Animals often have a healing effect on people. Whether we need comfort and companionship or a warning that we’re in danger, they can improve and save our lives.
Videos by InspireMore
One such example involves a special bond between a boy named Owen Hawkins and a sweet Anatolian Shepherd named Haatchi. The friendship between the two has helped both boy and dog in so many ways.
Facebook
Before being brought to Owen, Haatchi had some struggles of his own. When he was less than a year old, Haatchi was purposely tied to a railway line in Northern London and struck by a train. The incident cost the poor animal his tail and one of his legs.
Even after becoming the victim of an insidious act of animal cruelty, Haatchi was still able to trust people and to open up to Owen, a little boy once too afraid to make friends.
Facebook
Owen suffers from a rare medical condition called Schwartz-Jampel syndrome. It causes his muscles to frequently seize involuntarily. Because of his unusual physical condition, Owen easily stands out from his peers. It made him self-conscious to the point where he developed agoraphobia: a fear of being in places or situations that make you feel trapped, helpless, or embarrassed.
But then, Owen met Haatchi — and the boy and dog became instant best friends.
Facebook
Having Haatchi by his side has given Owen much more confidence to be outgoing. The two are even the subject of the inspiring documentary below!
Despite the bad times both Haatchi and Owen had experienced before, thanks to their ever-present bond, both boy and dog are happy. And they each know they have a friend they can rely on no matter what.
Remember to share their unusual and sweet friendship today!
Want to be happier in just 5 minutes a day? Sign up for Morning Smile and join over 455,000+ people who start each day with good news.