Homeless mongrel hailed as life-saver

Even in deepest James Herriot country, the tale of an unwanted dog which took part in an emergency blood transfusion to save the life of a dying family pet is quite remarkable.

Homeless German shepherd cross Tasha was called into action after a private vet's surgery in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, made an emergency call to a nearby animal rescue centre, pleading for help to revive one of its patients.

Jack, a beloved pet Jack Russell, was at death's door after a tumour was discovered on his spleen, leaving an immediate blood transfusion as his only hope of survival.

Enter four-year-old Tasha, who was rushed from the Blue Cross centre, at Topcliffe, to give blood in a rare life-saving operation.

With Jack now enjoying a full recovery, the Blue Cross is hoping to find someone to give heroine Tasha the home she deserves.

Wendy Ellison, manager of the centre, said: "The vet nurse couldn't believe how calm Tasha was while they took her blood.

"She said it was almost as though she knew she had a job to do, and they told us Jack would not have survived without a blood tranfusion."

For veterinary surgeons at the Sinclair and Wight practice, names made famous by the James Herriot books, it was an unorthodox procedure.

Blue Cross vet Jess Gower said: "Blood transfusions are carried out less commonly in dogs than in humans. It is a life-saving procedure and the vet would be put in a position of urgently having to look for a donor in this instant."

Tasha was handed over to the Blue Cross after her owners decided they could no longer keep her after an eviction.

Mrs Ellison said: "Tasha would make an ideal pet for someone who can give her a lot of love and attention."

Anyone interested in offering a home to Tasha can contact the Blue Cross at Thirsk on (01845) 577759.