b'realitysoundbites.Your Dog Can Become A Blood Donor HeroThe University of Florida Small given other than heartworm/flea/tickAnimal Blood Bank is currently prevention.recruiting candidates for the Canine Additionally, owners must be ableBlood Donor Program.Just like to commit to bringing their dog in forhumans, dogs get sick or injured and donations six times per year for at leasttwo years. The most common risksassociated with blood donation arebruising at the venipuncture site or theformation of a hematoma (build-up ofblood/bruising); these problems areself-limiting and pose no serious harmto your dog.There are many benefits toparticipating in the canine blooddonor program, including: Annual physical examinationand bloodwork Free annual vaccinations Free bag of dog food andtreats for each donation Free heartworm and flea &tick preventative One free unit of blood productfor every unit of blood donated, if ever needed Your dog chooses a toy fromour toybox to take home afterDelta receives some loving from require blood transfusions in order to each donationDr. Kris Cooke, before donating blood survive. The Blood Banks mission is toKnowledge that your dogsto the University of Florida Small provide a variety of specialized blood contribution could save a lifeAnimal Blood Bank. Dr. Cooke is theBlood Bank faculty director. products for dogs and cats being treat-ed at the UF Small Animal Veterinary Since there is no substitute forHospital. The Blood Bank manages a blood, we rely on our community toA single unit of blood community based canine help provide these life saving productsblood donor program, for patients in need. If you are consid-can treat two to four and a feline donor ering enrolling your dog, or would likecolony. more information, please contact thefour-legged patients. To qualify for the University of Florida Small Animalblood donor program, Blood Bank by email:your dog must have an excellent tem- BloodBankSAH@vetmed.ufl.eduperament to allow blood donation or call 352.294.4647. Uwithout sedation, weigh at least 50pounds (22kg), be between 1-5 years The UF Small Animal Hospital is theof age, and neutered/spayed. Only leading referral facility for patientshealthy dogs can be considered for the throughout Florida and the Southeast. program, so there must not be anychronic illness or medications being20 THE NEW BARKER www.TheNewBarker.com'