BLOOD HOUNDS
Staffie’s transfusion saved the life of desperately ill pet
WHEN Joann Johnson’s dog Livia fell desperately ill, she was told her pet needed a life-saving blood transplant.
And Romeo, the Staffordshire bull terrier, was more than yappy to help.
His anonymous donation helped save the life of the other dog – and now the two pets have met for the first time.
Mrs Johnson, a secretary from south-east London, said: ‘I’m so grateful. Every time I look at Romeo I think,” there’s a part of him inside my Livia”.’ The Spanish podenco was referred to the Queen Mother Hospital for Small Animals near Potters Bar in Hertfordshire with internal bleeding. After two transfusions – and a ten-day spell in care – she was ready to go home.
‘I had no idea dogs could donate blood,’ said Mrs Johnson. ‘I was amazed.’
When told the name of the donor dog, she was determined to say thanks and arranged a meeting. Romeo’s owner Steph Hartley, a postwoman from Hertfordshire, said: ‘It’s so nice to meet a dog he’s helped. It makes me feel so proud.’
Romeo, seven, is fed on Natures Menu raw food and his rare blood type – negative – has been used to help 32 dogs.