Sofie Hawkins, a 25-year-old woman from Chippenham, Wiltshire, says that her Chihuahua and Miniature Pinscher crossbreed, Harleigh, saved her life after she was involved in a motorbike accident in August 2021. The accident left her with several injuries, including seven broken ribs and a punctured lung. Sofie also suffered temporary paralysis in her left arm, which lasted for three months, forcing her to quit her job as a lorry driver and give up many of her hobbies, such as gymnastics, pole dancing, and horse riding.
Sofie’s mental health took a turn for the worse after the accident, as she had already lost her older brother to suicide in 2018. A psychologist recommended that she consider getting an emotional support dog, and in November 2021, Sofie found Harleigh. The pup has since accompanied Sofie to all of her hospital, physio, and counselling appointments, giving her the motivation to get up in the morning and helping her come out of dark places.
In April 2022, Sofie entered Harleigh into a dog show in Newbury, Berkshire, where she won the Prettiest Female category, qualifying her for Crufts, the world’s largest dog show. Sofie and Harleigh will be competing for the crown of Prettiest Female on Saturday, March 11. However, Sofie says that she is just proud of Harleigh for how far she has come, regardless of the outcome.
Sofie was knocked off her motorbike by a car during the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride in Poole, Dorset. She suffered severe injuries, including a lacerated liver and a broken scapular, and remained in the hospital for two weeks. Sofie says that the experience also had a severe impact on her mental health, as she felt isolated and cut off from her friends and hobbies.
However, Harleigh has been a constant companion to Sofie throughout her recovery. Having studied animal management in college and volunteered at local farms in her teenage years, Sofie says that she has always loved animals. Harleigh, in particular, gives Sofie a reason to get up in the morning and comforts her during her hospital visits.
Sofie describes Harleigh as a little dog with a big attitude who is very pretty and likes to pose in front of the camera. She says that Harleigh is spoiled and has a better wardrobe than she does, with loads of coats and hoodies for the winter. However, Sofie says that she is very thankful to Harleigh for saving her time and time again and for giving her a purpose after the accident left her feeling lost and alone.
»Sofie Hawkins’ dog saves her life from motorbike accident«
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