Ruby’s Lifeline: Why Animal Blood Banks Matter

Ruby didn’t come to DoveLewis because of an accident or a dramatic emergency.

She came because something just wasn’t right.

The 11-year-old Boston Terrier had been slowing down. She wasn’t eating like herself. Then, one day, she collapsed. Her family rushed her to their veterinarian, where bloodwork revealed something alarming—Ruby was severely anemic. Her red blood cell count was dangerously low, and no one yet knew why.

She was referred to DoveLewis for answers.

When the Numbers Don’t Match the Dog

When Ruby arrived, she was quiet but alert. Still walking. Still wagging. Still herself in many ways. But her lab work told a very different story.

Her body wasn’t carrying enough oxygen to sustain her. Her anemia was severe enough that, without intervention, her condition could have worsened quickly. The cause wasn’t obvious—there was no major bleeding, no mass, no immediate explanation.

What was clear was that Ruby needed blood.

Blood You Can’t Wait For

When a patient needs blood, there’s no time to wait. Thanks to the DoveLewis Blood Bank, the transfusions Ruby needed were ready the moment she arrived. Donor dogs—healthy pets whose families volunteer them to help others—had made that possible long before Ruby ever walked through the door.

Ruby received a packed red blood cell transfusion, then another portion overnight. Slowly, her red blood cell count rose. Her gums became pink again. Her energy returned in small but meaningful ways—lifting her head, showing interest in food, leaning into familiar voices.

By the next day, Ruby was brighter and ready to go home. Her medical journey isn’t over—her family will continue follow-up care with their veterinarian—but she went home with the support she needed, right when she needed it most.

Why Animal Blood Banks Matter

Animal blood banks aren’t something most pet owners think about until their pet needs one.

Blood for pets is just like blood for humans: there’s always a need. That’s why we work to maintain a steady supply—not just to help local pets, but also to support veterinary clinics locally and across the country in times of need.

It’s easy to overlook, until a pet like Ruby needs that lifesaving support. And when they do, every donation matters.

Learn more about our Blood Bank, including how your dog can get involved, here.