A TODDLER who almost died after contracting meningitis has had her wish come true.

Toy Story-mad two-year-old Evie-Beth Weaver, of Mancot, was seriously ill at Wrexham’s Maelor Hospital when her family promised her a dog if she got better.

So what better gift than adorable eight-week old Staffordshire lurcher puppy Buzz who was thrown over a 12ft wall and abandoned by his previous owner.

Evie’s grandmother Angela Lewis, 57, said the family had gone through a difficult period during the illness but said the youngster was recovering well. Angela said:
“We have been talking about having a dog for a while then our granddaughter took ill with meningitis and nearly died.

“We kept asking if she wanted something as we thought it would help her fight. She said she wanted a ‘woo-woo’. She was very poorly but as soon as she could talk she was asking for a dog.”

Buzz is the newest member of the household and will be living with Evie’s mum and dad, Adele and Craig, uncle Andrew and Angela and her husband Henry.

Angela said: “They had already called the dog Buzz and her favourite film is Toy Story, so she was thrilled about that when she found out. He is like an addition to the family. Evie and Buzz have become the best of friends.”

Buzz was taken North Clwyd Animal Rescue centre, near Holywell, after spending a night exposed in the rain in Rhyl.

Anne Owen, founder of the charity, said: “We are ecstatic Buzz has a new home and it is lovely one as well.

“There are plenty more dogs that need looking after. We have about 100 dogs, as well as cats and rabbits.

“People have to think about what is involved and how much it costs before taking them on. But it is very rewarding if you have a nice, well trained dog. It is can be a
pleasure.”

If you would like to house one of the dogs at the centre contact 01745 560546.