'Pet blood bank helped extend my dog's life'

A dog owner from Esher said a pet blood bank helped to save the life of her miniature poodle Frankie.

When Lottie Howard's 15-year-old dog fell seriously ill and needed a blood transfusion, she took him to the Pet Blood Bank in Bletchingley, Surrey.

Ms Howard was so impressed with their work, she now volunteers as a greeter.

She told BBC Radio Surrey that Frankie was "in a critical condition" but the transfusion gave him a "lease of life".

She said: "Frankie had a number of health conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, heart murmur, gall bladder issues and a combination of these led to severe anaemia so he had almost no red blood cells.

"He was in a critical condition and I didn't know how ill he was until the blood transfusion."

The process took a few hours and included an overnight stay for Frankie.

Ms Howard described it as a "very scary" time but it managed to extend Frankie's life by eight months.

He passed away on 5 March but the blood transfusion "gave him a lease of life and prolonged it".

Sian Anderson from the Pet Blood Bank said: "I would like to express my condolences for the loss of Frankie but as a charity I'm so pleased we could aid.

"We're really grateful to our donor dogs who come along and donate this life saving product."

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