Chewy Claus’s Greatest Gifts: Wishes Granted in 2023

At Hopebridge Autism Therapy Clinic in Athens, Georgia, there’s one volunteer who’s guaranteed to brighten any child’s day: Eliza, a 7-year-old black Lab who works as a therapy dog.

“The children love Eliza, and are always thrilled to see her,” says Donna Bryan, Eliza’s parent and a former therapist at Hopebridge. “And Eliza thrives around children.”

In her five years of service, therapy dog Eliza has worked in community centers, elementary schools, retirement homes and college campuses—but her favorite place, says Bryan, is Hopebridge, where she spends her days helping autistic children.

Sometimes that means working on math skills by encouraging them to count dog treats for her. Other times, she simply offers hugs and a stabilizing presence after a big upset. Many families credit her with helping their child reach big milestones—like Kimberly Gonzales, whose formerly nonspeaking daughter Ahnika is now talking in full sentences after sessions with the pup.

“The possibilities are endless,” Bryan says. “[Eliza] loves all people and is sensitive to their unique needs.”

Bryan knew that, after giving love and support to dozens of children throughout her career, Eliza deserved special recognition. So, she wrote to Chewy Claus—who responded with a gift beyond anything Bryan had imagined.

Chewy threw a holiday party at Hopebridge in honor of Eliza, with toys and treats for the pup as well as donated gifts for all the children.

And to cap things off, Chewy donated $20,000 to Blue Path Service Dogs, a nonprofit that trains and places service dogs with autistic children and their families—so that even more kids can benefit from dogs like Eliza.

“I’ve always known Eliza was something special,” says Bryan, “so bringing attention to her and the incredible work she’s doing is otherworldly. It just feels right.”

Five-year-old Maestro isn’t able to use his hind legs—but that hasn’t slowed this special needs rescue cat down. He’s racing around in a new wheelchair, courtesy of Chewy Claus.

“He gets really excited when I put his wheels on,” says Amanda Bruce, who wrote a letter to Chewy Claus on Maestro’s behalf asking for a wheelchair. “He especially loves to race across the hardwood.”

Bruce took Maestro in as a foster in 2021, after he had been struck by a car and suffered a spinal cord injury. She’d never cared for a paralyzed cat before—but Maestro’s life was in her hands. “He didn’t have any other options,” she says. “He either came home with me or he would be euthanized that day. I couldn’t let him die without even giving him a chance.”

As the pair learned how to live together, it soon became clear that Maestro was meant to be a permanent part of Bruce’s life. “There’s an extra close relationship that you form with a special needs animal, especially when they’re first rescued and need that extra time, care and attention,” she says. “We just bonded.”

She officially adopted Maestro later that year.

By then, Maestro had learned how to scoot around to get from place to place, but Bruce knew her playful, often mischievous cat would thrive with a faster mode of travel. So, she wrote to Chewy Claus—who answered with the life-changing gift of a custom-made wheelchair, designed just for Maestro.

“With his wheels, Maestro is able to get around even quicker than before. He likes to play chase with the other cats, although I’m pretty sure he has an advantage,” Bruce laughs.

Today, Bruce is deeply involved in special needs rescue. She’s fostered around 20 paralyzed cats since taking Maestro in, and right now she’s caring for two paralyzed foster cats and one paralyzed foster dog, in addition to other special needs pets. It’s all thanks to the resilient spirit of the little black cat who kept on thriving in the face of adversity.

“Maestro was the catalyst,” Bruce says, “and he has helped save a lot of paralyzed cats.”

Christmas had always been special for dog-mom Courtney Tucker and her 11-year-old Great Dane Riley—but this year she was worried. In mid-2023, Riley was diagnosed with a type of cancer called osteosarcoma and isn’t expected to make it to December 25.

“I remember thinking, ‘Not yet, it’s not time yet,'” Tucker said. “I was determined to spend whatever time I had left with Riley, making memories and capturing moments full of love.”

These were her thoughts when she sat down to write to Chewy for a seemingly impossible gift: just one more Christmas with her beloved 170-pound “momma’s boy.”

Chewy Claus delivered. Riley was treated to an early Christmas celebration full of gifts of toys and treats, a steak dinner, and a party with his favorite people at their home in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, this November.

A Santa hat and a giant stuffed toy were among Riley’s favorite gifts. But the best part for Riley, Tucker says, was being surrounded by people. “He loves to be a part of everything,” she explains—but usually, his illness keeps him in bed for most of the day. During the party, however, Riley stayed right in the middle of the action, soaking up love and attention from everyone in the room.

“Giving Riley such a special last Christmas was something I will never forget,” Tucker says. “These memories that were made and the moments that were captured are more than I could have ever imagined giving Riley in the last few months of his life.”

“He slept very well that night,” Tucker says, “and you could tell his heart was full.”

When Kacie Allen of Seattle, Washington, sent a letter to Chewy Claus on behalf of her dog Hudson, she didn’t expect a response. She just thought she was just creating a fun keepsake for her family—until Chewy Claus delivered thousands of dog toys.

“I just did it … to send [the letter] to my husband for a cute holiday memory,” Allen admits.

But there was something about Hudson, a playful, 3-year-old mini Labradoodle, that captured Chewy Claus’ heart. Maybe it was his loving personality, always making instant friends with people and other pets alike.

Or maybe it was his obsession with rope toys.

Yep, rope toys. Hudson loves them—chasing them, pulling them, getting the zoomies whenever they come out of the toy bin.

So imagine his joy when he wandered into his backyard to find it filled with his favorite things—4,500 rope toys, to be precise. And because the holidays are all about sharing, Chewy Claus invited a bunch of Hudson’s best furry friends over for a playdate like no other.

“Hudson and his buddies were over the moon,” Allen says.

Because no dog actually needs 4,500 rope toys, Chewy and the Allens donated the extra toys to two local animal shelters, PAWS Seattle and Seattle Humane, which plan to distribute the toys to other shelters in their network.

“We decided to share the toys with other pets in Seattle with the hope that they can experience the same amount of joy, happiness and excitement that Hudson and his buddies experienced from their Chewy Claus surprise, especially during the holiday season,” Kacie says.

No wonder Hudson and his family were on Chewy Claus’ “Nice” list.

Back in 2015, Dan, a 25-year-old fitness director in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, adopted a 2-year-old pit bull named Blue—and they’ve been the perfect match ever since. It turned out that Blue loved all the same things his dad loved: exploring hiking trails, climbing mountains and road-tripping. “He’s my best friend in the world,” Dan says.

Desiring to serve his country, in 2020 Dan enlisted in the Army, and because of his and Blue’s tight-knit bond, he knew it would be a sacrifice for them both. But he also knew it was the right choice. “I’ve always wanted to work for something with greater purpose,” he says of his life-changing decision. For the past three and a half years, Dan, now a member of the Army, has been stationed far from his and Blue’s New England home. (Due to the sensitive nature of Dan’s work, we can’t disclose where he’s based.)

His mother, Beth, who lovingly cares for the now-10-year-old Blue, says, “They don’t get to see each other as often as they’d like, but any time Dan has leave, he comes right home to see Blue.” In the meantime, Beth sends him photos and videos of the pup. Still, Dan admits, “I miss Blue every minute.”

And the feeling is mutual. Beth loves Blue, but she knows she’s no substitute for her son: “When Blue is with Dan, he is completely calm and at peace, like he knows he’s with his person.”

So, Beth sent Blue’s letter to Chewy Claus, telling the story of her brave son and his bestie. She thought maybe they’d receive a few toys or treats in return. Instead, Chewy Claus flew Dan home from where he was stationed to be reunited with his family, Blue included.

After an emotional greeting in Beth’s backyard, Blue and Dan set off to do all of their favorite activities: exploring nearby trails, long car rides with the windows down and, of course, plenty of quality time snuggling on the couch. Blue’s gift was also a gift for Beth, a mother who misses her son.

“Time with Dan is so special,” she says. “It’s something we’ll all remember for the rest of our lives.”

Submit your pet’s letter to Chewy Claus for a chance to make their holiday dreams come true.