Leeds dog who is a TikTok sensation receives life-saving surgery after over £125k in donations
Meet the poorly pug from Leeds who has fans across the world rooting for his recovery 🐾
The owners of a famous TikTok dog have thanked fans after an appeal to cover his hospital treatment has reached a staggering £120,000 in just over a week.
Chilli, a seven-year-old pug, from Leeds, has over 1.5 million followers on his TikTok page @KingChilliThePug.
However, after he tragically suffered a series of seizures, Chilli was admitted for specialist treatment at a neurology hospital and placed in an induced coma.
Chilli's owners, social media influencers Oliver Cutts, 38, and his wife Susana Cardoso, 34, have since launched a crowdfunding appeal to raise funds for the poorly pooch.
So far, a total of £128,366 has been raised to support Chilli’s recovery.
And, with over 5,000 supporters donating, their campaign has now become the biggest GoFundMe fundraiser for an animal this year.
The couple say they have asked for help explaining how income from social media is not as "predictable as people might think.”
They said: "The fundraiser has gone far beyond anything we ever expected. He has made millions of people laugh online, but to us, he is our little boy.
“Chilli is our family - We love that little man so much and we know so many of you love him too.
“We would never want anyone to feel pressured. We are simply asking that if Chilli has made you, your friends, or your family smile over the years, and if you are able and willing to help, donating or sharing gives him a better chance.”
Chilli became critically unwell after suffering severe seizures and was admitted for emergency veterinary care before being transferred to specialist neurology care.
Oliver and Susana revealed he was placed in an induced coma because he was seizing whenever awake.
Following an MRI scan, it was suspected he was suffering an immune-mediated brain inflammation and treatment included oxygen support, specialist neurological care, intensive monitoring, and steroids.
Chilli’s owners say that even though Chilli is insured, the financial pressure has been overwhelming, as Chilli’s health problems may last the rest of his life.
Oliver and Susana said: "Every donation is for Chilli’s emergency treatment, specialist hospital care, medication, follow-up appointments, possible relapse care, and any long-term treatment he may need.
They said: "We are incredibly grateful, overwhelmed, and still taking everything one update at a time."
Though he’s not fully recovered, Chilli is now awake and eating and drinking again beating an initial 20% chance of survival.
Oliver and Susanna said: "The support from people around the world has given him the chance to keep fighting, and we will never be able to thank everyone enough."
To support Chilli’s recovery, donate to his GoFundMe here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-save-king-chilli