Call it the Year of the Dog. “This year, our 6,000th dog donor will come up, and we?re celebrating our 15th year,” said Theresa Connelly, events coordinator for the Eastern Veterinary Blood Bank in Severna Park in Anne Arundel County. “2008 will be a good year.”
As of Friday, the blood bank?s count remained at 5,998 dogs, and employees are expecting to celebrate the milestone any day now.
The blood bank is the largest volunteer blood-donor center for dogs in the country and was started in 1993 by director Ann Schneider, a University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine graduate.
In addition to the main center in Severna Park, the blood bank also maintains more than 20 other facilities in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.
The volunteer component means that dogs are brought in to give blood by owners, rather than officials using dogs that are kept in cages all day, which is used more frequently, Schneider said.
“We are not going to force the dog to do something it doesn?t want to do,” Schneider said. “We feed them, kiss them, play with them ? anything to make them happy.”
And just like humans who sometimes receive free buttons, hats or T-shirts for giving blood, all dogs who donate blood receive a treat, as well as a health checkup, Connelly said.
Erin Guthier, an operations manager at the blood bank, has brought her 3-year-old boxer-mastiff mix, Lexi, to give blood eight times.
“She?s an old pro at it now,” said Guthier with a laugh. “It?s one of her favorite things to do. She comes in and knows exactly where to go.”
The treats, of course, come in handy.
Dogs need to be at least 35 pounds and 9 months old in order to donate and are “retired” when they reach 8 1/2 years old, Schneider said.
On average, two doctors take blood, in either half- or full-pint quantities, from about 25 dogs four times a week. The blood is then used to supply veterinarians across the country, Connelly said.
Dogs have different blood types, just like humans.
Many people, like Guthier, bring their dogs in simply to help other canines.
“It?s the same as at the Red Cross,” Guthier said. “There?s always a shortage of blood supplies.”
IF YOU GO
Who: Eastern Veterinary Blood Bank
What: A volunteer blood-donor center for dogs
Where: 844 Ritchie Highway, Suite 204, in Severna Park
Info: 410-224-BANK
