Meet Olivia.
She’s not just any dog. She’s a registered therapy dog at DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital in Portland, Oregon. But Olivia’s heroism doesn’t stop at comforting patients; she’s also a lifesaver.
Recently, a 5-month-old puppy named Jaxon was brought to DoveLewis in critical condition. He had ingested rodenticide, leading to coagulopathy—a severe blood clotting disorder. Jaxon was lethargic, bleeding uncontrollably, and his life hung in the balance.
The situation was dire. Jaxon needed an immediate blood transfusion, and time was running out. Enter Olivia. Calm and cooperative, she donated her blood, which was a perfect match for Jaxon. Thanks to Olivia’s timely donation, Jaxon’s vitals stabilized, his anemia improved, and he began to recover.
This wasn’t Olivia’s first act of heroism. In fact, it was her sixteenth blood donation. Her consistent contributions have been vital in supporting the DoveLewis Blood Bank, providing critical care to countless animals in need.
Olivia’s story underscores the importance of animal blood donations in veterinary medicine. Healthy dogs like her play a crucial role in saving the lives of sick and injured pets. Her owner, Grace Epstein, emphasizes this, stating, “The need for blood products to help sick and injured dogs and cats is very real.”
Olivia’s actions serve as a powerful reminder of the impact one can have. Whether you’re a pet owner or simply an animal lover, consider the difference you can make. Explore opportunities for your pet to become a donor or support local veterinary blood banks.
In a world where heroes come in all shapes and sizes, Olivia stands out—a true testament to the extraordinary impact of ordinary acts.