Boy gets special wish: trip to San Diego Zoo

Caring for pets therapeutic for Beavercreek boy

Bobby Bernhard III, 10, poses with his Dumpy Australian Tree Frog named Froggy at his home in Beavercreek. He and his family are going to visit the San Diego Zoo in August, courtesy of A Special Wish Foundation.

Staff photo by Jim Noelker Bobby Bernhard III, 10, poses with his Dumpy Australian Tree Frog named Froggy at his home in Beavercreek. He and his family are going to visit the San Diego Zoo in August, courtesy of A Special Wish Foundation.

ENLARGE PHOTO

Family humbled by special gift for boy

Man, 68, drowns at Caesar Creek Lake
5/26/12
Water rescues prompt warning from health officials
5/25/12
Beach Waterpark sued for failure to deliver
5/25/12
Raleigh Trammell’s defense opens in felony trial
5/25/12
UD to move satellite campus to Dublin
5/25/12
> More headlines

By Dale Huffman, Staff Writer 8:52 PM Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Animal-lover Robert “Bobby” Bernhard III doesn’t quite have a zoo at his home. But when the 10-year-old Beavercreek boy gets his “special wish” this summer, he will be visiting the real thing at the San Diego Zoo.

Bobby, who is bravely fighting the effects of muscular dystrophy, takes great joy in caring for his animal friends. His parents Ann and Robert Bernhard Jr. think Bobby, who will be a fourth-grader at Shaw Elementary School in the fall, gets a lot from animals.

“We think it is therapeutic for Bobby to enjoy his pets,” said his father. “He is such a loving child, and watches ‘Animal Planet’ on television and has grown very fond of all the little animals in the world.”

Bobby’s mini-menagerie includes a bearded collie dog named Cosmo, a pet cockatiel named Earl, an anole lizard he calls Matt, and an Australian tree frog named Froggy.

“When Bobby comes in from school, the cockatiel begins making welcome chirps and the dog rushes to greet him. All of his pets have distinctive personalities,” the father said. “Bobby is so enthralled to oversee his personal animal kingdom.”

A Special Wish Foundation, which grants wishes for very ill children, will send Bobby and his family to the animal kingdom at the California zoo, as well as Legoland and a boat excursion.

“Bobby is a wonderful little boy full of so much love, and it is our privilege to arrange this trip for him to see the animals he loves at the world famous zoo,” said Special Wish Director Ilene Schnabel.

Share this article