A CANINE life-saver is retiring from giving blood after becoming only the second dog in the UK to make 30 donations.

Geordie, the Labradoodle, from Bishop Auckland, is being celebrated after making his 30th, and last, donation for the charity Pet Blood Bank UK.

He is ‘retiring’ as he soon turns nine, the maximum age limit for donor dogs.

Pet Blood Bank UK operates in a similar way to the human blood service, staging donation days, where owners can take their dogs to give blood.

The charity then processes and stores this blood, so it is ready to be sent out to vets when they need it to help a critically ill dog.

Geordie began donating blood in 2013 and has only since missed two donation sessions.

Owner, Lynn Crackett, described it as, “a family affair.”

She said: “Geordie’s mum, Betty, donated with him for two years until she had to retire, and our other dog, Gunner, continues to donate and follow in Geordie’s pawprints.

“As soon as I became aware of Pet Blood Bank, having my dogs donate was a no brainer.

“Everyone is caring and personable with it, which makes it an easy process for dogs and us as owners.

Nicole Osborne, of Pet Blood Bank UK said: “We’re incredibly proud of Geordie for reaching the significant milestone of 30 donations!

“This truly shows the dedication of his owner Lynn in supporting our work and doing her bit to ensure blood is always available for critically ill dogs.

“The blood Geordie gave over the years is enough to have helped up to 120 other dogs.”

Pet Blood Bank, which always needs more dog blood donors, runs sessions in the North East.

Donor dogs need to be aged one to eight, weigh more than 25kg, be fit and healthy, and be confident, enjoying to meet new people.

They receive a health check from a vet before lying on their side while donating about 450ml of blood, before being given a ‘goody bag’ and toy.

Every donation they give can help to save the lives of up to four other dogs.

For more information or to register a dog, owners should visit www.petbloodbankuk.org, the charity’s website.

Donation venues are at Westway Veterinary Group, in Houghton-le-Spring, Wear Referrals, at Bradbury, Vets4Pets in Bishop Auckland and Washington, plus Sheriffs Highway Vets, in Sunderland.

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