Crufts winners appear on Vet's Klinic TV (From Swindon Advertiser)

Crufts winners appear on Vet's Klinic TV

3:49pm Thursday 21st March 2013 in News

CRUFTS winners Owen Howkins and his dog Haatchi made their first live appearance on Vet's Klinic TV this week after winning the Crufts Friends for Life competition at the NEC.

The pair, who received 54 per cent of the public vote in the competition, have both struggled to get where they are today.

Owen has Schwartz-Jampel syndrome, a rare genetic condition that severely affects muscles, which has damaged his self esteem and ability to socialise. Haatchi, an Anatolian Shepherd, has helped him to cope with the condition, and Owen has grown more confident since the family adopted him.

Owen's father, Will Howkins, said: “Owen is incredibly attached to Haatchi, and he’s really helped Owen come out of his shell.”

Haatchi has also had a difficult early life. In January 2012 he was deliberately tied to a railway line in North London and was hit by a train. His tail was severed and his rear leg severely damaged.

Haatchi managed to stagger away and hid for approximately five days before he was rescued by the RSPCA, when, due to an infection, his leg had to be amputated.

Joe Inglis, founder of Vet's Klinic which has a practice in Bridgemead, said, “We were very glad to welcome Owen and Haatchi to Vet’s Klinic again.

“Theirs is such an inspirational story which just goes on to show the difference pets can make to people’s lives.”

Speaking about winning the award on Vet's Klinic Live, Owen said: “I am very happy to win the competition and I want to thank everyone who voted for me.

“Haatchi is my best friend and I love him a lot.”

To see the show click on this link www.vetsklinic.co.uk/klinicstv