Neighbors Raise $18K For Sick Upper West Side Firehouse Dog

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — Upper West Side firefighters put out the call, and locals responded to help raise more than $18,000 for the medical bills of a neighborhood firehouse's beloved Dalmatian.

JT the Dalmatians was a beloved member of Engine 74 firehouse at 120 W. 83rd St. who was always ready to meet his neighbors until a medical crisis struck, according to a GoFundMe campaign launched on his behalf.

"Children and adults of all ages would often stop by the firehouse just to see JT," firefighter John Keaveny wrote. "Now JT and Engine 74 could use your help."

JT, who joined the station last September after the passing of predecessor Yogi, suffered a ruptured bladder due to undetected kidney stones, Keaveny said.

The Dalmatian pup had his abdomen drained, spent two days in the hospital then had surgery on to repair the rupture and remove the stones, according to the firefighter.

Medical bills mounted so Engine 74 reached out to the community asking for help. In a little over two days, the online campaign raised $18,274 — a figure more than its original goal.

"First all of us at Engine 74 just wanna say thank you," Keaveny wrote in an update on Thursday. "We are amazed with how quickly this fundraiser for JT was able to raise the funds to help with his bills. Our goal will be we will try and reach each and everyone that donated to say thank you."

"JT has been doing well," Keaveny added. "We just checked in with the veterinarian from the AMCNY animals hospital on the east side of New York City. His stitches are healing nicely and will be able to go outside in a couple of days. He will be seeing a nutritionist at the AMCNY to help keep the kidney stones from forming in the future."

Due to the surgeries and the money raised, JT will be able to enjoy his second birthday on April 10th.