Greyhound rare blood donations save dozens of dogs

Each year more than 3,500 units of blood are collected from canine donors to be sent across the country to treat dogs in urgent need.

One of the animal heroes supporting this network is retired greyhound Blake, who has now given enough blood to save over 30 dogs.

"There's a massive need for this blood but it's not something that's spoken about an awful lot," explained owner Portia Blake, from Skipton.

As five-year-old Blake has a rare negative blood type - meaning he can give blood to any dog - his donations are even more valuable.

Add to that his easy-going personality and he has made the dream donor.

"Greyhounds are really chilled out and really placid, which makes them good for donating blood," Portia said.

Blake first started donating when Portia worked at a veterinary practice and saw first hand the demand for canine blood reserves.

He's now donated seven times, including once when his blood was given in an emergency transfusion.

"We had a dog that was really low on red blood cells and so poorly that the vets could not have even got the blood from the blood bank quickly enough," Portia said.

"I brought Blake in after I'd finished work, so he could do a direct donation."

The donation process takes 10 minutes, with about a pint (450ml) of blood extracted.

"He goes to vets, has a lie down and gets lots of strokes and treats," said Portia.

His blood is then stored by charity Pet Blood Bank UK and used to treat other dogs in medical emergencies.

Adrian Hadjopoulos from the charity explained donations can mean the difference between life and death.

"We urge owners across Yorkshire to consider registering their dog to become a donor, as the demand for blood is always high," he said.

Healthy dogs that weigh more than 25kg (55lb) and are aged between one and eight can donate up to six times a year.

Only 30% of dogs have a negative blood type that can be given to any breed.

Greyhounds, German shepherds, border collies and Staffordshire bull terriers are more likely to have a negative blood type.

"You just never know if your dog is going to need that service," Portia said.

"But the more dogs they've got donating and the more awareness there is, the more blood they'll have available."

Blake may have retired from the racing track, but he still enjoys time in the limelight.

He will be competing at Crufts for a third time in a class where dogs are judged on their appearance, temperament and movement.

Portia, who said competing was "nerve-wracking", added: "The main thing for me is that Blake has a good day out.

"People say that greyhounds are stubborn, they're a bit daft and difficult to train, but they're really not," she said.

"Blake breaks so many of those stereotypes - he's just an all-round good boy."

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