$155K IN VET BILLS
B’klynites dig deep for one sick puppy
This French bulldog might be the most loved dog in New York — and his owners have $155,000 in vet receipts to prove it.
After Williamsburg couple Kate and Ben Stern adopted the caramel-coated pup named Jones in 2013, he immediately became more progeny than pet.
“We were instantly obsessed. My parents even referred to him as their grandson,” Kate said.
Wearing a bow tie, the pooch even served as the ring bearer at the couple’s June nuptials.
“He’s a part of our family, so of course he was in the wedding,” said Kate, 28, who often takes Jones with her to her job as an Uber manager in Chelsea.
But for a time, the couple wasn’t sure Jones would live long enough to see them marry.
When he was only 6 months old, the Sterns’ furry little “son” began violently vomiting.
“We were so freaked out and had no idea what was wrong,” Kate recalled.
The pup had choked on his own vomit and developed pneumonia, their vet told them.
His lungs were so full of liquid that despite being put on a ventilator — at a cost of $10,000 — he was given only a 30 percent chance of survival.
The Sterns never hesitated.
“Your pet’s life shouldn’t have to be a financial decision,” said Ben, 29, a software designer.
Jones was moved to a pet hospital. The couple was by his side every moment they could be.
“It still felt like a family member was in the ICU,” Ben said.
The five-day stay cost $50,000.
“Our savings has taken a pretty big hit, but it’s worth it to keep Jones with us. He means everything to us,” Kate said.
Jones’ lung and esophagus problems became chronic, re- quiring surgeries. He was put on a ventilator three more times.
Medical costs over Jones’ three years of life have topped $150,000. Pet insurer Trupanion covered most of it, the couple said, but they still had to come up with tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket.
The Sterns give Jones nine pills a day — including antibiotics, steroids, allergy vaccines and anxiety medicine — and feed him prescription dog food that he must eat while in an upright position. Jones is improving every day. “That’s the best part,” Kate said. “Seeing him get better.”