~Harriet and Yepa~

..THIS SITE IS NOT RUN BY HARRIET HERSELF, BUT BY 2 FRIENDS WHO WOULD LIKE TO SHARE HER STORY WITH YOU -~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-“We would like to tell you about Harriet, a wonderful and special little girl I know, and her best friend, her Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla (HWV) , Yepa. Harriet is 11 years old and was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at 11 months. She has restricted use of her legs and can only walk short distances with a frame and relies heavily on a wheelchair. She also suffers from associated conditions and her life is very up and down in terms of her health.Harriet and her Mum and Dad, Sue and Adrian, had waited patiently for a dog puppy from an HWV litter we bred which was born on 28th December 2005. Fate intervened and the two boys from the litter were chosen ahead of Harriet's choice, a bitch puppy nicknamed Serena (after Serena Williams), who was a super confident, strong puppy. She was calm and wise beyond her weeks and she seemed the perfect choice for Harriet's needs.From the moment Serena, re-named Leiborschy Yepa, (meaning Winter Princess) arrived home with Harriet, she sensed how special Harriet is. She would sit between Harriet's legs as Harriet shuffled about the house on her bottom. When it came to Harriet's walking frame, Yepa would trot alongside on a loose lead from the age of 3 months, never once pulling or changing direction. Harriet could finally enjoy a walk with her Dad and puppy like any other little girl.During her first summer, Harriet taught Yepa to swim in the family's pool. In the water Harriet is free from the restrictions her legs place upon her and can interact with Yepa fully, with Yepa even copying Harriet and using the side to push off to start a width of the pool.Harriet has helped with training Yepa, both in basic obedience and for gundog work,and has attended many breed club working training days, trudging across fields on her Dad's shoulders. At Crufts this year Yepa could be found at the side of Harriet's wheelchair and there was no prouder person at the NEC than Harriet, as her pet competed. Prior to the Crufts judging, Harriet and Yepa gave us a hand on Discover Dogs, and demonstrated better than any of us could impart through words, the benefit of dog ownership and the traits that make HWVs very special. This year Harriet offered her services on the breed booth at Discover Dogs at Earls Court........demonstrating a huge leap in confidence.Prior to Yepa arriving, Harriet had never immersed herself so completeley in anything and would not have had the confidence to talk to adults and children, but she now regularly discusses the breed with anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of the HWV.Ownership of Yepa helps Harriet join in fully despite her disabilities. Harriet has had experiences with Yepa that her peer group have not.............fuelling Harriet's confidence and making her a very sought after friend. As well as the emotional benefits of owning Yepa, Yepa assists Harriet in a physical way. Yepa will stay with Harriet if she falls until Mum arrives on the scene and will stay on Harriet's bed if she is feeling unwell. Yepa will comfort Harriet if she is upset and constantly keeps an eye out for her.The day-to-day care of Yepa, getting her food ready, opening her crate, putting on her collar and lead, all helps Harriet keep supple and motivated. When Harriet's disabilities prevent her enjoying outings with her friends, Yepa is there at home as Harriet's best pal. Yepa enjoys sleepovers with Harriet and her friends and joins in as one of the "girls", feasting on midnight snacks and watching DVDs! Yepa is very popular with Harriet's friends and there is no shortage of children wishing to share Yepa with Harriet.We have seen such a change in Harriet since Yepa came into her life. She is a confident, spirited little girl now who strives to join in with anything that she does with Yepa. Yepa has given her not only focus and responsibility, but allows Harriet to have a sense of achievement that was previously missing. Harriet's knowledge of dog ownership, training and the breed are a credit to her, especially as she has had difficulties to overcome to gain this knowledge.The sight of Harriet with Yepa is heartwarming, and cannot fail to bring a smile to your face and we feel privilaged to know her . Thank you for taking the time and trouble to read about this remarkable little girl and her Friend for Life, Yepa.”