Ali Fedotowsky Discusses Her Decision to Pursue Radiation Treatment for Her Dog’s Cancer

Former Bachelorette Ali Fedotowsky has revealed why her family decided to pursue radiation therapy for their dog, Owen, who has been diagnosed with cancer.

“First things first … Owen is now a graduate of radiation treatment!!!!!” Fedotowsky, 40, shared on Instagram on March 21. “I mean…just look at this adorable picture. I am so proud of him! Here’s the background on WHY we chose radiation for our beloved senior pup!”

Fedotowsky explained that it was “not an easy choice” for “many reasons,” noting that it required “six consecutive” veterinary visits, each requiring Owen to be anesthetized.

“As you can see, he gets really anxious at the vet,” Fedotowsky remarked alongside a video showing Owen trembling as she comforted him.

Fedotowsky mentioned that Owen could not receive treatment in their Nashville area, as the city “currently lacks a radiation oncology center for dogs.”

“We’ve heard they might open one next month, but unfortunately, Owen might not survive until then,” Fedotowsky explained, detailing how they traveled to Chattanooga and stayed at a pet-friendly hotel. “I pampered him like royalty during our stay! He slept in a cozy bed with me… and feasted on salmon and steak through room service. He even visited the hotel whiskey lounge with me. Everyone was so kind to him!”

She acknowledged that the trip “wasn’t easy,” mentioning she was “up numerous times at night to take him outside to relieve himself or help ease his anxiety.” One night, she resorted to sleeping on the floor with Owen because he “was really struggling and it broke my heart.”

“So why did we go through with this? Owen has a significant brain tumor, and without treatment, his neurologist estimated he had about a month left to live. I couldn’t bear that thought. I promised to do everything I could to help him,” she wrote. “After confirming the brain tumor with an MRI, our neurologist directed us to the radiation facility in Chattanooga. Following extensive research and discussions with the radiologist, we learned that by conducting one CT scan and then five stereotactic radiation treatments over five years, we could potentially provide Owen with an additional 1.5 years of QUALITY life! Possibly even over 2 years!”

Fedotowsky clarified that dogs need to be under anesthesia to remain “completely still” during procedures like MRIs, CT scans, or radiation treatments — but the family believed such “temporary discomfort” would be worth it for both Owen and them in the long term.

“Yes, this was tough for him, but we wouldn’t have made this decision if we didn’t believe the brief period of anxiety and discomfort would be worth it for him down the line,” Fedotowsky captioned a picture of her feet sporting socks with Owen’s face on them. “He’s so lively outside of the treatments and his seizures, so I know he still has good life ahead of him! (And yes, I wore my Owen socks for good luck during his treatments!).”

While she noted that Owen’s brain cancer “cannot be cured with radiation,” she explained that the aim is to “reduce the tumor or simply slow its growth to provide him with that extra time.”

“And even though he has finished his treatments, side effects may manifest weeks or even months later, so we will continue to monitor him closely,” she added.

Fedotowsky returned home with Owen to Nashville on Friday, revealing that her dog was “very drowsy” during the drive and is now “resting peacefully in his own home surrounded by the people he loves most.”

“We’re uncertain about what the future holds for him. Being almost 12, the grand mal seizures are now a part of his life (though we hope they’ll be less frequent for now). We’re optimistic for another GREAT year or two with him and plan to spoil him completely during that time!” she emphasized. “Each moment counts, and we won’t take any for granted.”

Fedotowsky concluded that the past week was “overwhelming” for their family “logistically, financially, and emotionally,” but stated, “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for that sweet little guy.”