A golden retriever from Edinburgh has been honoured with a charity's highest award after donating blood that helped save the lives of over 150 other dogs. Bailey, aged eight, contributed to the Pet Blood Bank UK a total of 38 times over eight years before recently retiring.
Remarkable Achievement
Bailey's donations may have saved up to 152 other dogs, a tally achieved by very few donor dogs. He has now been named the winner of the Bramble Craddock Award at the annual Heart of Pet Blood Bank Awards, recognising his outstanding dedication to saving the lives of other dogs. The award is the charity's highest honour, given to a dog that has made an extraordinary contribution, and coincided with World Blood Donor Day last Sunday.
About Pet Blood Bank UK
Launched in 2007, Pet Blood Bank is the only charity offering a lifesaving blood service for all dogs across the UK. Similar to the human blood service, dog owners bring their companions to give blood at donation sessions nationwide. The blood is then stored and sent to vets when needed. Every unit of blood has the potential to save up to four dogs.
Bailey's Legacy
Bailey has been a familiar face at donation sessions in Edinburgh, known for his love of gravy bones and enthusiasm for hopping onto the donation table. Together with his owner Becky, he has also attended events to encourage other pet owners to get involved. Nicole Osborne from Pet Blood Bank said: "Bailey's dedication over the years has been truly incredible. Dogs like Bailey are at the heart of everything we do, and his legacy will continue through the many lives he has helped to save."
How to Become a Donor
More dog donors are needed to meet increasing demand. To become a donor, a dog must have a good temperament, be confident, fit, healthy, aged between one and eight years, and weigh over 25kg. Dogs receive a thorough health check before donation, and appointments take about 40 minutes, with the actual donation lasting just ten minutes.
