It is well known among those lucky enough to share their lives with dogs that they are angels. But some, it must be said, are a little more so. This is the case of Baloo, an Ibiza dog who saves lives — specifically, the lives of other dogs. This large, good-natured animal is a blood donor, as explained by San Jorge Veterinary Clinic, which recently shared his latest act of generosity on social media: Baloo helping Bongo, a dog who needed his support this week.
“Yesterday Baloo was with us, this brave dog”, the clinic explained in a post. “Baloo is the kindest, most loving and friendly blood donor in the world. He radiates kindness and tenderness, and that is what makes his blood so special and healing”, the clinic added. The post includes photos and videos documenting the donation process step by step.
Dog blood donation: the process
In the first image, Baloo can be seen calmly having his blood drawn, barely moving. “Here we see Baloo being prepared for blood donation: a catheter is placed and a blood sample is taken to carry out his pre-anaesthetic analysis, disease screening and compatibility tests with the animal receiving his blood. You can see he is the nicest dog in the world”, the clinic explains.
In the second video, one of the clinic’s staff members gently cuddles Baloo as he receives anaesthesia prior to the donation and begins to fall asleep.
Bongo, the dog receiving Baloo’s blood, appears in the third image, undergoing treatment. “Our dear Bongo, who needed Baloo’s help — there he is, in his little cage, receiving his transfusion”, the clinic notes.
The final video once again features Baloo, this time enjoying the grass and sunshine at home, “proud to have helped another furry friend”, according to the clinic. The post also highlights the vital role of canine blood donors and their owners. “Donating can save lives”, they stress. “If your life companion needed help to survive, wouldn’t you want someone to be willing to help?”. The clinic concludes by encouraging dog owners to consider becoming donors. “It’s very simple”, they assure.