PITS FOR LIFE: Pilot Blood Donation Program ::
Monday, March 17, 2008

King County Animal Care And Control, Acces Blood Bank and Animals First Foundation have teamed up for a pilot program to help local shelter Pit Bulls save the lives of other dogs and find homes at the same time. PITS FOR LIFE is a program for qualified Pit Bulls to donate blood so other canines may receive transfusions when needed. It may not seem urgent now but regardless of your dog's breed or the proper care you provide, accidents and emergency situations may just be around the corner. Situations that may require a blood transfusion are: Injuries resulting from being hit by a car, ruptured spleens, forms of anemia and abdominal masses (major surgery procedure requiring the removal of a tumor for example), just to name a few. If such a moment ever occurs in your life involving your beloved pet it would be good to know that a Pit Bull that once waited in a shelter and whose own life may have been in danger, provided the much needed element of life to save your pet.

Why Pit Bulls Specifically?

Pit Bulls have the universal blood type of Dog Erythrocyte Antigen (DEA) 1.1 negative which can be transfused into any other dog with any other blood type. Most Pits are large enough to give one pint of blood at each donation and are easy to draw from because of their short coats and thin, muscular layering which allows easy access to the vein. Contrary to popular belief, this breed is very people oriented and most have done very well giving blood. It also helps that plenty of treats and attention are provided while at the hospital. Because of their friendly demeanor the donation process is smooth and quick. Pit Bulls also tend to be healthy and are strong animals overall.

What Are The Requirements?

• There are very specific requirements for a Pit to qualify to donate:
• Donors must be 1 to 5 years old
• Donors must weigh at least 55 pounds
• Donors cannot be used for breeding
• Donors cannot have ever received a transfusion
• Donors cannot have a heart murmur
• Donors must have a good disposition, enjoy people, obey commands and be able to sit still for at least 10 minutes at a time
• Donors must be current on vaccinations
• Donors cannot be taking non-steroidal medications or anti-inflammatories such as Rimadyl, aspirin or Deramaxx
• Donors must be healthy and in good physical condition

How Can The Public Help?

We are seeking public assistance to help Pit Bulls in shelters find new homes while helping the community. Animals First Foundation urgently needs foster homes for Pit Bulls taken from King County Animal Care And Control while they go through the program. Donors will be screened for diseases and their blood tested in advance. Once cleared they will need to come in to Acces (Lake City Way in Seattle) every 4 to 6 weeks. Each appointment takes approximately 30 minutes. The Pits will relish the treats and affection lavished on them as they donate.

The goal of King County Animal Care And Control, Acces Blood Bank and Animals First Foundation is to save lives - from the Pit Bulls allowed to live only in certain areas to dogs who would perish without a transfusion. But it starts with having willing and dedicated fosters. AFF will accept the Pit Bulls under our rescue organization if qualified fosters are willing to commit to the project. Together we will coordinate with Acces on appointments. Under caring temporary homes, the dogs will remain socialized and in good health. They will be donating for a period of several months and hopefully even after they are adopted. Acces will handle all screening and costs related to the blood donating program and AFF will work on obtaining foster homes and help with finding permanent placement for each dog.

To apply to become a foster for Pits For Life please e-mail info@animalsfirstfoundation.org. Please take this opportunity to not only save a Pit Bull in the shelter but many dogs who will benefit from their donation.