Special dog receives prestigious award from IFAW

A Hampshire dog has received the Animal of the Year Award from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

One-year-old Haatchi, an Anatolian shepherd, was tied to a railway line and hit by a train as a small puppy. One of his backs legs and his tail were amputated as a result.

Fortunately, he found a new home in Basingstoke with Will Howkins, his fiancé Colleen Drummond and his seven-year-old son Owen, who has an extremely rare genetic condition called Schwartz-Jampel syndrome.

The condition means Owen needs regular medication and therapy because his muscles are constantly tense, meaning he isn't able to take part in the same activities as other children his age. As a result, Owen was becoming withdrawn at school - until Haatchi's arrival.

Being introduced to a bouncing, three-legged puppy which needs regular medical attention like himself, has helped give Owen a new lease of life, and the pair have become best friends.

Haatchi has recently become qualified as a Pets as Therapy dog, after completing training, and is always gentle around Owen - careful not to knock him over or get in the way of his oxygen tubes.

The family are also arranging for Haatchi to begin visiting sick children and soldier amputees.

Haatchi received his award at IFAW's Animal Action Awards event, presented by Queen guitarist Brian May at the House of Lords.

UK director of IFAW, Robbie Marsland, said: "When we heard Haatchi's amazing story of survival and the very special relationship he has with Owen we knew he had to be IFAW's Animal of the Year."