Polpetto's Battle with Life-Threatening Pneumonia

My name is Izzi. I am one of Amanda’s best friends and I created this GoFundMe page to help cover the mounting veterinary bills as her beloved English bulldog, Polpetto, fights through a life-threatening pneumonia.

On Friday 6/2/23, Polpetto was admitted to the ICU for respiratory distress. At first, the vet didn’t know if he would make it through the night and we were taking it minute by minute. Polpetto was put into an oxygen cage and was being monitored around the clock. His oxygen levels were not rising so he was then put on a high flow nasal cannula for oxygen and given a sedative. Once he was able to be moved safely, the vet did an xray which showed severe aspiration pneumonia. He is currently stable on high flow oxygen and being treated with IV medications. Because his state of health is so tenuous, the oxygen wean will be slow and steady. Amanda, Corey and the incredible staff of the VCA are doing everything they can do short of heroic measures to give Polpetto the best shot at a full recovery.

Polpetto (or as some of his friends call him, Bubsy) has been a huge part of Amanda’s life since he arrived as a 14lb ball made up of half paws. He was so wrinkly he couldn’t sit; he could only stand or lay down. He is an A+ snuggle buddy and he is responsible for at least a laugh a day. He has been an anchor through tragedy and a huge contributor to all the good times. Since November, he has been celebrating Amanda and Corey’s engagement, so much so that he took Corey’s last name before Amanda (hahaha—see photo). We are praying that his resiliency will carry him through his illness and that he will have many more happy, healthy days ahead including his parents’ marriage.

Unfortunately, the excellent medical care Polpetto is receiving is very expensive. His pet insurance reimbursement has been maxed out and the bill continues to grow. His current bill is over $14,000 and there will be significant additional charges for his stay as he is expected to remain in the ICU for a few more days at the minimum. We are hoping to raise some money to help cover Polpetto’s vet bills, ongoing expenses and post-hospital care, and appreciate any donation amount towards this cause. While we expect Polpetto's veterinary bills to be upwards of $25,000, any donations in excess of his bills will be donated to a local animal organization.