A rescue dog who has spent 16 months waiting for a forever home showed his bravery when he donated blood to save the life of a sick puppy.
Five-year-old Taurus was rescued by the RSPCA with a large number of dogs in November 2022 and spent some time in police kennels before being transferred to Birmingham Animal Centre, at Newbrook Farm, in September 2023. The team have since been preparing him for life in a new forever home.
Brave Taurus has shown his loving, gentle and affectionate side since being with the team at Newbrook Farm, so when a tiny 16-week-old puppy was rushed into Birmingham Animal Hospital – also based at Newbrook Farm – on Sunday (24 March) needing a blood transfusion, his carers knew he’d be comfortable helping.
Vet Jo* said: “Poor Percy was incredibly poorly and desperately needed a blood transfusion to help build his strength and the kennels team suggested lovely Taurus would be happy to help.
“When we’re choosing a dog to donate blood we have to ensure they are vaccinated, fit and healthy, weigh more than 25kg (55lb) and are aged between one and eight-years-old, and have a good temperament so they don’t find the experience stressful.
“Taurus was an absolute hero and, while it’s still touch and go for Percy, he did his part to help our hospital team give him the best chance possible.”
Taurus donated 175mls of blood.
Kelly Legg, Kennel Supervisor at RSPCA Birmingham, added: “We’re all so incredibly proud of Taurus for helping Percy. This shows how two rescue souls – one small and in danger, and one big hero who ran to help a stranger – came together, thanks to the RSPCA.
“Taurus is such a loving and sweet boy and he’s very relaxed in the hospital environment so we knew he’d be comfortable giving blood.
“This soft side of Taurus is why all of us have fallen in love with him, but, sadly, we believe many people aren’t seeing this side of him and are being put off due to his intimidating appearance caused by his cropped ears.”
Mastiff-cross Taurus sadly arrived into RSPCA care with cropped ears. Ear cropping is an illegal practice in which part or all of the ear is removed for cosmetic reasons; but this can sadly cause lifelong health, welfare and behavioural difficulties for dogs.
“Now we’re appealing to the public to consider offering Taurus his forever home,” Kelly added. “Even heroes need rescuing sometimes, and this hero is still waiting for his happy ever after.
“Taurus is our resident clown and has such a lust for life; he’s at his happiest when he’s charging around our paddock, playing with his toys.
“Once he’s been introduced to someone new he’s very sociable and really enjoys spending time with the people he knows so he struggles being left home alone for long periods of time and would benefit from training to help him learn how to be comfortable on his own.
“He’s been waiting so long to find a new home and we hope that one day soon someone will see the light that shines so brightly in his heart and become his new family.”
Anyone who is interested in giving Taurus a home will need to visit him at the centre a few times so they can get to know him before taking him home.
He is looking for a home with people who are experienced with big breeds and with older children. He could live with another dog providing they had a positive introduction.
Percy is still being treated at the hospital.
