changed when he met Haatchi, an Anatolian shepherd dog adopted by his parents from a rescue center. Now, not only does he venture outside his home for long strolls with the dog, but he also hopes to win dog shows.
“Owen used to be scared of strangers, but now he wants to talk to everyone about Haatchi and wants to go out all the time to dog shows. The difference we see in him can’t be put into words,” says his mother, Colleen Drummond, according to Daily Mail.
The dog has a story of his own: he survived a horrific experience when he was only a puppy. Some thugs tied him to a railway line and he was hit by a train. He was found days later and taken to a vet, but nothing could be done to save his leg and tail.
Since then, the dog struggled to find a home and a loving owner. It seems that his search came to an end when he met Owen. Their souls bonded immediately and they became best friends.
Recently, Haatchi completed his training as a "Pets as Therapy" dog, so he is ideal for helping the boy overcome his fears.
What's more, due to his positive impact on Owen's life, the dog won an award from the International Fund for Animal Welfare, which will be presented to him next week during the Animal Action Awards.
“When we heard Haatchi's amazing story of survival and the very special relationship he has with Owen, we knew he had to be IFAW's Animal of the Year,” says Robbie Marsland, Director of IFAW UK.