Blood Donor of the Year Awards 2024
Pets honoured in Blood Donor of the Year Awards
To celebrate the RVC Blood Donor Programme’s 20th anniversary, the RVC Animal Care Trust have announced their ‘Pet Blood Donors of the Year 2024’. The RVC’s Blood Donor Programme enables a wide range of surgeries and treatments to take place at the RVC every day. These awards recognise a canine and feline blood donor who have made a valuable contribution to the RVC Blood Donor Programme and the lives of critically ill animals. They also acknowledge the generosity of their owners who bring them to their donation appointments.
Lilah Stephany – RVC Feline Blood Donor of the Year 2024
Lilah, RVC Feline Blood Donor of the Year 2024Lilah is a very special rescue cat who has given 13 blood donations. Jenny, Lilah’s owner, rescued her at 18 months old from an RSPCA shelter. Jenny tells us,
“It would be more accurate to say that she chose me. She was at the kennel for three months and nobody had come to see her. I thought she was simply beautiful. She didn’t stop purring when she saw me and kept walking a figure of eight around my legs.”
Lilah donates at least three times a year. Jenny explains,
“Lilah was very affectionate from the start and has always been very calm. I have never had any concerns with Lilah being a blood donor, she is always very relaxed when she returns home after donating. It’s important to me that she is a rescue that now helps other cats.’’
Jenny had originally enrolled two of her cats to join the RVC Blood Donor Programme; Little Jenny and Lilah. However, during one of the pre-donation health check-ups, the Blood Donor team found that Little Jenny had early kidney disease. To protect Little Jenny’s health, she could no longer be part of the programme. Jenny explains,
“I think this is a testament to the Blood Donor team and how they always prioritise the donor’s welfare. They are always very careful to protect the donor’s health and the donors always receive a health check before donating. Any issues that are found are reported to the primary vet for ongoing care.
“It is a simple thing to do! As animal lovers, we can all relate to the horrible feeling of our pets being unwell and so it is a special way to be able to help others in these difficult situations. I chose the RVC for Lilah to donate to as I felt their combination of research, education and clinical practice was really important and made me feel this was the best place to take Lilah."
Jet Brand – RVC Canine Blood Donor of the Year 2024
Jet, RVC Canine Blood Donor of the Year 2024Jet is a beautiful seven-year-old black labrador who has donated 18 times. When Jet’s owner, Melanie, had Jet assessed to become a Pet At Therapy dog she was informed about the RVC Blood Donor Programme.
‘’We thought we would give it a go as his temperament is so good. He’s been a blood donor ever since’’, Melanie explained.
Jet’s last donation was for an emergency. Just an hour after Melanie received the phone call, she brought Jet to the RVC to give blood.
“He’s such a good boy, so placid and easygoing. All he wants is his cuddles. When he sees the nurses in the waiting room, he’s off! He can't wait to get in there.’’ Melanie told us.
As a Pet At Therapy dog, Jet regularly visits the Stanmore Orthopaedic Hospital and an Isabel Hospice Coffee Morning. Melanie uses these opportunities to spread the word about the RVC Blood Donor Programme.
‘’The attention that is given to him, you can't beat it. He gets a full vet check and they go above and beyond. They’ve even clipped his nails, so they really pamper them.’’ Melanie said.
Blood transfusions are vital to the life-enhancing care the RVC provides. As the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals (QMHA) has expanded and advancements are made in veterinary medicine, more injuries and conditions can be treated than ever before. Last year 711 blood product transfusions took place at the QMHA, Charlotte Russo, Head of Transfusion Medicine Nurse at the RVC, explained,
“Our voluntary donation programme is totally reliant on the goodwill of local pet owners who bring their pets to donate blood. All donors are given health checks prior to donating and receive a full blood screening annually free of charge. All donors are also gifted a special blood donor tag in recognition of their support and receive a special gift when they retire.”
For 20 years the Blood Donor team has continued to innovate this programme, exemplified by the RVC Animal Care Trust's appeal to create a new home for the Blood Donor team. To support the growing demand for blood products, and improve donor welfare, the RVC Animal Care Trust is fundraising £150,000 to build new facilities. Visit Blood Donor Appeal to find out more.