Valley Dogs Give The Gift Of Life

Far Country Animal Hospital in Palmer is the state’s only canine blood bank.

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By Lauren Maxwell
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Story Created: Aug 15, 2011 at 5:35 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Aug 15, 2011 at 5:35 PM AKDT

For most of us, the expression “to give the gift of life” means rolling up our sleeves to give blood. In the Mat-Su Valley, that expression gets a different take when it comes to our pets.

Far Country Animal Hospital in Palmer is the state’s only canine blood bank.
For the last five years they’ve been collecting blood from eligible donor dogs to be used for things like surgeries, cancer treatments and emergencies.
 
In order to donate, dogs must meet a number of criteria. They must weigh at least 50 pounds, be in good health and have a gentle disposition.
 
That’s important because the dogs are required to lie still on their sides for the 15 minutes or so it takes to collect the blood.
 
“Basically, they just have to lay still and their neck is shaved and a needle is inserted into a large vein in the neck,” said veterinarian Mike Whittington. “If they are aggressive in any way or really nervous or scared to be in the hospital, then they really aren’t very good blood donors. We want animals who are happy to be here and who are not fearful and we don’t want to make this a bad experience for them.”
 
Dogs are allowed to donate every other month and their blood, once refrigerated, can last for up to a month.
 
Veterinarians say it is used in much the same way that blood for a person is used: for surgeries, to treat cancers and other diseases and unexpected emergencies. 
 
“When you need it you need it very quickly,” said Whittington. “Generally speaking, it's one of those things that you either have it in the refrigerator waiting to be used, or it may be too late.”
 
The Far Country Animal Hospital uses blood for its own patients, but also sells it to other clinics in the Valley and Anchorage. It has about ten regular donors but is always interested in more.
 
If you’d like more information, they can be reached at (907) 746-7297

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