Blood donor dog Blaze is Whitchurch vets' star pet

This eight-year-old canine, who is described by his owners as a "walking blood bank", has helped save the lives of four dogs.

But sadly, after five years of service, Blaze has been forced to retire from being a blood donor as he has reached the age where he can no longer do so.

His efforts have been praised by his vets, Whitchurch-based Leonard Brothers Veterinary Centre.

Vet Andy Nelson said: "He has been Leonard Brothers' star blood donor for five years and is such a hero.

Launched in 2007, Pet Blood Bank UK is the only charity that provides a canine blood bank service for all veterinary practitioners across the UK.

For a dog to be a blood donor it needs to be:

• Over 25kg

• Aged between one and eight

• Up to date with vaccinations

• Fit and healthy

• Not on any prescription medication

• Not having regular eardrops or nose spray

• Never travelled abroad

• Good temperament

• Neutered

• Microchipped

• Never had a blood transfusion

For more details call 01509 232 222

"He became a blood donor when he was just two-years-old and since then he has saved four lives.

"Blaze is the perfect blood donor because he is so placid and well behaved. An average canine donation is about 400ml of blood.

"You can imagine just how demanding it is to ask a dog to lie static on a table for a lengthy amount of time, never mind with a needle in their neck vein.

"Sadly, after five years of service, our hero now has to retire from being a blood donor as he is eight.

"This is because there is a risk that older dogs may not be able to tolerate blood loss as well as younger dogs.

"Blaze has proved a noble and valiant patient over the years with his phenomenal service he has provided for many dogs in their hour of need.

"It is for his five generous years of giving we have named him as our star patient."

Owner Stephen Nash, who lives in Grindley Brook, said he was very proud of Blaze, who he has had since he was a puppy.

"One of the staff at the vets owns one of his sisters and they contacted us to ask if we would give it a go," he said.

"Not all dogs can do it but Blaze took to it like a duck to water. He just sat there and was fine. He is used to people petting him and he knew there was a treat at the end of it.

"He has been like a walking blood bank. Whenever there was an emergency we were asked to take him down.

"We are very proud of him and he seems proud of himself.

"I think he knows what he is doing."

Now that Blaze has retired, Leonard Brothers is trying to find another canine blood donor who can help.

For more details call (01948) 662424.