In January 2012, an Anatolian Shepherd named Haatchi was not yet a year old when he was deliberately tied to a railway line in North London and hit by a train. His tail was severed and his rear leg severely damaged. Haatchi managed to stagger away and hid for around 5 days before he was rescued by the RSPCA. Unfortunately, due to infection, his leg and tail had to be amputated. But Haatchi overcame the unimaginable and frightening act of cruelty to become the best friend and inspiration for a young boy with a rare genetic condition.

                                            

Eight-year-old Owen Hawkins has Schwartz-Jampel syndrome, a condition which causes his muscles to constantly seize involuntarily. Before he met Haatchi he had agoraphobia and socially withdrawn. When Haatchi met Owen the pair bonded immediately and began to support each other. Haatchi’s effect on Owen was immediate.

Before Haatchi arrived, Owen was struggling with being different and became withdrawn and anxious at school and around strangers. But everything changed the moment Owen met Haatchi.

This is a great story and what we talk about here at Liberty K9-

The natural bond between dog and man- and in this case a boy is incredible at times. There are multiple stories and videos of Owen and Haatchi- look them up- you will suddenly get something in your eyes as they begin to water. 

Happy New Year!!