Season of Wishes: 10-year-old suffering from blood disorder gets puppy

WALDORF, Md. - FOX 5 Cares is our station's campaign to highlight and help non-profits in our community. Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic is one of those groups and we are partnering with them during their "Season of Wishes."

Breanna Neal is from Hughesville, Maryland, and she suffers from a hematological disorder. But the 11-year-old's wish is to have a Yorkie puppy.

Thanks to Make-A-Wish, Breanna's wish came true and she received her new puppy named Sofie last week.

On Tuesday, Breanna and Sofie got the red carpet treatment at Banfield Pet Hospital in Waldorf, Maryland. The entire staff greeted the two at the hospital to conduct the first routine examination for Sofie, where the 10-week-old puppy received a clean bill of health.

"She adjusted fast," said Breanna. "She was very calm. She likes to play with my dad. She likes to get rubbed in between her ears and her belly and she likes to be held."

"Brianna has sickle cell," said Breanna's mother, Pam. "She's doing a lot better. She's more happier now than before and I think Sofie has brightened her life. With the puppy around, it will take her mind off the pain."

Banfield and Make-A-Wish are partnering together to provide Breanna and Sofie with a full year of free preventative care, routine vaccinations and comprehensive exams along with unlimited free office visits for Sofie.

"We did a full exam today -- her introduction comprehensive," said Dr. Kimberly Braxton. "We made sure ears, eyes, everything was clean. She did have to get two vaccines today, so she handled them well though."

Breanna and Sofie will be back in December for the next checkup.

If you want to be involved to help make wishes come true, Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic says you can donate money or air miles on their website. The air miles are used to help send children to their wish destinations.