GREENVILLE, S.C. — While the need for people to give blood is often advertised, an organization in South Carolina is working to bring attention to the need for pets to give blood as well.
Ahead of National Pet Day on April 11, The Blood Connection teamed up with Fetch Specialty and Emergency Veterinary Centers of Greenville to hold a dog blood drive on Thursday.
Organizers of the blood drive said that its important for pet owners to remember that animals have surgeries and emergencies, many which require blood transfusions, just like people do.
One dog, Rosie, has stepped up to do her part by donating blood several times.
"It's something none of us had really thought about before, and once it was explained that, just like people, you know, if you have a surgery or an injury, and you need replacement blood, then that's something that would be good to have if you needed it," Michael Lilley, Rosie's owner, said. "The fact that giving does help, it puts a warm spots in our hearts because we're all called to serve. Even our pets can serve."
There are many organizations around the country where owners can sign their pets up to donate blood.
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