Each month Laboratory Supervisor Stacey Merica, HT(ASCP), takes her greyhound dog, Summershandy, to donate blood at BluePearl Pet Hospital in Overland Park. One unit of Summershandy’s blood can help up to two dogs. Over the years, she’s helped more than 100 dogs as a canine donor.
After a donation, Summershandy’s blood is separated into two components: red blood cells and plasma. Dogs who benefit are usually suffering from anemia, major injury or disease. Fresh, frozen plasma treats conditions, such as poisoning, snake and spider bites, heat stroke and bleeding disorders. Donated blood can also be given to newborn puppies who aren’t strong enough to nurse.
Greyhounds are the preferred breed for donation. Many have a universal blood type so most dogs can accept their blood. Greyhounds also have unusually large veins. Because of their athleticism, their blood replenishes quickly to allow a monthly donation. Human donors must wait 56 days between donations.
Eight-year-old Summershandy has donated 54 times through Canine Blood Heroes. “She gets excited to go,” Stacey said. “She jumps out of the car, and the vet techs take her back.” As a thank you for each donation, Stacey receives a $50 credit on her vet bill.
Could your furry friend qualify? A canine blood donor must be:
- A happy, healthy dog
- Between 1-7 years of age
- Greater than 50 pounds
- Current on heartworm, flea and tick preventative and vaccines
- A universal blood type: dobermans, pit bulls, boxers, sighthounds (greyhounds, Irish wolfhounds) or mixes with those breeds are more likely to be universal donors
To learn more about donating through Canine Blood Heroes, contact Klee Neihart at 208.346.2542 or customerservice.cbheroes@gmail.com.
