KELOWNA — We all know blood transfusions save people’s lives, but did you know the same can be done for dogs? Fairfield Animal Hospital in Kelowna has 18 donor dogs, who supply units of blood to save other canine companions. Last year the vet clinic did 23 transfusions.
“People are pretty surprised,” says Kristina Frame, who is in charge of the blood donations at Fairfield Animal Hospital. “We have a pamphlet up front, and people pick it up and say ‘hey, my dog can be a blood donor?’ and we’re like ‘yeah! We’d love them to be a blood donor!'”
Tony, a three year old golden retriever (pictured above) has been donating blood for the past two years. Once his owner, Shari Smyth, found out about the program she didn’t hesitate in taking part.
“I’m a blood donor and it’s great that he’s a blood donor too,” says Smyth. “It’s wonderful and I think if he knew what was going on, he’d be happy to do it.”
While it’s very rare, cats can be blood donors too.
This is Lu:
Lu has a rare blood disease and received a transfusion at Fairfield Animal Hospital in the summer.
“It saved Lu’s life,” says Anna Miller, Lu’s owner. “She’s with me right now because these people saved her life with a blood transfusion.”
Since cat transfusions are so rare, Fairfield isn’t looking for any cat donors, but is welcoming new dogs. There are some stipulations however. The dog must weigh at least 50 pounds, be between the age of one and seven, be spayed or neutered and have all vaccines up to date.
If you want your dog to take part, you can contact Fairfield Animal Hospital at (250) 860-6650.
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