2 weeks Ago By Tushar Tere
Vadodara: Heroes come in all forms – sometimes with four legs, a wagging tail and a really big heart. In Vadodara, a gentle giant named Dexter has become an unlikely hero. The seven-year-old European Doberman, with his proud stance and kind eyes, did something extraordinary – donated blood to help save the lives of three other dogs facing a life and death situation.
On Sunday, while most pets were enjoying time with their families in their homes, Dexter was with his owner Dr Krupa Vaghela at Dr Ram Kamaliya's veterinary clinic on Old Padra Road, where three dogs – a Labrador suffering from internal haemorrhage and two street dogs with dangerously low haemoglobin – were fighting for their lives. Hours after his heroic deed, the dark and handsome Dexter was back home, playing and strutting around, occasionally pausing to accept well-deserved treats, and completely oblivious to the magnanimity of his act. "When I heard about their critical condition, I knew Dexter could help.
This was his first blood donation," said Dr Vaghela, as she watched her beloved companion playing with her other four dogs at home. "There wasn't a moment's hesitation." What makes Dexter's contribution even more remarkable is the volume of blood he donated.
While most dogs can typically donate between 100 to 150ml, Dexter's robust health allowed him to safely give 350ml – enough to save all three canine patients. "It was a relief as all three responded well and are now in recovery mode," Dr Vaghela, who works as chief medical officer (administration) at Parul Sevashram Hospital, said. Dr Kamaliya said that Dr Vaghela immediately agreeing to donate Dexter's blood was a huge relief.
"The volume Dexter donated helped me save three lives. It's very rare as most pet parents are quite sceptical and feel blood donation may cause their pet an infection or weakness. But the fear is unfounded.
Blood donation poses no risk to any pet. Today's donor could be tomorrow's recipient, and in the circle of life, every drop counts," he said. He also highlighted a critical issue in veterinary care: The shortage of animal blood donors .
"We don't have dedicated pet blood banks. Every time we need blood, it's a race against time, and sometimes, we lose." After this experience, Dr Vaghela has decided to make Dexter a regular blood donor.
"Once my other dogs are old enough, they'll become donors too as there is always a demand for blood for canine patients," Dr Vaghela added..
