Petland fulfills 1,000 wishes through Make-A-Wish since 1998; company's 1,000th wish granted in Dallas recently enhances lives of children with critical illnesses

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Petland recently announced it has granted its 1,000^th wish to children with critical illnesses through Make-A-Wish. Petland’s commitment to Make-A-Wish began in 1998.

Petland’s 1,000^th wish was recently granted in Dallas, Texas.

As a result of the 1,000 wishes granted, Petland has played an important role in enhancing the lives of children and families as they navigate serious illnesses and conditions. These life-changing experiences help bring strength, joy, and a greater sense of hope to wish kids and their families when it’s needed most.

“At Petland, we say, ‘Pets make life better,’” said Joe Watson, president and CEO. “We know and understand the importance of the human-animal bond, especially in children, and we are humbled to have been able to make a difference in the lives of many children across the country who are experiencing tremendous health challenges.”

According to studies identified by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, having a pet in the home can help to manage our stress levels, and shows pet owners can recover faster from stressful life situations than non-pet owners. Studies have also shown that having a pet can lower blood pressure and reduce cortisol, a stress-related hormone. Pets can provide patients and their families with a regular routine that offers a positive, joyful distraction from unwanted thoughts.

“Granting the wishes of 1,000 Make-A-Wish kids and their families has been a gift for our Petland employees, and it can be a truly humbling and joyful experience. With Petland Charities, we hope to make even more connections in the future,” Watson added.

The nation’s largest wish-granting organization, Make-A-Wish is a 501c3 tax-exempt organization. Make-A-Wish was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Phoenix. The organization operates through its 59 chapters located throughout the United States.

Petland Charities is a 501c3 non-profit organization focused on supporting community-based programs to better the lives of pets. Its mission is to support animal welfare, end inhumane breeding practices, and to make connections that include matching the right pet with the right person.