Chilli, a seven-year-old pug from Leeds, West Yorks., has over 1.5 million followers on his TikTok page King Chilli The Pug.
But tragically, he suffered a series of seizures and 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.
And it has now become the biggest GoFundMe campaigns for an animal this year, with over 5,000 supporters donating.
The couple say they have asked for help explaining how income from social media is not as "predictable as people might think."
(kingchillithepug via SWNS)
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.
"Social media income is irregular and mainly comes from brand deals, which we do not do constantly.
"We are not saying anyone has to pay for Chilli. 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.
"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.
"We are incredibly grateful, overwhelmed, and still taking everything one update at a time."
Chilli The Pug with owner Oliver. (kingchillithepug via SWNS)
By Talker
Chilli became critically unwell after suffering severe seizures and was admitted for emergency veterinary care before being transferred to specialist neurology care.
The couple have revealed he was placed in an induced coma because he was seizing whenever awake.
Ollie said when they arrived at the hospital, they were told there was only around a 20% chance he would wake up again.
Following an MRI scan it was suspected he was suffering an immune-mediated brain inflammation.
Treatment included oxygen support, specialist neurological care, intensive monitoring, and steroids.
The couple say that even though Chilli is insured, the financial pressure has been overwhelming, with them revealing it potentially will last the rest of his life.
They said: "Chilli is insured, because we have always tried to do the responsible thing for our dogs.
Chilli The Pug, at the vet. (kingchillithepug via SWNS)
By Talker
"If his insurance claim is accepted, it will go towards the first emergency out-of-hours vet bill, but after that his insurance is maxed out.
"If Chilli makes it through this, his care will not end here.
"The hospital has told us that, depending on his final diagnosis, how he responds to treatment, whether he relapses, and his long-term outlook with this type of disease, he may need treatment for the rest of his life."
In a recent update, the couple have revealed Chilli is now awake and is eating and drinking and has been trying to move again, though is not fully recovered and is still under specialist care.
They said: "When he arrived at the specialist hospital, we were told there was only around a 20% chance he would wake up again.
"The fact he is now awake, eating, brighter, and still trying feels incredible, but he is not out of danger yet.
"He is still under specialist care and is now dealing with a serious leg wound and infection complication while his immune system is suppressed.
"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."
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