This is Owen Howkins, aged seven.
Via youtube.com
He suffers from a very rare genetic condition which leaves his muscles permanently tense.
Via youtube.com
He's in permanent pain, and until recently the condition made him scared of talking to people.
Via youtube.com
But just lately, his friend Haatchi has helped him regain his confidence.
Via youtube.com
When Haatchi was younger, he was left abandoned, tied to a train track.
Via youtube.com
He was found with his tail and one of his legs mangled: they had to be amputated.
The RSPCA tried to find him a new home, but he wasn't happy until he met Owen.
Via youtube.com
Owen's father Will and his fiancee Colleen Drummond adopted him.
Via youtube.com
They could see Haatchi was happy, because his stump waggled.
Via youtube.com
Haatchi really boosted Owen's confidence.
Via pressgazette.co.uk
Before he got the dog, he didn't like to leave the house at all.
As he says:
Via youtube.com
Last year, Owen and Haatchi won first place in the Friends for Life category at Crufts.
Via youtube.com
Owen and Haatchi have a Facebook site here. A book about their story is being published today.
