Eight-year-old Sharwood has donated more than 40 times to the Pet Blood Bank to help critically ill or injured pets – he has now made it to the finals of the annual Hero Dog Awards
A blood donor dog that saved the lives of more than 168 others has made it to the finals of the annual Hero Dog Awards.
Eight-year-old Gordon setter Sharwood broke records by giving more than 40 blood donations, totalling 22.5kg, to the Pet Blood Bank for critically ill or injured pets in need.
Sharwood’s owner Sue Mitchell, 72, from Eaton Bray in Bedfordshire, said she first took him to donate blood when he was just 13-months-old. She said: “I thought it was really important because you never know when your dog may possibly need to have a transfusion. If you have a suitable dog, it is well worth it.”
One recipient of Sharwood’s donations is Sizzle, a Dachshund who suffers from haemophilia and von willebrand’s disease – both serious disorders which prevent the blood from clotting – so requires regular blood transfusions. “No words can express the relief an owner feels being told there are vital blood products available,” Sizzle’s owner, Emma Gray, explained. “Without Sharwood and his lovely owner Sue, our dog Sizzle would simply not be here today.”
Other finalists include a police dog who was seriously injured in the line of duty but has gone on to provide unique support to officers on the front line and a rescue dog who has overcome the odds – having been left abandoned at just four weeks old – to become a life-changing therapy dog.
In October 2018, police dog Baloo was hit by a suspect’s car fleeing a crime scene, resulting in life-changing injuries and, devastatingly, amputation of one of her legs.
Baloo retired with Mandy Chapman, a former police dog handler, and as she recovered, Mandy took her to see the team at Essex police force who were impacted by the incident. These visits soon became a regular occurrence as it became clear how beneficial they were for the mental health of the officers and staff alike.
Baloo and Mandy were introduced to the College of Policing team who provide well-being and mental health support, which led to the introduction of the ‘Oscar Kilo’ wellbeing and trauma support dogs service – and there are now over 250 of these dogs nationwide.
“It’s phenomenal what Baloo has achieved in her life, after such a trauma and serious injuries,” said Mandy. “Her disability hasn’t stopped her – in the last six years she’s changed lives and spread smiles every day. I’m just so proud of her.”
At just four weeks old, Tilly and three other puppies were abandoned in a plastic washing basket in the middle of a roundabout. The pups were rescued by New Hope Animal Rescue, where they were hand-reared in a foster home until they were old enough to be adopted.
In less than a year, Tilly made a remarkable turnaround – at nine months old, she passed the temperament assessment in order to become a Pets as Therapy dog, and now regularly visits care homes, schools, colleges and prisons for therapy visits, along with her owner Emily Washington, from Strood, Kent.
Tilly has also helped Emily through a challenging recovery after spinal surgery and has been trained to alert her to oncoming migraines and when her anxiety is high, as well as to interrupt stress-related behaviours.
“Tilly has overcome everything life has thrown at her,” Emily says. “She absolutely shows that rescue dogs can go on to do amazing things. From a dumped puppy to a therapy and assistance dog, she deserves the recognition for what she has done for so many people.”
Bill Lambert, Crufts spokesperson, said: “This award is an opportunity to celebrate our unsung canine heroes – those dogs that quietly go about changing people’s lives in their own unique and special way, those who keep us safe in society and show extraordinary courage, and those best friends who are by our sides through it all.
“These five finalists go to show exactly why dogs are known as ‘man’s best friend’, and we urge the public to vote and show their support for these extraordinary dogs and their unwavering loyalty, companionship and bravery.”
* Vote for your Hero Dog 2025, until 4pm on Sunday March 9, by visiting crufts.org.uk/herodogaward
