Beyond The Wish - Scarlett
Meet Scarlett, whose wish for a Dachshund puppy came true in 2023.
Scarlett and her puppy Ava have formed a close bond, with Ava helping Scarlett cope with medical appointments.
Beyond The Wish is our series of inspirational reads exploring the impact of wishes long after they have been delivered.
Setbacks still loom large for Scarlett
Ava the Dachshund has helped change Scarlett’s view of the world.
The long-bodied puppy was wished into Scarlett’s life in December 2023.
Scarlett has a rare genetic condition called Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2S which means her muscles get progressively weaker.
A simple cold can trigger a massive progression of the condition.
Scarlett’s most serious recent setback was in early 2024 when she developed a cough.
Days later she collapsed while at a shopping centre and was unable to walk for a month.
'I think I have won the dog lottery'
Scarlett’s mum Sarah said her daughter is home-schooled to reduce the risks of getting sick at school.
To help counter the feelings of isolation, Scarlett wished for a puppy.
Enter Ava, the Dachshund who sleeps on Scarlett’s bed and sits on a pillow behind her when she starts her school day.
“I was hoping that she would be a very cuddly dog, and she is,” Scarlett said.
“I am so happy that she's mine. I think I have won the lottery; the dog lottery.”
Ava’s arrival also was a mood-changer for the whole family as they waited anxiously to see if Scarlett would be part of a medical trial in the United States.
“The wish was something where she could not worry about trials, and just be a kid again,” Sarah said.
Ava is with Scarlett for the highs and lows
After Scarlett’s setback in 2024, she required rehab three times a week. Ava is right next to her at her appointments.
“I feel happy because as soon as we get in the car to go to appointments, I get to cuddle Ava and put her on my lap as we drive home,” Scarlett said.
Sarah said while Scarlett had always been resilient during her medical journey, having Ava with her gave her added strength.
“She gets comfort from knowing Ava’s coming with us in the car,” Sarah said.
“Quite often the physio will say ‘all right, you can have a little cuddle now’.”
Wish helps to 'see good in the world'
Sarah said the wish gave Scarlett renewed positivity after disappointment at not getting the green light for the US medical trial.
“The wish showed Scarlett there are exciting and special things in the world,” Sarah said.
“I think it's made her really see that there's a lot of good in the world and there's a lot of positivity out there.
“She could see there’s some really special people that want to make her life joyful.”
Sarah said Ava had opened many more social opportunities for Scarlett, including taking Ava to the beach or the park.
“Ava has given Scarlett a real sense of purpose,” Sarah said.
