Canine blood donor from Bronkhorstspruit saves others
Max, a cross breed between a Great Dane and a boerboel, has saved six four-footed "brothers" thus far.
Max, a 65kg pooch with a slobbering smile and soulful brown eyes, is a hero to other dogs and their owners.
He recently saved the life of a fellow four-legged brother. This boerboel had tick fever and was the sixth life Max saved with his precious blood.
Max, a cross between a Great Dane and a boerboel, is a blood donor.
“He has saved more lives than any other dog we know,” said Veronica van Greunen, the manager and inspector at Wetnose Animal Shelter in Bronkhorstspruit.
Max was about 16 months old when he arrived at the shelter in August 2021 because his previous owners could no longer care for him. They hoped the dog they had named Rex would get a new home.
“He was very intimidating because of his size and a bit grumpy,” said Van Greunen.
She was the only person not scared of Max. Van Greunen and her husband, Morné, adopted the big, scary dog that same day and renamed him Max.
They gave him the love and attention he needed, and Max is now part of the Van Greunen family. He tags along to the shelter and plays while Van Greunen works.
Those working at the animal shelter agreed that Max had become a massive teddy bear who loved cuddles.
Van Greunen said only certain dogs could donate blood, with the main criteria being that the animal must weigh more than 30kg.
“When a dog donates blood, he is sedated to calm him down. A needle is inserted into their neck, and the blood is pumped into a bag and weighed to ensure the correct volume was donated,” explained Van Greunen.
After a dog donates blood, they receive an injection full of vitamins.
“In Max’s case, he also gets a special treat from everyone working at the Wetnose,” said Van Greunen.
