Stumpy the Labrador was destined to change lives from the beginning. Bred to become a guide dog, he was born with deformed legs and was taken out of the programme. However, this didn’t stop him from becoming a hero – and Pet Blood Bank UK’s highest blood donor to date.
The almost nine-year-old Labrador, who lives in Coventry with his owner vet Elly Pittaway, recently gave his 30th and final donation before retiring due to his age. Stumpy has negative blood type, which means his blood can be given to any dog in an emergency – the kind of blood Pet Blood Bank UK needs the most. It is estimated Stumpy’s blood helped save up to 120 dogs.
As a vet, owner Elly understands the importance of always having lifesaving blood products available to treat dogs. Stumpy has never missed a donation, and his family have even cut short holidays to make sure he was back in time to donate. In exchange for each donation, Stumpy enjoyed the cuddles,attention and well-deserved treats from the Pet Blood Bank team.
Elly said, “I’m really pleased Stumpy been able to help so many other dogs in this way and am so proud of him. I’m sure if he knew, he’d feel the same way too.”
Stumpy and Elly also worked to raise awareness of Pet Blood Bank, which provides life-saving blood to UK vets in case of emergencies, and encourage others to register their dogs to fill in the void as Stumpy enjoys his well-deserved retirement.
Pet Blood Bank UK holds donation sessions across the country. Dogs receive a health check with a vet before donating 450ml of blood over the course of 5-10 minutes, and get a goody bag and toy in return. Each donation can help to save the lives of up to four dogs.
The breeds of dog the charity is particularly calling on to come forward that are more likely to have negative blood type include: German Shepherds, Dobermanns, Flat Coated Retrievers, Pointers, Greyhounds, Lurchers, Boxers, Old English Sheepdogs, and Weimaraners.
To become a blood donor, your dog must weigh more than 25kg, be between the ages of 1 and 8, and be fit and healthy. If your dog fits the description, visit the Pet Blood Bank UK website for more information.
If your dog is too small to donate, there are still plenty of other ways to get involved with the charity, including fundraising and volunteering.
Images by Pet Blood Bank UK
