Three years ago, Brooke Eby, now 36, received a diagnosis that could have cast a shadow over her life: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. This condition affects motor neurons and the spinal cord, gradually weakening muscles. Initially, Brooke was informed that she might have only two to five years to live. However, she has faced this challenge with remarkable resilience and a positive spirit.
Today, while Brooke uses a wheelchair to navigate her surroundings, she continues to lift spirits and share her journey with humor on TikTok. Her infectious smile lights up her videos, where she candidly discusses her experiences. One particular activity that she truly longs to enjoy again is walking her beloved dog, Dray. Brooke adopted Dray when she was 26, and they have been inseparable ever since, especially as they navigated the ups and downs of her diagnosis together.
Recently, Chewy, a pet care brand known for its compassionate initiatives, stepped in to help fulfill a heartfelt wish for Brooke and Dray. Every holiday season, Chewy launches its Chewy Claus campaign, inviting pet lovers to send virtual letters to a festive version of Santa. For every letter submitted until December 24, Chewy commits to donating meals to pets in need, aiming to provide up to 16 million meals through Greater Good Charities.
In light of this season of giving, Chewy recognized Brooke's desire to walk Dray independently, something that had become increasingly difficult due to her condition. Brooke had tried several adaptive leashes, but they often tangled with her wheelchair and were not suited for Dray’s small stature. Chewy understood that these limitations had taken away one of Brooke's favorite activities — walking with her furry companion — and the independence that came with it.
To make a special holiday memory possible, Chewy collaborated with engineers at Bold Lead Designs to create a custom adaptive leash that would attach seamlessly to Brooke’s wheelchair. This innovative design allows her to enjoy walks with Dray once again, enabling both of them to share precious moments side by side.
Katrina Boldry, a leash design expert, explained the importance of hands-free control for those with disabilities. The new leash design is easy to use, giving Brooke a renewed sense of freedom. “He caught on so well,” Brooke remarked about Dray’s response to the new leash. “He doesn’t seem to notice a difference.”
Through this heartwarming endeavor, Chewy Claus is also contributing $10,000 to Team Gleason, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with ALS. This support helps them lead fulfilling lives despite the challenges posed by the disease.
As Orlena Yeung, chief brand officer at Chewy, beautifully put it, “Chewy Claus celebrates life with pets — from the everyday to the extraordinary. We are especially excited to inspire joy, love, and connection this holiday season.” Brooke and Dray’s story is a touching reminder of the profound bond between humans and their pets, illustrating how love and support can shine brightly in the face of adversity.
For those interested in spreading cheer and submitting their holiday wishes, Chewy Claus is welcoming letters online until December 24. Pet parents can also choose to defer receiving a gift, redirecting even more meals to shelter pets throughout the season. It’s a wonderful opportunity to make a difference while celebrating the special connection we share with our beloved animals.
