Murray the Blood Donor: A Hero's Tail by Erin Selby

Meet Murray. He looks like your typical short haired cat but there is more to this handsome ginger tabby than meets the eye. To put it simply, Murray is a hero. This unassuming house cat gave his blood in order to help a fellow kitty in need. That's right, Murray is a blood donor!


Did you know there was such a thing as animal blood donors? Blood transfusions are a vital part of emergency veterinary medicine. We rely on canine and feline blood donors for these life saving transfusions.


At Bishop Ranch Veterinary Center & Urgent Care we have created a Blood Donor Program so we can be prepared in the event of an emergency. Perhaps you have seen our Wall of Heroes in the lobby. Each and every one of those cats and dogs donated blood to help their fellow pets. They truly deserve our honor and appreciation.



Murray was very courageous during his donation. The process didn't seem to faze him at all. In fact, while he was having his catheter placed, he made biscuits with his paws, purred, and kept trying to roll over for a belly rub! Murray donated a total of 60 milliliters of blood. This blood helped save the life of a very sick 18 year old cat with chronic renal failure and anemia, among many other problems.


In his free time Murray enjoys stealing food off the table, opening doors and cupboards, and even turning on the lamp in the middle of the night when he wants to be fed. He may be a bit of a mischievous imp at home but this loving tabby has made a huge difference for another cat and the family who loves her.


We are always looking for volunteer blood donors here at Bishop Ranch Veterinary Center & Urgent Care. Pets must meet the following qualifications in order to donate:

Canine:

• Must be at least 70 pounds or greater

• Between 2 to 5 years of age

• Current on vaccines

• On heartworm prevention

• In good health

Feline:

• Must be at least 10 pounds or greater

• Between 2 to 7 years of age

• FeLV/FIV negative

• Indoor only

• Current on vaccines

• In good health

If you and your pet are interested in being part of this amazing program or if you have any questions, please contact your veterinarian or email us at info@webvets.com.

Tags: blood donor program, pet heroes