Blood simple
A unique donor program
09/08/2012 12:29 PM
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Miley Ikeda.
Meet Miley, retired champion speedster and—hopefully—future blood donor.
The five-year-old four-legged West Looper has a sweet disposition but don’t let the charm fool you. She could still give Usain Bolt a run for his money, if you’ll pardon the pun.
Miley may soon have a new role, if she passes the necessary test. Greyhounds make excellent blood donors because they have a universal blood type that any dog can receive. The large neck also makes donating blood easier.
Dog donors are important, because animals need blood for illness or surgery just like humans.
Mark Ikeda adopted Miley a year ago from the Carol Stream-based rescue organization Greyhounds Only. Being a blood donor will be good for other dogs, Ikeda said. It doesn’t hurt that Miley will get a free 12-month supply of heartworm pills, to say nothing of fulfilling her self-esteem.
Naturally, he also plans to give her a cookie after donating.