Some people say less is more, but not for seven-year-old Caleb. That’s why he made a jumbo-sized wish to be the honorary owner of an elephant.
Caleb, diagnosed with leukemia, always wanted a pachyderm pal. Since ele
phants are less-than-ideal house pets, the best way for him to get his wish was to adopt an elephant. But Make-A-Wish volunteers know the companionship of an animal pal can give hope and encouragement to a seven-year-old dealing with a life-threatening medical condition, so they do everything they can to grant this wish.
The Make-A-Wish Oklahoma team finds an Asian elephant and arrange for Caleb to be it honorary owner.
The boy and his elephant bond quickly over Caleb’s offerings of strawberries and donuts. The two then get ready for a party to celebrate their friendship.
Caleb introduces the elephant to his guests during a fun-filled wish party, complete with clowns, pony rides and tasty barbecue.
The elephant adds his own bit of fun, showing off his sports and musical talents. He swats a soccer ball around and plays the harmonica with his trunk.
As honorary owner, Caleb can visit the elephant at the sanctuary whenever he wants. Caleb eagerly plans to bring more strawberries and donuts, plus some peanuts to feast on.
“I think we have created a monster,” Caleb’s mom, Shanna says in a letter to Make-A-Wish after the wish. She says the experience was everything Caleb anticipated.