Chowda is our beloved 7-year-old French bulldog who was recently diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor. Treatment will give us the chance to extend her life and preserve her quality of life. Any support helps us give Chowda more comfort, more love, and more good days.

For the past 10 years, I’ve worked at the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA), helping brain tumor patients and families navigate one of the most devastating diagnoses imaginable. Every day, I support people in crisis—helping them understand treatment options, find resources, and hold onto hope after their world has been turned upside down.

While both Ryan and I have personally experienced a brain tumor diagnosis in our families, we never imagined we would find ourselves facing this same reality—with our dog, Chowda.

Chowda is our beloved 7-year-old French bulldog and constant companion. Anyone who knows her knows she’s pure joy—stubborn, affectionate, and funny in that way only Frenchies can be. She has always been healthy, playful, and full of life… until everything changed.

In December, Chowda began having seizures that we hoped could be managed with medication. Unfortunately, the seizures continued, and after a series of emergency visits and an MRI, we received heartbreaking news: Chowda has an aggressive, inoperable brain tumor called a glioma. Because of my professional background, I understand the gravity of this diagnosis and the reality that comes with it. I also know how isolating and overwhelming it feels when love collides with impossible decisions.

Without treatment, Chowda’s prognosis is only 3–6 months, which is devastating for us. After multiple consults and exploring our options, we—along with Chowda’s veterinary team—have decided to pursue treatment (a combination of Eastern & Western medicine) to slow tumor progression and give us more precious time together. With treatment, we have the chance to extend her life and preserve her quality of life—more walks, more cuddles, and more moments that mean everything.

Chowda has always been a joyful, loving companion who brings happiness to everyone she meets. She loves her daily walks, snuggling on the couch in her sun spot, endless fetch, prowling for the neighborhood cats, and greeting friends with her signature wiggle. Seeing her go through this has been incredibly hard, but we will do everything we can to help her.

Asking for help is not easy. But Chowda is family, and we are determined to fight for her the same way she has given us unconditional love every day of her life. Any donation—no matter the size—directly helps us move forward with her treatment and gives Chowda more time, more comfort, and more good days.

We are grateful for any support, whether that be through donating, sharing Chowda’s story, or keeping her and us in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you for reading, for caring, and for standing with us during one of the hardest chapters of our lives.

With gratitude,

Emily, Ryan, and of course Chowda