Olivia, a therapy dog at DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital in Portland, Oregon, continues to go above and beyond in her life-saving efforts.
Known for providing comfort and emotional support to both humans and animals, Olivia’s role took a heroic turn earlier this year when she made an emergency blood donation to save the life of a 5-month-old puppy named Jaxon. Jaxon had been rushed to the hospital after suffering from a severe case of rodenticide poisoning, which caused excessive bleeding and led to a diagnosis of coagulopathy — a dangerous condition that disrupts the body’s ability to clot blood.
As Jaxon’s condition worsened, urgent intervention was required. The young puppy was losing blood at an alarming rate, and a blood transfusion was essential to stabilize him. In a moment of extraordinary generosity, Olivia, who shares the same blood type as Jaxon, offered her assistance. Calmly and without hesitation, she underwent an emergency blood draw, ensuring Jaxon would have the best chance of survival.
Thanks to Olivia’s selfless act, Jaxon received the transfusion he so desperately needed. Within hours, his vitals began to stabilize, his anemia improved, and he regained the strength necessary to continue his recovery.
Olivia’s owner, Grace Epstein, praised her dog for being a dedicated donor, saying, “Olivia has donated blood numerous times to help sick and injured animals at DoveLewis. Her contributions make a tangible difference in the lives of pets who are fortunate enough to receive it.”
This life-saving donation marked Olivia’s sixteenth time helping a fellow animal in need, earning her the admiration of DoveLewis staff, who regard her as a superhero. Kelsey Reinauer, the blood bank director at DoveLewis, emphasized the critical role of blood donations in emergencies like Jaxon’s, noting, “Olivia’s donation was the turning point in saving Jaxon’s life. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of blood donations for critically ill pets.”
Through her heroic actions, Olivia continues to inspire both pets and their owners to consider the life-saving potential of donating blood.
Related topics:
Good Dog Etiquette and Whether Dog Kisses Are Safe
JJ the Therapy Dog Brings Healing to the North
Dog Brutally Attacked for Barking, Two Booked
