Meet the life saving South Tyneside dog who gives blood to pets in need
A South Shields dog has helped to save the lives of animals across the country by givign blood.
A South Tyneside dog has been praised by her owner for saving the lives of other pets by giving blood for over a year.
Luna, a Lurcher, who was taken in by Linda Tuffield, is able to give blood every three months at Bridge Referrals in Boldon.
“A lot of people when I tell them say they don’t know much about it!” said Linda.
“Once they do hear about it, it makes complete sense” added the dog lover, who is also hosting a dog show in July to bring more dogs from across South Tyneside together.
Dogs need to hit certain specifications in order to give blood. Animals need to be between the ages of one and eight, over 25kg and cannot have travelled outside of the UK and Ireland.
“Lurchers are good for blood” explains Linda.
“Their blood is usually universal. Dogs have blood types but lurcher blood can go into other types.
“Every donation she makes is enough for four transfusions.”
This means Luna has already given enough blood to help save the lives of up to 15 dogs through her four donations.
An estimated 13 million dogs live in the UK, although just 10,000 lifesaving dogs are registered with Pet Blood Bank, a UK charity dedicated to helping animals access the support they need through blood transfusions.
“I feel so proud of her, she’s so lovely” adds Linda, who’s plan is to continue giving blood while Luna remains in the appropriate age and weight category. This will continue to support dogs across the country into the future.
Pet Blood Bank’s register remains open for any owners who want to work with their dogs to donate blood.
The charity says they only ask a dog to donate blood when it is required, although demand is increasing - especially for dogs with a negative blood type.
Donation options are also available for cats and alpacas through Pet Blood Bank.
Bridge Referrals is one of just two sites in Tyne and Wear affiliated with Pet Blood Bank. The other can be found in Fenham, Newcastle.