This french bulldog racked up a $215,000 vet bill

THIS adorable french bulldog who was the ring bearer for his owners’ wedding has just managed to rack up a massive vet bill.

Kate and Ben Stern with Jones. Picture: Helayne Seidman

A FRENCH bulldog might be the most loved dog in New York — and his owners have $215,000 ($US155,000) in vet receipts to prove it.

After New York couple Kate and Ben Stern adopted the caramel-coated pup named Jones in 2013, he immediately became more progeny than pet, reports the New York Post.

“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.

But for a time, the couple wasn’t sure Jones would live long enough to see them marry.

When he was only six 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 ($13,000) $US10,000 — he was given only a 30 per cent chance of survival.

The Sterns never hesitated.

Jones has chronic lung problems, but his spare no expense. Picture: Helayne Seidman

“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 $69,000 ($US50,000).

“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 oesophagus problems became chronic, requiring surgeries. He was put on a ventilator three more times.

Medical costs over Jones’ three years of life have topped $200,000. 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.”

This article originally appeared on the New York Post and was reproduced with permission