Nine-year-old Marlon of Miami considered every option when he was deciding on his wish. Meeting a celebrity, going on a trip – nothing could compare to his dream of having a puppy. His heart was set on an English bulldog because “they are cute and fat and can run real fast.” The puppy also had to live up to the name “Diamond.”So the search was on to find Marlon’s dream dog…

Petland in Davie was the perfect place for Marlon’s wish day, with cheering store employees and Make-A-Wish supporters to welcome him. Escorted in a limo, the anxious boy bulleted straight toward his new pup and with one wag of the tail, “Diamond” had his heart. Marlon played with his new puppy and gave him lots of hugs. Together, they walked down each aisle, scooping up every puppy supply imaginable with the help of a personal shopper. Marlon also received a gift certificate for puppy obedience classes.

Now Marlon, an only child, has a friend to “play with all the time.” He loves that “Diamond is playful and can run really fast.” Diamond also helps to cheer him up during the toughest times in his battle with lymphoma. According to his mother, he spends every free minute with the dog. Marlon said, “Thank you. I love Diamond so so so very much.”

Wish Granters: Jessi Balbuena-Rivero & Andrea Rosa
Referred by: Evelyn Gonzalez, his social worker
Wish adopted by: Robert Press, Trafalgar Capital Advisors
Special thanks to Petland

To view a video from Marlon’s wish day, click here.