Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Our Staffie blood hound
WE are constantly being encouraged to donate blood but it’s not just humans who can give the gift of life.
Romeo, a five-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier, has been giving his blood for the past three years to help dogs dealing with life-endangering illnesses or injuries.
Owner Steph Hartley found out about this process after a family member’s dog needed a transfusion. Since then, Romeo has helped to save 22 dogs.
Steph said: “Pet blood donation is much like human donation, Romeo arrives at the Royal Veterinary College and is given a check-up from the vet before a small bit of blood is taken from his back leg to check his iron levels. Once he’s given the go-ahead, he jumps up on to the table ready to donate.”
And he’s not only saving canine lives. “Ever since he was a puppy he has had a natural way with people and could become extremely calm around the ill or elderly,” said Steph. “As a qualified ‘Pets as Therapy’ dog, he has made such a difference to the lives of so many humans.”
The Staffie, sponsored by Natures Menu pet food, has won the prestigious Blue Cross Medal, and Steph hopes his example will inspire other pet owners.
Postie Steph, 29, a blood donor herself from Welwyn Garden City, Herts, said: “I’d encourage anyone who is thinking about blood donation themselves to do the same for their dog. It could really make a massive difference.”
There is a shortage of donors with DEA 1.1 negative blood found in breeds such as Dobermans, greyhounds, boxers, German shepherds, flat-coated retrievers, Airedale terriers, Weimaraners, lurchers, American bulldogs, English pointers and English bull terriers.
Donor dogs must be aged between one and eight years old, be fit and healthy, not on any medication, up to date with vaccinations, easy to handle and over 25kg.
Donating pets get a free health checkup every visit.
The Royal Veterinary College this year introduced a donor of the year award to encourage more owners to sign up.
It also takes donations from other animals, such as horses and cats, at its centres in London and Hertfordshire.
For more information, visit rvc.ac.uk and petbloodbankuk.org.