Devoted Canine Comes Out of Retirement Following 40 Blood Donation Sessions, Improving Life Count of 160 Other Dogs
In the heart of the United Kingdom, a remarkable Gordon Setter named Sharwood has become a beacon of hope for canine companions in need. With over 60 blood donations to his name, Sharwood holds the record as the UK's most frequent canine blood donor.
This extraordinary achievement is all the more significant given the rarity of canine blood donation. Sharwood's repeated donations have set a record, although the exact number may vary as the latest sources do not provide a precise count. However, his record-breaking donations have been widely reported in various media and canine blood donation organisations prior to 2025.
Sharwood's story began in 2007, when Pet Blood UK, a charitable organisation dedicated to the collection and storage of animal blood, was founded following a change in laws. Since then, they have seen thousands of dogs and donors every year, including Sharwood and his fellow donors.
Sharwood, a show dog accustomed to being handled and groomed, is described by Zoe Lord, a veterinary nurse, as a "relaxed dog in general." This calm demeanour likely contributed to his success as a blood donor.
Dogs wishing to donate blood must meet certain criteria. They must be aged between one and eight, weigh more than 55lb, and have confident temperaments. Before each donation, dogs undergo a thorough health check to ensure they are fit and healthy.
When healthy, dogs proceed to the donor room, where they donate 15 fluid ounces of blood. This generous act can save the lives of other dogs, and in Sharwood's case, he has saved the lives of 160 dogs.
Dogs can donate blood to other dogs when they are ill or injured. This selfless act is particularly important as dogs cannot receive human blood, and vice-versa. Negative blood type donors are in high demand because they are universal donors.
Sharwood's 40th and final blood donation session was celebrated by Pet Blood UK with an engraved gold medal. His dedication to helping other dogs has left a lasting impact on the organisation and the lives of the dogs he has saved.
While Sharwood has retired from donating blood, his legacy continues. His fellow dogs, including Mitchell's other dogs, have also donated blood in the past. If you're inspired by Sharwood's story and wish to help, contacting the UK Kennel Club or the relevant veterinary blood donation charity may provide exact details on how you can contribute.
- Sharwood, a cat or a puppy, is not specified, but it's a remarkable Gordon Setter who holds the record as the UK's most frequent canine blood donor.
- The health of pets, like Sharwood, is of utmost importance, as their blood donations can save the lives of other pets.
- Sharwood's story underscores the importance of pet health-and-wellness, especially in the context of therapies-and-treatments such as blood donation.
- The lifestyle of a pet, like Sharwood, might change considerably when they become blood donors, with regular training and health checks.
- Science plays a significant role in understanding the physiological aspects of pet health, particularly in the field of veterinary medicine and treatments.
- Sharwood's dedication to helping other pets through his blood donations is an inspiration for all pet owners, encouraging them to participate in pet health-and-wellness initiatives.
