Capone is a 5-year-old American Bully in Ozone Park, NY, who needs $2,000 for Pericardial Window.

Capone came into my life at a very low point in time. I had just been in a bus accident and needed knee surgery, shortly after I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. All things combined left me 80% immobile and and in 100% pain 24/7. The meds I was given made me sick and my relationship was failing... I was in so much pain, I no longer wanted to live but Capone gave me a reason to get up every day!

Capone is the prince of the house! He sleeps with me and takes up 90% of my king sized bed even though he has his own room, and his own lounge space in every other room. He spends his days lounging but takes time to go out in the yard several times a day for fresh air. He is especially good with my grandbabies and gets along with external family pets as well. Everyone simply adores him!

Capone is so special... He speaks to us! When we ask if he's hungry, thirsty, wants outside, or wants belly rubs he will purr when you get to the right answer. He also whines to get attention and will walk to and from you and "whatever he wants" until you follow him, and of course give him what he asked for! He gives "gentle kisses" and takes treats right from my mouth without touching my lips.

Capone has idiopathic pericardial effusion which is the buildup of extra fluid in the space around the heart. When too much fluid builds up, it puts pressure on the heart which prevents it from pumping normally and leads to heart failure. The excess fluid leaks into the abdomen causing ascitis (fluid bloat) thus making surgery urgent as the pericardial sac is already filled at max capacity.

My insurance won't cover this surgery. The cost is between $9-13k as he needs a Board Certified Surgeon. I have applied for grants but time is ticking and if I can't pay for surgery in full, I have to surrender him so he can have surgery but won't return to me or his home.