South Ham boy Owen Howkins and three-legged dog Haatchi scoop top Crufts award (From Andover Advertiser)

South Ham boy Owen Howkins and three-legged dog Haatchi scoop top Crufts award

2:15pm Monday 11th March 2013 in Basingstoke By Adam Richards

A REMARKABLE relationship between a Basingstoke boy and his three legged pet dog has been honoured with a top award at Crufts.

Anatolian Shepherd Haatchi won first place in the Friends for Life category at the annual dog show at the Birmingham NEC.

Haatchi was adopted by Owen Howkins, seven, from Charles Street in South Ham.

The youngster suffers from Schwartz-Jampel syndrome which means his muscles are permanently tensed, and he needs a wheelchair to get around.

Since adopting Haatchi, who lost his tail and back leg after he was tied to a railway line and hit by a train, Owen has found a new lease of life.

Earlier this month Owen said: “Haatchi has changed my life. I didn’t really meet many others with disabilities and felt like the odd one out.

“When I saw Haatchi and saw how strong he was, even though he only had three legs, I became stronger myself.”

Caroline Kisko, secretary of the Kennel Club said the competition “helps to remind us what makes the relationship between dog and man so special”.

Owen and Haatchi will receive £1,500 which will be donated to Naomi House Children’s Hospice in Sutton Scotney.