Her ‘Lucky’ day in Petland

Diagnosed with leukemia at the beginning of the year, 7-year-old Pilar had a wish for a male Bichon Frise.

When a Make-A-Wish Foundation representative contacted Pembroke Pines Petland Franchisees Simon Rozenberg and Mayid Yamin, they quickly jumped onboard. Within a few weeks, the plans were set and Pilar was swept off to the store in a limo with her mother, Miriam, and brother, Albert.

"She was so happy. It was all a big surprise for her," Rozenberg said.

Pet counselors at Pembroke Pines had decorated the store with balloons and a welcoming banner. They also had bought a cake for Pilar who spent the day running around the store with her new Bichon selecting supplies for him, Rozenberg said.

"She was very energetic and the puppy was able to keep up with her," Rozenberg added. "It was a very good time. Everyone was playing and smiling. Pilar was very happy and amazed."

Jennifer Tate, wish coordinator for Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida, said the day at the Pembroke store was very successful.

"Simon and his Petland associates were fabulous," said Tate, adding, "Pilar said that her wish day was ‘the best day of her life.’ We are certain that the memories of that incredible day will surely help to sustain her through the rough times she faces with her illness."

The surprise came one month before Pilar was scheduled for her first rounds of chemotherapy treatments, Miriam told reporters. She added that she was happy Pilar will have a friend during a time when she won’t be able to go outside or do much.

"Right now, her life is so controlled and she really doesn’t feel free," Miriam told Darran Simon of The Miami Herald. "The dog will be good for her, keep her spirits up."

Extra Care Animal Hospital, the Pembroke Pines’ veterinary clinic, also provided a year of veterinary services and complimentary neutering for the Bichon.

Pilar’s brother Albert also had a surprise for his sister. He had already picked a name - Lucky - for her new friend.

Pilar told reporter Beverly Bidney she called him Lucky because "I’m lucky. I really wanted a dog to play with. My brother Albert and I are in charge of him. We’ll take him for walks every day, feed him and put water in his bowl...I want to teach him lots of tricks like roll over and catch and all that kind of stuff."

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Pembroke Pines shines with dog park sponsorship

Petland Pembroke Pines is sponsoring a local dog park with a $500 donation.

Nearly 500 people attended the first event at the local dog park this summer. Petland had a booth of information and pet supplies. Others at the pet fair included veterinarians, dog trainers and groomers.

"We had a lot of fun with pet-loving members of the community.

 

Testimonials

Jorge A. Gomez

I purchased a Mini.i Schnauzer from your Palm Beach Gardens location about a week ago.  Originally Stephanie from your Pembroke Pines
location was helping me find the right one for about 2-3 months.  She did a
great job on always calling me and keeping me informed of the new dogs you
guys had.  We live in Ocala and so the communication was crutial in getting
our new puppy.  It just so happened though that the dog we wanted ended up
being at the Palm Beach location were Christina did a great job in helping us
w/ the paperwork and getting us our new member of our family.  All in all
the service from Petland and the quality of the dogs you guys have are
great.  I would recommened them to anyone.  Also the Vet that Petland sent
me to was incredible with our new dog and she had very good things to say
about Petland which just gave my wife and I even more reassurance that we
had bought from the right place. 

Thank you and keep up the good work.

Tiffany , Palm Beach Gardens

Cooper is now 12 lbs. and the best mistake I ever made! He is the sweetest and most loveable Shih Tzu on earth. He is mommy's boy for sure but warms up to others once he gets a feel for you. His favorite treats are raw carrots and peanut butter. Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot about the little puppies. Because of my wonderful experience at Petland, I take two little girls that I babysit here at least once a week to play with the puppies. The staff always welcomes us with open arms and are super friendly with my girls! Thank you for bringing happiness into my life and being so kind to the girls.

Joel, Wellington

What a great dog-- more than we could ever have anticipated.