A golden retriever who was forced to give up guide dog training as a puppy has still managed to find his own way to help save lives.
Franklin, who is now two years old, was unable to become a service dog after being diagnosed with elbow dysplasia, a condition where elbows develop abnormally while a puppy is growing.
He has still found a new way to make his mark by becoming a doggy blood donor and his two donations to the Pet Blood Bank UK at Valley Vets in Cardiff could save the lives of up to seven other dogs.
Guide Dogs Cymru volunteer Claire Hiles, who rehomed Franklin when he was withdrawn from training, said she 'couldn’t be prouder'.
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Claire said: “This was his second time at the clinic. On this occasion, he comfortably donated 521g of his blood, which could be used as soon as 24 hours after donation or anytime within the next six weeks.
“This time I was able to be with him while he donated.
“I couldn’t be prouder of my happy, gentle boy and his special gift to the recipients and their families.”
Claire speaks highly about the team at Valley Vets who looked after Franklin, giving him lots of fuss and treats to help to create a positive environment.
She said: “Before I went in, I peered through the window and saw him with his front paws up on the table, his ears ballooned out with excitement and his tail wagging.”
Claire explained that dogs do not always donate blood on their first or second visit to the blood bank while they get used to the environment and noise of the clippers.
However, with Franklin’s background of guide dog training, he had the right characteristics to be examined, lie down and have a needle inserted while a team of volunteers, which included a vet, took the blood.
Marcus Roberts, Operations Director at Guide Dogs Cymru, said: “We were sad when Franklin had to be withdrawn from early training through no fault of his own as he had been making good progress, even learning how to keep a blind or partially sighted owner safe on public transport.
“But we know guide dogs change lives and, despite his career change, Franklin is keeping that tradition in his own special way.”
Claire added: “His happy, loving and gentle nature knows no bounds, and he has no idea how special he is.”
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