Thirteen-year-old wish recipient Megyn is used to being under the microscope as she's undergone many tests, procedures and chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma. But, she also likes to use the microscope. In fact, she aspires to become a marine biologist or veterinarian one day because she loves science and animals.
A long-time fan of canines, when Make-A-Wish® volunteers asked Megyn about her wish, she instantly knew she wanted a dog. Megyn
spent hours upon hours each day researching different dog breeds. She watched hours of Animal Planet
and even wrote a report on the many different breeds before concluding that the Blue Merle Mantle
Great Dane was the one for her.
Love at first sight
Megyn was introduced to her soul mate just one year after being diagnosed with cancer. Megyn and
Rizzo hit it off right from the start. Megyn's mom, Donna, said that she is much more active since
Rizzo has become a part of the family. "It's like she was before she was sick," she said.
Rizzo is a typical puppy: sleeping, eating (lots), playing, and being a bit mischievous. Far from
the 16 lbs. she weighed when introduced to the family, just three months later, Rizzo more than
tripled her weight and continues to grow. She is the largest of the breed and 100 percent European,
so this comes as no surprise to her new family. Rizzo's new BFF has no problem spoiling her, even if
that means picking up a dog half her size or taking her along to sleepovers.
Megyn's big wish has grown into something even bigger than she had expected. With Rizzo by her
side, these partners-in-crime anticipate many adventures together for years to come.
Special thanks: Volunteers Leah Sattler and Melissa Agan, Adopt-A-Wish sponsor Jill Walker,
Petland, Simply Paws, Twin Lakes Veterinary Hospital and Rene Gassage.