Proud of my #dog Woodie #blooddonation today with @PetBloodBank excellent cause @Team4Nature300 @Andy4Wildlife pic.twitter.com/uKoSR5iaJK
— Wendy Gray (@GrayRiobo) June 25, 2016
Woodie, a Greyhound from Leicestershire who has used his rare blood to save over 88 dogs’ lives, has officially retired after six years.
According to BBC News, Woodie’s “blood was particularly sought after as it was more likely to be negative – meaning it can be given to any dog in any emergency – and only 30% of dogs were thought to have this blood type.”
Dogs can only donate blood until they are eight years old, so Woodie is hanging up his cape. “I am just so proud of him. He takes it all in his stride,” his human, Wendy Gray said.
“You never know when your dog will need blood. To know he has helped out families in distressing situations, to know he has helped saved lives, it is amazing.”
Woodie gave over 22 donations during his time, and Gray says he loved every minute of it. “He squeaks when he gets there, goes rushing up to the person who goes to meet him,” she said. “He loves it. He has absolutely no ill effects afterwards and is ready for a four to eight hour walk afterwards.”
Pet Blood Bank Calls Woodie A ‘Superstar’
Superstar donor Woodie retires after donating 22 units of his vital negative blood to help save other dogs in need We’re so proud of him and thank his owner Wendy for all her support over the years https://t.co/h2P1nUFS01 @BBCNews
— Pet Blood Bank UK (@PetBloodBank) August 31, 2021
Pet Blood Bank’s Nicole Osborne called Woodie “an absolutely outstanding donor” and a “superstar.”
She added, “Blood really is vital for our pets, just as it is for humans, and the number of donations Woodie has made will have made a huge impact to the lives of other dogs across the country.”
According to their website, Pet Blood Bank is a UK charity that “exists to help save the lives of pets in need” with “a blood service for pets.”
The site continues, “We run donation sessions across the country where owners bring their much loved companions to give blood. The blood is taken to our processing centre in Loughborough where it is separated into different products. It is then stored and sent out to vets when they need it. We operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to ensure blood is always available.”
(Picture Credit: Pratik Chorge/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)
If you think your dog would be a good candidate for blood donation, you should look into it. Your dog’s blood could save many other animals in need. Ask your vet if they can collect blood on site or if they can direct you to a pet blood donation facility.
DogTime has a full guide on how to help your dog become a blood donor, so check it out here!
Is your dog a blood donor? Has your dog received blood that saved their life? Let us know your story in the comments!
