8-year-old boy living with leukaemia granted puppy wish

Maxi Zoo Ireland were delighted to team up with Make-A-Wish Ireland to surprise an 8-year-old boy living with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia recently.  Patrick had always wanted a dog, but it wasn’t possible while he was undergoing treatment. 

Patrick's mum said "With Patrick's original wish of being a mascot at an Irish International Rugby game no longer possible due to Covid-19, we went back to the drawing board and discovered that what he would really like was a dog. Patrick loves animals and we had often talked about getting a dog when he finished treatment."

The children’s charity approached Maxi Zoo to collaborate on the wish to mark Patrick’s 8th Birthday. Patrick was invited in store to meet his new pet, a labrador called Luke and Maxi Zoo helped to top off the surprise with a private shopping experience to pick up the dogs essentials to begin his life with his forever family.

"Make-A-Wish went above and beyond to make his dream a reality and pulled out all the stops on Patrick's birthday to give him the biggest surprise of his life! Our Wish Granter Louise thought of everything and made the whole experience so special for him. It was a magical evening which we'll never forget. We are so grateful to Make-A-Wish for the wonderful work they do and to the staff at Maxi Zoo for their kindness and generosity. Patrick's puppy has brought such joy to him and us already after such a difficult few year and we look forward to many years of happiness and fun ahead with the newest member of our family, Luke."  Patrick’s mum continued.

Ireland’s largest pet retailer organised a private shopping experience at their store located in the Omni Retail Park, Santry Road, Dublin.  The shop ensured the visit took place out of hours with a deep clean taking place before the family visited, ensuring all public health guidelines were adhered to.

Speaking on behalf of Maxi Zoo, Noelle Long, Purchasing and Marketing Director said “Maxi Zoo prides itself on being a family friendly retailer.  We were honoured to be approached by Make-A-Wish to help make Patrick’s wish come true.  We are used to customers visiting stores to pick up their puppy essentials – but we have never had the pleasure of being involved in granting such a special wish to a very deserving little boy."

Maxi Zoo currently operates 20 stores in the Republic of Ireland – located in Westmeath (Mullingar), Tipperary (Clonmel), Wexford (Gorey), Carlow, Waterford, Cork (Ballincollig, Midleton), Dublin (Blanchardstown, Finglas, Tallaght, Liffey Valley, Omni, Clarehall & Leopardstown), Kildare (Naas, Newbridge & Maynooth), Wicklow (Bray), Limerick, and Longford.

Make-A-Wish Ireland grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions such as cancer, cystic fibrosis and heart conditions. No two wishes are alike, just as no two sick children are alike. From the humble to the seemingly impossible. Make-A-Wish does not receive any government funding and relies generosity of the Irish public to continue granting wishes.

21 Shares

Latest

Trending