BARNET: It’s a dog-aid-dog world for pet pooch (From Haringey Independent)

BARNET: It’s a dog-aid-dog world for pet pooch

7:56am Wednesday 24th September 2008 in News

A former greyhound racing dog saved the life of a Finchley family pet by donating his blood to the critically-ill pooch.

Spanish Springer Milly nearly died after she suffered heatstroke on a hot and humid day last month.

Her owner Dave Trollope, of Coleridge Road, North Finchley, took her to a vet, who said she was urgently in need of a blood transfusion.

Luckily, retired greyhound Joe had recently given blood and plasma to the national dog blood bank and was a match for Milly.

Mr Trollope, a building company supervisor, said: “She’s only four and my mum bought her for me just before she passed away so I really didn’t want to lose her.

“When I heard where the blood came from I thought, I’ve got a Springer Spaniel that’s mad, now she’s got greyhound blood inside her she’s going to be even worse.

“But it’s really nice they do it. Without that blood, Milly would have died.”

Mr Trollope had to raid the savings he had put aside for his daughter’s wedding to pay £4,300 for four blood transfusions and vet care for a week, but he said Milly was now “right as rain”.

Her saviour, Joe, retired from racing at Walthamstow Stadium in July, when his trainer wound up racing at the track in preparation for its closure.

He is now being cared for by the Walthamstow branch of the Retired Greyhound Trust (RGT) in Waltham Abbey.

Kennel manager Joy Battley said: “Retired greyhounds are excellent candidates for blood donation because they are such calm and gentle dogs.

“They lie still and wait patiently while they give blood.

“Joe is very happy to help out. He loves the attention and the treats afterwards.”

When Walthamstow Stadium closed on August 16, 150 dogs retired and needed to be re-homed. A massive fundraising effort has raised £150,000 to pay for their keep and vets bills.

In the month since the greyhound stadium closed, 30 have been adopted, but the rest are still looking for loving families.

If you would like to adopt Joe or another greyhound, call Ms Battley on 01992 890 540, or visit Retired Greyhound Trust's website