Las Vegas 'Blood Donor Dogs' Save the Life of Beloved Police K9

Enzo, a Las Vegas Metropolitan K9 officer, was seriously injured after responding to a barricade near downtown Vegas. The incident happened in the 1200 block of South Las Vegas Boulevard near Charleston Boulevard, according to police. The K9 was assisting officers as they talked down a suspect in the area when he was stabbed multiple times.

K9 Enzo was airlifted to Las Vegas Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care where the almost three-year-old Belgian Malinois underwent surgery including blood transfusions from dog donors. Here's a video of the incredible way the LVMPD dispatchers sprang into action during this horrific incident. These operators are absolute heroes.

Fox5Vegas reports about how Enzo was able to receive the life saving transfusions. Heather Davis, Las Vegas Animal Blood Bank coordinator, was quoted as saying, "He had a lot of wounds. We didn’t know how extensive they were. There were a couple that were bleeding pretty profusely,” said Davis. “For the first, I think two days, he was doing great, no problems, and then there was one morning we were just re-checking his vitals, and we noticed that his red blood cell count was low. It was a huge drop.”

Thankfully, after a blood transfusion and some special attention, Enzo got to go home with his handler.

Here's how the blood bank worked to save officer Enzo.

Here's the beautiful announcement from earlier this month when Officer Enzo was able to go home.

Most people know that blood donations can save lives, but did you know that dogs can donate blood too? If you are interested in your own pup becoming a blood donor, read on.

How Your Dog Can Become a Blood Donor

The Canine Health Foundation explains, "there are essentially two types of blood donation programs, “Full Pint,” and “Half Pint.” While dogs of various sizes and breeds can meet donor requirements, their weight determines which donation program they will be placed into once they meet the basic behavioral and health criteria required of all donors. All prospective canine donors must be calm, friendly, and obedient; donors should also be receptive to strangers, cooperative without their owner(s) present, and comfortable being handled physically and examined."

Related: Dog Donates Blood to Police K9 After Pup Was Shot in the Line of Duty

In order to donate, your dog should be in good health and  must be current on their required vaccinations, like distemper, parvovirus, parainfluenza, hepatitis, and rabies. They also shouldn't be on any medications other than flea, tick, and heart worm preventative.

Donating blood usually between fifteen and thirty minutes. Dogs are gently placed on their side and soothed while the area on and around their jugular vein is cleaned and prepped. Once the area has been sterilized and, if necessary, clipped or shaved, blood is then drawn through a needle into a sterile collection set. After the blood has been collected, dogs are given belly rubs, and edible treats and/or IV fluids help hydrate and replace blood lost during the procedure; they also sometimes receive bandannas, ID tags, collars, or toys.

If you are interested in your own pup becoming a blood donor, contact veterinarian or the school of veterinary medicine in your state. You can also contact the North American Veterinary Blood Bank to see if your pet qualifies to be a future blood donor.

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