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There is a chronic shortage of blood in this country, and not just for humans. When it comes to treating dogs in an emergency, much of the blood veterinarians across this country rely on is coming from pets in our area.
Pebbles, a six-year-old mini golden-doodle, whose tail is always wagging, is Amy Lane's best friend. When she nearly lost Pebbles three years ago after she went into shock post-delivery, Lane was devastated.
"She wasn't going to make it. They told me for a total of six days that there was nothing they could do and the blood transfusion was a last resort. It was miraculous," Lane said.
The Eastern Veterinary Blood Bank in Severna Park, Md. ships 25,000 donations a year to veterinarians across the country.
They are one of four large dog blood banks in the United States and the only one in the east. They also are the only one of the four that relies completely on volunteer dogs.
Veterinarian Dr. Ann Schneider said, "The demand is huge. We barely, barely keep up."
The whole process takes a couple minutes and then the treats start flowing.
"Most of them don't flinch, don't care. They just want a cookie," Schneider said. "They are fabulous, much better than people."
Lane doesn't need convincing, nor does the now healthy Pebbles. Pebbles and Hawkeye, a poodle, donate every 7 weeks.
"Just to kind of payback what she got. There is somebody else out there that's about to lose their dog and if this could save them, like it saved her, then its worth it," said Lane.
One donation can help treat up to three ailing pets. To participate, dogs must be at least 35 pounds, in good health and between nine months and eight and a half-years-old.
Any dog who donates is guaranteed blood, if they ever need it.
For information visitwww.evbb.com
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