A local veterinary clinic in Roseburg has taken blood donation to a new level, but it's not people their saving - it's dogs.
The American Red Cross has been holding blood drives in Roseburg for years, and their donation bus typically makes a stop in Dr. Bailey's parking lot.
That got him brainstorming. With the aid of some Red Cross supplies, Dr. Bailey's Vet Clinic has made the Puppy Blood Bank a reality.
The need for dog blood transfusions is high, and extremely costly. The clinic held their first Puppy Blood Drive on Wednesday, and Dr. Bailey was very pleased with the outcome.
“It's been very successful,” says Dr. Bailey.
“We had a wonderful response from the public. We had 10 dogs that met the needs, they'll be our official first 10 pets to draw blood from. And they'll fill a huge gap we've had for years and years. It's a wonderful, wonderful thing. And the pet's are so sweet about it,” he says.
There are some eligibility requirements dogs need to meet in order to donate. For one, they have to be at least sixty pounds.
Dr. Bailey says before the blood bank, the clinic had relying on personal pets for blood donations, but they just couldn't keep up with the high need. He says the new donations will save the lives of many dogs.
For more information on the Puppy Blood Bank, and to find out whether or not your dog can help, go to their website and fill out an application at baileyvet.com.
