Life With Dogs: Make-A-Wish Helps Teen’s Pooch Become A Therapy Dog For Sick Kids

Kyle Hansen was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma in June 2019. At just 15-years-old, he was facing a life-threatening illness.

During his grueling chemotherapy treatments, Kyle says his greatest comfort came from the therapy dogs at Children’s Wisconsin Hospital.

“It was always the best part,” Kyle, now 16, told The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

“He would go from just looking miserable to his face lighting up with joy,” added Michelle Hansen, Kyle’s mom.

Kyle makes a selfless wish.

The severity of Kyle’s illness made him eligible for a request from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Instead of a trip to Disneyland or a visit from his favorite celebrity, he asked the charity to help him train his 2-year-old Standard Poodle, Copper, as a therapy dog.

The Make-A-Wish team got Copper into classes and sent a trainer to the home to help the pair hone their skills. Kyle plans to pay it forward by taking Copper to visit other young people battling cancer.

“It’s pretty awesome,” Kyle said. “Now, I can take my therapy dog in [to the hospital] and see more kids.”

Make-A-Wish also treated Kyle and Copper to a private shopping spree at Bark N’ Scratch Outpost in Milwaukee on July 23. With the entire store to themselves, they were able to nab some new treats, toys, and healthy dog food.

Photo via Facebook/ Barn n’ Scratch Outpost

Kyle and Copper will walk to fund other kids’ wishes.

In addition to Kyle’s devotion to the therapy dog program at Children’s Milwaukee, he also plans to take part in Make-A-Wish Wisconsin’s Walk For Wishes. He and Copper will walk five miles on walk day plus another mile for every $500 they receive in pledges. The virtual event is set for August 22 – 29.

Kyle walked in the event last year, raising more than $2,800. This year he hopes to break $3,000. If you would like to help him reach his goal and fund more wishes in the process, click here.