Labradors are record breaking blood donors

Two pet labradors have become record-breaking blood donors. Heledd and Garin have each donated 12 times to a canine bloodbank. And their owner Philippa Butler couldn’t be more proud. She said: “Heledd is six years old and she has given blood 12 times. Garin is eight-and-a-half and has also donated a dozen times.

“He was once suspended for six months for wriggling. He had a habit of putting his head up, which is the one thing the dog is not encouraged to do as the needle goes into the neck. But he got back into it and now knows to be quite still for a few minutes while the blood is taken. The dogs get a free health check and a biscuit, as well as plenty of attention and tickling, so they seem to quite like it.”



The Pet Blood Bank UK was set up in 2007. Donor sessions are held in veterinary centres across the country and the blood is taken to Leicester, where it is broken down into red blood cells and plasma products and stored, ready for needy dogs. Philippa, 47, of Kippen, near Stirling, added: “I am lucky as Heledd and Garin have never required major surgery. But I know that if they did, this facility would be here for them.”

Animals can donate up to four times a year. And one unit of blood – around 400ml – can save the lives of four others. Pet Blood Bank founder Wendy Barnett said: “Dogs have the same diseases and emergencies as us. If we need blood, donations would be there for us, so we thought it should be the same for our dogs. Heledd and Garin are amazing dogs and we really appreciate what they and Philippa do for us and for all the other animals which have benefited from their efforts.”