Heroic dog sets Guinness World Records title for lifesaving blood donations

Heroic dog sets Guinness World Records title for lifesaving blood donations

A remarkable eight year old Gordon Setter named Sharwood has officially entered the record books after being awarded a Guinness World Records title for the most blood donations by a dog.

Sharwood, who lives with his owner Sue Mitchell in Eaton Bray, Bedfordshire, has donated blood 43 times through the charity Pet Blood Bank UK. Each donation can help save up to four lives, meaning Sharwood has potentially helped more than 170 dogs.

Sharwood, who was also recently a finalist in the Kennel Club Hero Dog Award, has been donating blood since 2017 and is the charity's highest donating dog to date.

'Many people don't realise that, just like humans, dogs sometimes need emergency blood transfusions,' said Sue. 'We started bringing our dogs to donation sessions years ago, and it's been an incredible experience knowing Sharwood has helped so many others.'

Pet Blood Bank UK runs donation sessions across the country, collecting and storing blood to send out to veterinary practices when urgently needed. Sharwood reached his official record after 40 donations, weighing in at a total of 22.5kg of blood! Since receiving the record, he has given three more times and is expected to hit 45 donations before he retires in the summer age nine.

Sue added, 'To know that he's saved so many lives is amazing. We have the record proudly displayed in pride of place in our home. One of my own dogs almost needed a transfusion recently, so I truly understand how vital this service is. We'll always do what we can to help, but above all, Sharwood is a beloved member of our family.'

Nicole Osborne from Pet Blood Bank UK said, 'It is a huge honour to have Sharwood and Sue's commitment to donating blood recognised with this incredible record. We are consistently blown away by the support of our community and their dedication to helping save lives. Thousands of dogs every year need lifesaving blood transfusions, our aim is to ensure the blood they need is always available, and Sharwood has more than played his part in this mission.'

Pet Blood Bank UK is calling for more owners to consider their dogs becoming donors. To qualify, dogs must be:
• Aged between 1 and 8
• Weigh over 25kg
• Fit, healthy, and confident

Dogs receive a health check from a vet before lying on their side for 5-10 minutes to donate approximately 450ml of blood. They are showered in treats, fuss, and attention from the Pet Blood Bank team and get a goody bag and toy to take home. Every donation can help save up to four other lives.

For more information about your dog giving blood, please visit www.petbloodbankuk.org