09/06/2026
Following on from my last post, something we learnt is that dogs can be blood donors.
One year ago, we lost Rico to a late diagnosis of lymphoma.
Anyone who has loved a dog knows they aren’t “just a pet” — they’re family. They become part of your daily routine, your comfort on bad days, and some of your happiest memories. Watching a dog battle cancer is heartbreaking, and losing them leaves a hole that never truly disappears. Rico filled all our hearts from day 1 and it’s something that nothing else could ever fill again.
Since losing him, it’s taken me so long to come to terms with the fact that he’s not here. In the weeks building up to his anniversary, I’ve wanted to do something that could help other families avoid the pain that way too many of us know too well. That’s why we’re asking people to consider registering their dogs as canine blood donors.
Dogs fighting cancer, including lymphoma, as well as those involved in accidents, undergoing major surgery, or suffering from serious illnesses, can sometimes need life-saving blood transfusions. The problem is that blood can’t be made in a laboratory — it can only come from healthy donor dogs (over 25kg).
When a family hears that their dog needs blood, they’re already facing one of the worst moments of their lives. A donor dog can give them something priceless: more time, more memories, more walks, more cuddles, and more chances to say “I love you.”
If your dog is eligible, please consider joining a canine blood donor register. It takes so little from us, but it could mean everything to someone else, there was a chance to save Rico, and there’s a chance that you could help a family save their rock, their pet, their family member.
We couldn’t save our Rico from lymphoma, but if sharing his story encourages even one person to register their dog as a donor, then Ricos memory will continue helping other dogs and the people who love them.
It’s been a bit emotional today, choked on a few tears writing this and seeing all the photos of him in my memories on my phone popping up, knowing he was sick was so difficult, there’s a mix of guilt and sadness surrounding Ricos passing. Unfortunately Isla isn’t eligible to a doner, but your dog might be and could save another dogs life
