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Blood donor dog nominated for hero award

Danny Fullbrook
BBC News, Bedfordshire
The Kennel Club/Eleanor Riley A Gordon Setter breed dog is laying on the floor with his head up in the air. He is wearing a collar that has a medal on that reads "I'm a life saver"The Kennel Club/Eleanor Riley
Sharwood has been nominated for an award after donating blood more than 40 times

A dog that donated blood and saved 168 other canines is in the running for a heroic dog award.

Eight-year-old Gordon Setter Sharwood, from Eaton Brey in Bedfordshire, broke records after giving more than 40 donations to the Pet Blood Bank for critically ill or injured pets in need.

He is among five finalists nominated for a Hero Dog Award from The Kennel Club, which runs Crufts.

His owner, Sue Mitchell, said: "I'm absolutely delighted that Sharwood is the record holder for the number of donations given to Pet Blood Bank."

The Kennel Club/Eleanor Riley A woman with white curly hair is wearing a brown jacket with her arm around a Gordon Setter. They are both sat in a green field.The Kennel Club/Eleanor Riley
Sharwood's owner Sue Mitchell said he is a ""very laid-back dog"

The five nominee dogs were selected by judges from The Kennel Club.

A winner will be chosen by a public vote and announced on 9 March, the final day of Crufts.

Ms Mitchell described her dog as a "very laid-back dog" who "loves his exercise, loves his food, and just loves life generally".

Sharwood has been donating blood since he was 13 months old.

His owner said: "I thought it was really important because you never know when your dog may possibly have to have a transfusion, and if you have suitable dogs that can do this donating then it's well worth it."

The Kennel Club/Eleanor Riley A Gordon Setter has a red blood-filled tube coming from his neck. He is laying down with a woman's hands comforting him.The Kennel Club/Eleanor Riley
Sharwood has donated blood since he was 13 months old

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