Hero blood donor dog honoured

A golden retriever from South Queensferry has been given a charity’s highest award after donating blood to help save the lives of over 150 other dogs.

Nine-year-old Bailey contributed to the Pet Blood Bank UK 38 times over eight years, before retiring recently.

The pet’s donations may have saved the lives of up to 152 other dogs – a remarkable tally reached by very few donor dogs.

Bailey has now been named the winner of the Bramble Craddock Award at the annual Heart of
Pet Blood Bank Awards, for his outstanding dedication to saving the lives of other dogs.

The award is the charity’s highest honour, for a “dog who has made an extraordinary contribution”.

Launched in 2007, Pet Blood Bank is the only charity offering a lifesaving blood service for all dogs across the UK.

Just like the human blood service, dog owners bring their much-loved companions to give blood at one of the charity’s donation sessions across the country.

The blood is then stored, ready to be sent out to vets when they need it for a patient.

Every unit of blood has the potential to save up to four other dogs.

Bailey has been a familiar face at donation sessions in Edinburgh, where he has become well known for his love of gravy bones and his enthusiasm for hopping onto the donation table.

Together with his owner Becky Arthur, he has also attended events to encourage other pet owners to get involved.

Nicole Osborne from Pet Blood Bank UK said: “Bailey’s dedication over the years has been
truly incredible.

“Dogs like Bailey are at the heart of everything we do, and his legacy will continue through the many lives he has helped to save.

“We are so pleased to recognise both Bailey and Becky for their amazing contribution.”

More dog donors are always needed to keep up with the increasing demand for blood
products.

To become a donor, a dog must have a good temperament and be confident, fit and healthy, aged between one and eight years, and weigh more than 25kg.

Dogs are given a thorough health check before donation can go-ahead and appointments take around 40 minutes, with the actual donation taking just ten minutes.