Hero Dog Who Donated Blood To 88 Dogs Retires

You might not be aware of this, but dogs need blood transfusions just as much as humans do. And some dogs make it their life’s mission to be blood donors.

A hero that has dedicated his life to this is Woodie, a Greyhound from Leicestershire. He has a particularly sought-after blood type. It is negative, so it can be given to any dog in any emergency. Only about 30% of dogs are thought to have this blood type.

Dogs can only donate blood until they are eight years old. So, after a career of six years, Woodie has reached the age where he has to retire. In those six years, he saved 88 dogs’ lives and gave over 22 donations. You never know when dogs might need donations. So, to have dogs dedicated to doing this ensures you have a reserve for unexpected situations.

Woodie’s mom, Wendy Gray, says he loves donating. Whenever he gets to the hospital, he squeals in delight and rushes up to the doctors. And after the blood is collected, he is never ill. In fact, he is so energetic that he could go for an eight-hour walk right after if he wanted. Wendy also wants everyone to know just how proud she is of her boy.

Pet Blood Bank, a UK charity dedicated to helping the lives of pets in need, has described Woodie as a “superstar” and “outstanding donor”. The charity operates 24/7 to ensure blood is always available.

If you think your dog would be a good candidate for blood donation, please look into it. Every ounce of blood donated could save lives!

Image Credit: Wendy Gray