New Yorker Talk of the Town

MAN’S BEST FRIEND STRIKES AGAIN

Most children complain about having to take their dog for a walk, but to 8 year-old Owen Howkins, it’s a privilege. Owen lives in the UK, and suffers from a rare muscle condition called Schwartz-Jampel Syndrome. This condition causes Owen’s muscles to be tense almost all the time, which makes it hard for him to balance and walk. Owen’s story is documented in a short viral video by Jonna Mclver called “A Boy And His Dog”. According to his parents, when Owen started school he became extremely self-conscious of his appearance due to his condition because of the way the other children looked at him. This made Owen want to stay inside all the time so that others didn’t see him. This changed completely when he got his dog, Haatchi. Haatchi is an Anatolian shepherd dog who lost his tail and one of his back legs when he was tied to a railroad as a puppy and was hit by a train. He was later adopted by Owen’s parents and quickly became Owen’s best friend. In the viral video, Owen’s mother explains that the moment he met Haatchi, they had a special connection that they still have today.  The bond that he has with Owen is incredible. Haatchi not only encouraged Owen to go outside again after they met, he gave Owen the confidence to meet new people and talk about his dog to them. Haatchi has won many awards for the change he has made in Owen’s life, and he competes in dog shows that Owen also attends. The video “A Boy And His Dog” shows Owen and Haatchi winning the Crufts “Best Friends For Life” award, and also shows them in a photo shoot together. Haatchi has given Owen the confidence to tell his story by taking the attention off of Owen’s condition and putting it on to his. The story of these two best friends has become famous around the world and continues to amaze people as the meet the two brave boys and learn about their story. They are an inseparable pair that show just what can be accomplished when an incredible boy meets an extraordinary dog.