Hero Dog Donates Blood To Save Friend
Published: August 30, 2006
Many stories have been told about dogs coming to the rescue of people, but German Shepherd, Thor, has become a local hero in Stoke after donating his blood to PDSA to save eight-and-a-half year-old Maltese Terrier, Buttons.
Buttons was taken to Stoke PDSA PetAid hospital by his owner, Norma
Jackson, after he became withdrawn and was not eating. Tests revealed
Buttons’ red blood cell count was extremely low, and PDSA vets suspected he had some form of poisoning.
It turns out that Buttons had got his mischievous paws on some of
Norma’s anti-blood clotting tablets and swallowed one of them.
PDSA vets tried to flush the toxins out of his system but despite their efforts Buttons remained gravely ill. But PDSA Veterinary Surgeon Liz Corbett who treated Buttons wasn’t going to give up on the poorly pooch and decided that a blood transfusion was the only option to save Buttons. The Head Nurse at Stoke PDSA PetAid hospital, Andrea Wainwright who was off duty at the time, was contacted and told that a very ill pet patient needed the services of one very special individual–her four-year-old dog, Thor!
Andrea explains: “Thor has been giving blood to help other sick and injured pets since he was 14-months-old, which makes him unique as many dogs aren’t strong enough to do this at so young an age. As soon as we heard about Buttons I rushed down to the hospital with Thor.”
After a generous blood transfusion from Thor and further treatment to counteract the effect of the tablets, Buttons’ condition improved dramatically. The next day, his blood cell count was much higher, he regained his appetite and started to look and act like his normal self again!
“I didn’t know dogs could give blood transfusions, but I’m certainly glad Thor was able to come to Buttons’ rescue,” says Norma. “I think he may have mistaken my tablets for his dog biscuits as they’re the same colour. I now go into a separate room to take my tablets and make sure they’re kept well out of Buttons’ reach.”
Meanwhile, Thor is bracing himself for his next life-saving mission. Andrea continues: “This was Thor’s fourth blood transfusion, so he knew exactly what to do and was very laidback during the procedure. He is aware he has done something worthy as he hasn’t stopped being praised by everyone. He’s a true hero!”
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