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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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I thought we could all use a feel-good story that has nothing to do with the damn election.

Pix are at source.

1 posted on 11/06/2012 12:39:51 PM PST by Slings and Arrows
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To: Joe 6-pack

Ping!


2 posted on 11/06/2012 12:41:13 PM PST by Slings and Arrows (You can't have IngSoc without an Emmanuel Goldstein.)
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To: Slings and Arrows

Growing up in South Jersey there was a small pack of dogs that ran the neighborhood. One of those dogs had only one back leg. We called him the Arithmetic Dog,add two carry one.


3 posted on 11/06/2012 12:44:21 PM PST by 4yearlurker (No matter who you elect,the government eventually gets in.)
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To: 4yearlurker

0bama: “A dog like that you don’t eat all at once.”


4 posted on 11/06/2012 12:45:59 PM PST by Slings and Arrows (You can't have IngSoc without an Emmanuel Goldstein.)
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To: Slings and Arrows

Thanks!

Great story and great pics.

Love both the boy and the dog.


5 posted on 11/06/2012 12:45:59 PM PST by Da Coyote
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To: Slings and Arrows
Asked why his dog had only three legs 0bama replied
'you don't eat a dog with talent like that all at once!'
6 posted on 11/06/2012 12:47:18 PM PST by TigersEye (dishonorabledisclosure.com - OPSEC (give them support))
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To: Slings and Arrows

I thought we could all use a feel-good story that has nothing to do with the damn election.

Amen!!
Excellent post. Thank you


7 posted on 11/06/2012 12:47:38 PM PST by BornToBeAmerican (Things aren't as good as they should be and its Obama's fault, the resident said)
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To: Slings and Arrows

Dad gummit! you beat me by two minutes. ;-)


8 posted on 11/06/2012 12:48:25 PM PST by TigersEye (dishonorabledisclosure.com - OPSEC (give them support))
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To: Slings and Arrows

Beautiful story! Thanks, Slings!


9 posted on 11/06/2012 12:51:13 PM PST by momtothree
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To: Da Coyote

My pleasure.


10 posted on 11/06/2012 12:52:15 PM PST by Slings and Arrows (You can't have IngSoc without an Emmanuel Goldstein.)
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To: Da Coyote

That is a sweet little boy.


11 posted on 11/06/2012 12:52:36 PM PST by SMARTY ("The man who has no inner-life is a slave to his surroundings. "Henri Frederic Amiel)
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To: TigersEye

I said no when Zer0 offered me a snack. ;^)


12 posted on 11/06/2012 12:54:12 PM PST by Slings and Arrows (You can't have IngSoc without an Emmanuel Goldstein.)
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To: BornToBeAmerican; momtothree

You’re very welcome.


13 posted on 11/06/2012 12:55:00 PM PST by Slings and Arrows (You can't have IngSoc without an Emmanuel Goldstein.)
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To: AnAmericanMother; Titan Magroyne; Badeye; SandRat; arbooz; potlatch; afraidfortherepublic; ...
WOOOF!

Computer Hope

The Doggie Ping list is for FReepers who would like to be notified of threads relating to all things canid. If you would like to join the Doggie Ping Pack (or be unleashed from it), FReemail me.

14 posted on 11/06/2012 12:55:12 PM PST by Joe 6-pack (Que me amat, amet et canem meum)
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To: AnAmericanMother; Titan Magroyne; Badeye; SandRat; arbooz; potlatch; afraidfortherepublic; ...
WOOOF!

Computer Hope

The Doggie Ping list is for FReepers who would like to be notified of threads relating to all things canid. If you would like to join the Doggie Ping Pack (or be unleashed from it), FReemail me.

15 posted on 11/06/2012 12:56:00 PM PST by Joe 6-pack (Que me amat, amet et canem meum)
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To: Slings and Arrows

When 0bama buys a bag of dog food he isn’t bringing home a treat for Bo!


16 posted on 11/06/2012 12:57:34 PM PST by TigersEye (dishonorabledisclosure.com - OPSEC (give them support))
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To: TigersEye

0bama thinks that “Chow dog” is redundant.


17 posted on 11/06/2012 12:59:19 PM PST by Slings and Arrows (You can't have IngSoc without an Emmanuel Goldstein.)
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To: Slings and Arrows
3 legged, one eyed dog. Answers to the name of Lucky.

/johnny

18 posted on 11/06/2012 1:02:23 PM PST by JRandomFreeper (Gone Galt)
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To: Slings and Arrows

Dog-gone video screen turned blurry !!! Thanks for posting...
I wish more news media carried stories like this. It would make for a better world.
Dogs are great as I lean down and pat my 14 year old Maltese..He said if he could he would vote for Romney...


19 posted on 11/06/2012 1:05:36 PM PST by Howe_D_Dewty
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To: Slings and Arrows

Awesome. This story is a perfect example of why all life is precious....especially unwanted dogs. They benefit us humans way more than we deserve.


20 posted on 11/06/2012 1:06:25 PM PST by Vigilantcitizen (Dave Mustaine for president.)
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