Haatchi was still a puppy when he was deliberately tied to a track in North London and hit by a train. Although he miraculously survived for 5 days before being rescued, his tail was severed and his rear leg had to be amputated. But the Anatolian Shepherd overcame the unimaginably cruel act only to become the best friend and inspiration for a young boy with a rare genetic condition. Meanwhile, a young boy named Owen Hawkins has Schwartz-Jampel syndrome, a condition that causes his muscles to seize involuntarily. He has severe social anxiety and became withdrawn at school and around strangers.
When Owen’s parents adopted Haatchi, the pair bonded immediately and began to support each other. The dog’s effect on Owen was incredible.
They were instantly best friends.
“I used to be scared of strangers, then Haatchi came along and now I’m not and that’s how he changed my life. I didn’t really meet many others with disabilities and felt like the odd one out, which made me really sad. But when I saw Haatchi and saw how strong he was, even though he only had three legs, I became stronger myself. I love him so much.”
You never realize how much you can learn from an animal until you have one around. They teach you courage and unconditional love.
It looks like Haatchi loves his new best friend a lot.
Students at the University of Hertfordshire made a short film about the incredible bond between Owen and Haatchi.
Their ability to overcome seemingly impossible challenges is truly inspiring. No matter what we start with in life, there’s always opportunity to find happiness in this world, especially if we find the right friend.