Doggy blood donor Mr Muffin has made canine history by helping to save the life of a little mongrel called Blackie ... in Switzerland.
Rescued greyhound Mr M, taken in at eight months by gardening guru and Spalding Guardian columnist Daphne Ledward, has been donating to the Pet Blood Bank UK at his vets in Kirton and loving every minute of it for two years.
At each of the seven sessions he’s attended so far he’s contributed as much blood as a human donor and each donation, separated into red cells and plasma, can be used to treat up to four other dogs.
Poor Blackie was critically ill with kidney and liver failure caused by deadly Weill’s disease requiring four plasma transfusions when its Swiss vets appealed to Pet Blood Bank UK for supplies – a first for Switzerland, though several British donations have gone to save French and other European dogs.
Proud owner Daphne said: “Mr Muffin’s plasma, frozen, was flown to Bern just before Christmas. It made up one of Blackie’s transfusions and we’ve just heard the recipient is home and expected to make a full recovery.
“Mr Muffin has badly deformed back paws and the founder of Fenbank Greyhound Sanctuary had given up all hope of homing him because he was such a naughty boy. He was a little monster till we adopted another of our greyhounds Bluebell, but has been a perfect gent ever since.
“That’s why he fits all the criteria for donors –they must have a placid temperament, be eight or under (he’ll have to retire next year), weigh more than 25kg, be fit and healthy, up to date on vaccinations and never have travelled abroad.
“He loves going to sessions held three or four times a year because he gets lots of treats and fuss every time!”
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