by A heartwarming holiday story is unfolding this season after a woman living with ALS received a life-changing gift that allowed her to enjoy walks with her senior Chihuahua once again.
For Brooke Eby, who was diagnosed in 2023, the chance to walk alongside her dog Dray had become impossible — until a creative solution brought that cherished tradition back into her life.
A Diagnosis That Reshaped Daily Life
Eby was just 33 when she learned she had ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The progressive condition affects the brain and spinal cord, gradually weakening muscles and impacting mobility.
Since her diagnosis, Eby has been candid about navigating the illness, sharing her journey on social media under the motto “Live life in dog years.”
Inspired by her prognosis of 2–5 years from symptom onset, Eby embraced the idea that each year should be lived with the same enthusiasm dogs have for life. This philosophy deepened her bond with Dray, whom she adopted a decade ago and who has been a constant source of comfort and humor.
Losing the Ability to Walk Together
Walking Dray had long been one of their favorite shared activities, but ALS made that increasingly difficult. Eby explained that every attempt to adapt her mobility came with complications.
“Walking Dray became a game of adaptations. I’d try to use my walker, and Dray would knock it over. I’d try to use a cane, and he thought it was a stick and would chase it.”
Once she transitioned to a power wheelchair, the risks grew. A standard leash could easily become tangled in the wheels and pose serious danger. Eventually, she stopped joining Dray on his walks altogether — a loss that deeply affected both of them.
A Holiday Wish Sent Straight to Chewy Claus
When Chewy Claus, Chewy’s annual letter-writing campaign, began accepting 2025 holiday requests, Eby and Dray decided to write in. Dray’s message was simple but emotional:
“What I really want is for Chewy Claus to take her ALS away, but I know that’s not possible. I just want to go on a walk with my mom again.”
Chewy responded immediately, determined to bring that wish to life.
The Innovative Solution: A Custom Wheelchair-Compatible Leash
To make the reunion possible, Chewy partnered with Bold Lead Designs, a company specializing in service-dog equipment. The team set out to create a safe, functional, wheelchair-adapted leash system specifically for Eby and Dray.
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The result was a spring-loaded leash extension that attaches securely to Eby’s power wheelchair. It provides Dray enough freedom to explore while keeping him at a safe distance from the wheels.
The solution worked better than expected. After a brief introduction, Dray embraced the new setup quickly, allowing the pair to resume their cherished walks.
Bold Lead Designs founder Katrina Boldry said the innovation could lead to a wider impact:
“Now that we know it works, we’re going to look into how to make it for other people.”
Eby hopes this breakthrough inspires more accessibility in the pet industry:
“There’s not really a ton of adaptations being made in the pet world right now. I hope it opens up more independence for people and more activity for their pets.”
A Gift That Gives Back
As part of fulfilling Dray’s holiday wish, Chewy also donated $10,000 to Team Gleason, a foundation dedicated to improving quality of life for individuals living with ALS. The donation supports initiatives that help people with ALS stay connected to their pets — a bond Eby describes as crucial to her emotional well-being.
Today, Eby and Dray are back to strolling outdoors together, enjoying fresh air, neighborly conversations, and the simple joy of moving side-by-side again.
Eby says the new leash has restored a piece of her independence:
“I feel a lot more independent. Having something like this is one less time I have to ask someone to do something for me.”
She added that Dray’s quick adjustment taught her something meaningful:
“He just accepted it and started walking. It’s a good lesson for all of us.”
Chewy Claus is still accepting letters for the season and will donate five bowls of pet food for every letter submitted. Details are available on the Chewy Claus website. Visit mikeandjonpodcast.com for more.
