Northampton’s Sharwood: Heroic Dog Blood Donor

Image credit: Charlotte Vowden/BBC

In the heart of Northampton, a local hero has quietly made history. Sharwood, a relaxed and gentle Gordon setter, has just completed his 40th and final session as a blood donor for Pet Blood UK. This milestone marks Sharwood as the first dog to achieve such an incredible feat, having saved the lives of 160 dogs over his years of service.

Sharwood’s owner, Sue Mitchell, couldn’t be prouder. “I’m just so delighted,” she exclaimed, reflecting on the journey that began when Sharwood was just a young show dog. From his very first donation, Sharwood would calmly fall asleep and snore through the process, a testament to his laid-back nature and trust in the hands that cared for him.

Pet Blood UK, established in 2007 following a change in legislation, has since become a lifeline for countless dogs in need of blood transfusions. Marketing manager Nicole Osborne highlighted the significance of Sharwood’s achievement, noting that thousands of dogs and donors have come through their doors, but none have reached the 40-donation mark until now.

Veterinary nurse Zoe Lord, who was responsible for extracting Sharwood’s blood, described him as “a relaxed dog in general.” This calm demeanour made him an ideal donor, as dogs must be fit, healthy, and have a confident temperament to participate.

Each donation session is a positive experience for the dogs, filled with treats, cuddles, and lots of encouragement. Sharwood’s blood, like that of other donors, is processed and stored, ready to be sent out to vets for life-saving procedures. Dogs, much like humans, have different blood types, and universal donors, like Sharwood, are in particularly high demand.

To commemorate his final donation, Sharwood was awarded an engraved gold medal. Sue Mitchell, whose other dogs have also been donors, emphasised the importance of the programme. “It’s about helping society and other dogs,” she said. If your dog meets the criteria, donating blood can be a very worthwhile endeavour.

So, here’s to Sharwood, Northampton’s four-legged hero, and to all the dogs and owners who make a difference, one donation at a time.