Onors giving save lives..

ervice launched in ore then vets had to themselves – often ick patient in urgent hey have immediate required. ty has more than rs and each unit of ave up to four lives. they sent out more its of blood.

OGS HAVE T BLOOD TYPES? just like in humans. gs are DEA 1 and can ositive or negative.

Negative is particularly soughtafter as it can be given to all dogs in an emergency. Dog breeds more likely to be negative include border collies, boxers and German shepherds.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS FOR MY DOG? As well as helping to save dogs’ lives, there are some benefits for your pooch. Every donor gets a full health check and physical examination as well as an annual blood health profile, which can help pick up any important changes in their health.

Your dog will also be rewarded with a toy and have their photo taken for Pet Blood Bank’s Facebook page wearing the group’s red lifesaver bandana.

If your dog doesn’t qualify, you can still help – whether that’s by volunteering, fundraising, hosting a donation session or simply spreading the word. Check the website for more info.

The charity is also looking into setting up a blood bank for cats and is involved in the processing of blood for alpacas.

● petbloodbankuk.org enjoys long seven-year-old Dobermann who

He has aying with his sister and mealtimes. ve the lives of up to 60 other dogs. in the owner Angela Graham, from Innerleithen donations so Borders, says: “Yogi has given 15 has helped to at’s up to 60 other dogs’ lives he the donor d with two years until he reaches more. nt age, he will help to save many spoiled with oves going to sessions and getting d cuddles from the team.”

THOUSANDS of people donate blood every year. But did you know dogs do too? Just like humans, dogs can save the lives of fellow canines by giving their blood. To help mark World Blood Donor Day tomorrow, Star Paws columnist CATHERINE WOODING looks at how it works and meets some of the pooches who have helped other dogs...

YORKSHIRE terrier Toby swallowed part of a rubber which left him fighting toy, for his life. Three days it removed, the walls after having of his intestines burst, matter to leak over his causing faecal organs.

As a result, Toby needed another major operation plasma transfusion. His and a chances of survival were he pulled through and low – but made a full recovery. Owners Fern and Luke, from the Cotswolds, other dogs that have also have needed life-saving transfusions. year, two of their other Last diagnosed pups, Wendy and Willow, with hemorrhagic were by eating something gastroenteritis, likely caused containing poison on a recovered after a day walk. Willow lucky. on a drip but Wendy

After trying other was not so treatments, Wendy got transfusion that eventually a plasma set her on the road to recovery. blood transfusions as DACHSHUND Sizzle needs regular he suffers from haemophilia. of many donations The pooch has been the recipient and would not be here without them. says: “It really is Owner Emma Gray, from Hampshire, other owners letting dogs Sizzle’s lifeline. The kindness of the best life possible.” donate means we can give Sizzle