Arlington Heights pet store makes boy's wish come true

Nicholas Tochev has a new puppy, thanks to Petland Arlington Heights and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

On July 18, the Tochev family of Niles came to Kay and Harry Overton's Petland store to meet Nicholas' new puppy, a Maltese/Yorkie mix, called a Morkie, that Nicholas named Toffee.

To help care for Toffee, Nicholas will receive a year's worth of vet visits from Niles Animal Hospital & Bird Medical Center in Niles, and Wilson Pet Supply in Hanover Park donated supplies to the Tochevs. A year's worth of food was donated by Nutro Dog Food Company, and Chipotle, next to Petland, gave the Tochevs free meal coupons.

Make-A-Wish chose to grant Nicholas' wish after he was diagnosed with an undisclosed life-threatening illness when he was 2. Now, at 6 years old, he's in remission after treatment.

Nicholas' mom, Anelii, his dad, Ivaylo, and his brother, Ivaylo, joined him on his special day. Also on hand were Make-A-Wish granters Diane Jannetto and her daughter, Katie.