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How Haatchi the Three-Legged Dog Is Helping a Disabled Boy [w/pix]
Dogster ^ | Nov 1st 2012 | Kelli Bender

Posted on 11/06/2012 12:39:45 PM PST by Slings and Arrows

Like any good best friend, dogs sometimes push us to be stronger people. For one boy, canine support opened up his life to a whole new world. According to the Daily Mail U.K., a seven-year-old child with a fear of leaving the house is starting to take trips outside, thanks to his three-legged dog, Haatchi.

Owen Howkins became fearful of social situations at a young age when he was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Schwartz-Jampel syndrome, which made him look different from other kids his age. His anxiety became so severe that the boy started to loathe leaving his English home.

Those with Schwartz-Jampel syndrome experience constantly tense muscles. Will Howkins, Owen's father, thought that finding his son an understanding companion might help relieve Owen's fears. At a local animal rescue center, Will found the perfect candidate in an Anatolian Shepherd named Haatchi.

Owen's family says the the doting dog helps the boy cope with his frequent hospital visits and understand that physical differences don't change how people feel about you.

"Owen used to be scared of strangers but he now wants to talk to everyone about Haatchi and wants to go out all the time to dog shows," said Colleen Howkins, Owen's step-mom, to the Daily Mail U.K. "The difference we see in him can't be put into words."

Haatchi will soon start bringing his healing company to others. The dog recently completed therapy training, so he can visit solider amputees and terminally ill children in hospitals.

Haatchi's wonderful work has earned him an award from the International Fund for Animal Welfare, a fact Owen is eager to chat about with his new friends.


TOPICS: Health/Medicine; Pets/Animals
KEYWORDS: doggieping
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To: Slings and Arrows

0bama thinks that a Pit Bull is the perfect dog for a luau.


21 posted on 11/06/2012 1:06:55 PM PST by TigersEye (dishonorabledisclosure.com - OPSEC (give them support))
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To: JRandomFreeper

In this case, it would be a perfectly appropriate name.


22 posted on 11/06/2012 1:12:05 PM PST by Slings and Arrows (You can't have IngSoc without an Emmanuel Goldstein.)
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To: Howe_D_Dewty

De nada. My cats agree.


23 posted on 11/06/2012 1:14:23 PM PST by Slings and Arrows (You can't have IngSoc without an Emmanuel Goldstein.)
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To: Slings and Arrows

Thank you, we needed that.

Kind regards,
TL


24 posted on 11/06/2012 1:15:05 PM PST by Tomato lover
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To: Vigilantcitizen

We help each other, I think.


25 posted on 11/06/2012 1:15:33 PM PST by Slings and Arrows (You can't have IngSoc without an Emmanuel Goldstein.)
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To: Tomato lover

You and me both.


26 posted on 11/06/2012 1:16:18 PM PST by Slings and Arrows (You can't have IngSoc without an Emmanuel Goldstein.)
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To: Slings and Arrows
Here's Ruari, my 3-legged Irish Wolfhound. This pic was taken about 2 weeks after her amputation due to bone cancer.

She was diagnosed on 12-30-2011, had her leg amputated on 5-16-2012, and died on 9-21-2012.

I'll see her in Heaven...no doubt in my mind.


27 posted on 11/06/2012 1:25:18 PM PST by bimboeruption (Clinging to my Bible and my HK.)
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To: bimboeruption

Hard to type through tears.

I like to think we will see them all again.

God bless you.


28 posted on 11/06/2012 1:32:56 PM PST by Empire_of_Liberty
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To: Slings and Arrows

Great young man,great dog,great story.

.


29 posted on 11/06/2012 1:40:04 PM PST by Mears
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To: bimboeruption

If I dont see mine in heaven it will be because I missed my hopeful destination..Twain said(close) “It is certain that you get to heaven by grace and not merit..for if it were by merit dogs would get in and people wouldnt.”
One of the great moments of ordained minisrty was when a little girl who had just lost her wonderful dog said “ Father will I see my dog in heaven..I knelt down and said”my dearest child I GUARANTEE it !! “ and I meant it..
Go dogs and all people pets !!! (Including cats for Slings {:<D ...)


30 posted on 11/06/2012 1:46:54 PM PST by Howe_D_Dewty
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To: Empire_of_Liberty

Here’s just one of the Bible verses I believe teaches us that animals are in Heaven...

From Romans 8:

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,

21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

Get a copy of “Animals and Christianity, A Book of Readings” by Andrew Linzey and Tom Regan.

It’s a book of essays by theologians like C.S. Lewis, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Thomas Aquinas, John Wesley and many more...all of whom believed that God would not create an innocent creature, allow it to suffer, and not reward it.

This book should be in every Christian animal lover’s library.


31 posted on 11/06/2012 1:55:54 PM PST by bimboeruption (Clinging to my Bible and my HK.)
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To: Howe_D_Dewty

I don’t think you’re going to miss your hopeful destination. You know Christ as your Lord and Savior, right?

I know Ruari has her leg back and she’s running through Heaven like the wind.


32 posted on 11/06/2012 2:01:43 PM PST by bimboeruption (Clinging to my Bible and my HK.)
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To: bimboeruption
We'll see them all again at The Rainbow Bridge.

I just lost my little friend, Murphy, of 17yrs.


33 posted on 11/06/2012 2:05:54 PM PST by Carriage Hill ("0bummer's a towering figure" - even a Garden Gnome casts a long shadow at sunset.)
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To: carriage_hill

Without a doubt...Murphy and Ruari are waiting for us, and one day, we’ll be with them FOREVER!

I’m sorry about the loss of your pal. What a beautiful kitty!


34 posted on 11/06/2012 2:09:35 PM PST by bimboeruption (Clinging to my Bible and my HK.)
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To: Slings and Arrows

Wonderful story.


35 posted on 11/06/2012 3:23:23 PM PST by freekitty (Give me back my conservative vote; then find me a real conservative to vote for)
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To: Slings and Arrows
Haatchi arrived at the rescue center after being tied to some railroad tacks and getting hit by a train.

I have no polite words to say.........

36 posted on 11/06/2012 3:32:45 PM PST by Hot Tabasco (Jab her with a harpoon.....)
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To: Slings and Arrows

The pictures are wonderful...big dog and a little boy who need other.

Thanks for posting this and reminding us of what life is really about.


37 posted on 11/06/2012 3:42:51 PM PST by goldfinch
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To: Hot Tabasco

Nor I.


38 posted on 11/06/2012 5:59:15 PM PST by Slings and Arrows (You can't have IngSoc without an Emmanuel Goldstein.)
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To: freekitty; goldfinch; Mears

Always a pleasure.


39 posted on 11/06/2012 6:08:17 PM PST by Slings and Arrows (You can't have IngSoc without an Emmanuel Goldstein.)
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To: Howe_D_Dewty

I’ve been owned by a dog too. I love ‘em all.


40 posted on 11/06/2012 6:08:55 PM PST by Slings and Arrows (You can't have IngSoc without an Emmanuel Goldstein.)
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