A beloved canine companion from Kent has become the country’s 9000th dog blood donor.

Crosby, a seven-year-old springer spaniel who lives in Edenbridge with his owner, Susie Cook, gave blood on November 1.

Miss Cook took him to a donation session in Epsom, Surrey, organised by Pet Blood Bank UK, the first and only charity that collects blood for canine transfusions in the United Kingdom.

She said: “I saw something on Facebook about Pet Blood Bank and it made me stop and think. I had never given it a second thought that dogs might need blood just like humans.

“If Crosby was ever in the situation where he needed a transfusion, I would be devastated if there was no blood available, so I wanted to bring him along to donate and help other dogs who need it.”

“I’ve been telling everyone how proud I am of Crosby. I would urge any owners who have dogs that meet the criteria to bring them along if they can because it can make such a difference.”

Set up in 2007, Pet Blood Bank UK holds four to five donation sessions per week.

Last year, the charity collected 1,000 units of blood, each of which can save the lives of up to four dogs.