Wiltshire dog to compete at Crufts after 'saving owner's life'

Sofie Hawkins, who suffered seven broken ribs and a puncture lung when she was knocked off her motorbike in August 2021, was helped in her recovery by Harleigh, an 18-month-old Chihuahua and Miniature Pinscher crossbreed.

Sofie had been taking part in the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride in Poole when she was hit by a car.

She lacerated her liver, broke her scapular and required emergency surgeries, including having her lung reinflated twice, after being unconscious for 45 minutes.

The 25-year-old was forced to leave her job as a lorry driver and quit many of her hobbies when the accident left her with temporary paralysis in her left arm.

Sofie had already lost her brother Daniel to suicide in 2018, and her mental health went “severely downhill”.

She said: “I was already struggling with that anyway. Everything hit me at once and I didn’t want to be here anymore.

“All my hobbies were very physical, and the majority of my friends were through biking.

"After the crash, I felt lonely and cut off. It was very isolating.”

But Sofie’s life was turned around when a psychologist recommended she adopt an emotional support dog in November, 2021.

“I initially went to look at a different puppy, but Harleigh wouldn’t leave me alone," she remembered.

“She chose me and has been by my side ever since. Harleigh gives me a reason to get up in the morning.

“Harleigh comes with me to all my hospital visits - she just sits there and comforts me when I need it most.

“If it wasn’t for Harleigh I would not be here today.

“My life has changed since the accident, but I am very thankful to Harleigh for saving me time and time again.”

Harleigh, who is described as “really confident and cheeky”, won her first dog show at Newbury, in 2022, when she was entered into the prettiest female category.

Now she is hoping to win the same category at the world’s largest dog show after qualifying for this year’s Crufts.

Sofie added: “It doesn’t matter how Harleigh does on Saturday, I’m just proud of her for how far she’s got.

“She gives me the motivation to get up every single day, and she helps bring me out of bad places.”

Harleigh will compete for the title of prettiest female on Saturday, March 11.