The joy a puppy brings is undeniable. From the tail wags to the puppy dog eyes, people can’t help but feel a little bit brighter when they see a cute puppy. But for Polet, a puppy meant more than that. A puppy was a chance to have something that she could take care of and something that will give her a chance to forget about her medical diagnosis and just enjoy being a child again.  

Polet is like most girls her age. She loves playing with her dolls, dancing and going to the park with her family. But unlike most girls her age, Polet has been bravely battling leukemia. As one can imagine, fighting leukemia at a young age can be devastating. There are countless hospital visits, doctors’ appointments and intense medical treatments that often take up all of Polet’s childhood and time. But with a puppy, Polet can focus on loving her new furry companion.   

“Wishes are a necessity to children battling critical illnesses. Wishes can give children renewed energy and strength, bring families closer together and unite communities,” says Stephanie Hampton-Boeglin, Chief Operating Officer, Make-A-Wish Missouri & Kansas. “Polet’s wish is a true testament to the power of a wish and what can happen when our communities unite for a great cause.”  

Polet knew that her one-true wish would be for a mini Goldendoodle, and with some help from her amazing community, Polet’s wish for a puppy come true! On the day of her wish, Polet thought she was touring the Kirkwood Animal Hospital to see what it was like to be a veterinarian and meet some puppies up close in person. But little did she know, she was about to meet her new best friend!    

Waiting there for her was a mini Goldendoodle, ready for Polet to take him to his fur-ever home! Once Polet knew that he was hers, she lit up with excitement and began laughing and smiling as her new friend licked her face. It was as if all of her worries melted away with the puppy love!  After spending some time bonding, Polet decided that her mini goldendoodle’s name would be Cooper.    

“Seeing Polet with Cooper and the joy on her face when she held him was one of many constant reminders that a wish come true is something extremely powerful and is more than just a ‘nice’ thing, wishes are necessities to children fighting critical illnesses. Cooper is so sweet and loving, I have no doubt he will bring her joy for years to come,” said Hampton-Boeglin.  

Cooper and Polet were inseparable from the moment they met, and we know that Cooper will be right by Polet’s side as she battles through leukemia, allowing her to focus on just being the little girl she deserves to be.