‘Literal lifesaver’: Abandoned dog hailed a hero for giving blood to anemic pup

An abandoned pup at a shelter in Texas is being hailed a hero after he stepped in as a canine blood donor for a sick pup, who needed help fast.

Bronson, a one-and-a-half-year-old part terrier and part pit bull awaiting adoption at Austin Pets Alive!, a non-profit rescue shelter, saved the day – and a puppy – by becoming a canine blood donor.

Nemo, a tiny month-old puppy, had just arrived at the shelter along with his mother and siblings from the Austin Animal Center. He was suffering from anemia, which meant that there were not enough red blood cells to supply oxygen to his body.

“The smallest of the litter, Nemo, was dangerously anemic and needed help fast,” APA said in a news release.

Watch: Bronson donates blood for Nemo’s transfusion

Video footage shared by the shelter shows Bronson patiently cooperating with the shelter staff as they draw blood from him. Later, a tiny Nemo can be seen receiving the life-saving transfusion.

“Thanks to Bronson and the expert care of the APA! clinic team, Nemo stabilized and is now in foster care, healing alongside his siblings and getting stronger every day,” the shelter added.

The pup is doing well; however, Nemo remains the smallest of his litter and has a cloudy eye, which may indicate a vision impairment, according to the group’s spokesperson.

Bronson was found abandoned at a parking lot, is up for adoption

Bronson, who is now up for adoption, was found abandoned and tied to a pole in APA!’s parking lot last month, the shelter said. He was taken into the shelter’s care after no microchip was detected, and no one came forward to claim him.

The shelter described Bronson as a “goofy, high-energy adult pup with the heart of a puppy, a love for zoomies, a talent for stealing the spotlight with his giant expressive ears, and a joyful spirit that guarantees endless fun and affection.”

“In his few days at the shelter, he has already won over the hearts of our staff with his playful charm and loving spirit,” the nonprofit rescue said.

Bronson loves being around people and other dogs, the shelter said, adding he’s ready to “find a loving home.”

“From being left behind to becoming a literal lifesaver, Bronson’s journey is a powerful reminder of how every animal has worth, and every one of them deserves a chance,” the rescue said.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.

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