An English springer spaniel named Arnie started donating blood to the Pet Blood Bank when he was just three years old. And after six years, 21 pints of blood, and 84 canine lives saved, the hero dog Arnie finally retires from his job.
Arnie first started donating to the blood bank after his owner, 36-year-old Rachel McFarlane, read about an appeal for more canine blood donors to help in saving more dogs. Each pint of donated blood has the potential to save four other dogs’ lives. And Arnie who was a bit bigger than the average English springer spaniel fit all of the criteria to donate.
Canine lifesavers can start donating earliest at one year of age until eight years old. They should be fit and healthy and weigh over 55 pounds. Additionally, these dogs should refrain from international travel to ensure the safety of the blood they donate.
Rachel who also owned a 15-year-old border terrier named Finlay would take Arnie to the local vet to donate blood. She would go with him inside and during the process of drawing blood, the nurses would distract him with lots of gravy bones and treats. And more importantly, Arnie definitely loved to be at the center of all the fuss so it makes the process easy and not stressful at all.
According to Rachel who is a dog groomer from Falkirk, Scotland, had she known about the service sooner then she would’ve signed up Arnie earlier. But she definitely feels grateful to be able to be part of such a wonderful cause through her dog, Arnie. And even more so because they have been able to do it for years.
Not a lot of people have actually ever heard about dogs donating blood and most only know about it when they are already in the situation. It isn’t really something most people think about but they are always grateful to be on the receiving end when they need it.
After retiring, Arnie received a basket full of his favorite treats and he deserved every single one of them. He is definitely a good boy.
Source: People