The pet ‘superheroes’ who donate their blood
“There’s no specific breed that we look for,” says Dr. Valerie Latchford, a veterinarian and phlebotomist at Blue Ridge Veterinary Blood Bank, a commercial blood bank in Virginia that relies entirely on dog donations. “We’ve had everything from dogs that are rescues, some from other countries, all the way up to the top-winning Spinone” – a rugged Italian breed – “of all time, show dogs, service dogs.”
One thing that is non-negotiable is that the dogs must feel comfortable with the staff and the process, and be able to remain relaxed for the approximately five minutes it takes to have their blood drawn. “They didn’t sign the forms to get in,” Dr. Latchford said. “But they are allowed to have an opinion about whether or not to donate.”
Dog owner Beth Acker saw this firsthand. Her former dog Harley, a Bernese Mountain Dog who craved food and attention, was a Blue Ridge donor for six years. To have his blood drawn, Harley lay on his side on a table, spooning with the blood bank’s designated “dog hugger” while being hand-fed cheese and peanut butter. “He loved it right away,” Mrs. Acker said. “I was really proud of him.”
Harley ended up donating almost 15 liters of blood. In the last years of his life, Harley himself also needed a blood transfusion, which brought the circle full circle.
On the other hand, Ms. Acker’s coonhound-black Lab mix, Pancho, seemed uncomfortable donating blood himself, although he went along with Harley’s appointments “to share the wonderful treats,” Ms. Acker said.
Nine lives
Cats are often more difficult donors. “They don’t just jump up on the table and lie down,” says Ms. Reinauer of DoveLewis. Blood donations from cats often require sedation, which is not a risk-free procedure. For that reason, DoveLewis only uses cats owned by people who work in the veterinary field. Ms. Reinauer’s cat Apollo, a sturdy Maine Coon, is a donor.
