West Sussex rescue dog leaves legacy to help other pets live on with tissue donation
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When Gina Palmer from Angmering saw an article about the lifesaving work of Veterinary Tissue Bank in a magazine, she immediately signed her elderly collie-cross, Mollie, up as a donor.
Gina was inspired by the thought that her beloved pup could go on to help others after her passing.
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Hide AdMollie was 16 and had enjoyed a wonderful life with Gina and her late husband, Len, after the pair rescued her at six-months-old.
However, her quality of life was sadly diminishing and Gina was aware that her pet may not be with her for much longer.
She said: “Mollie was struggling to get around – her back legs would collapse on occasions but then she would pick herself up, have a shake and carry on.
“However, when she lost her appetite and became incontinent, I knew her time to pass wasn’t long away.
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Hide Ad“I loved Mollie dearly, but when the time came for her to be put to sleep, I did get comfort from her going on to help another dog in need.”
“Mollie was a great character who spent all of her time with us – an integral member of the family and I miss her terribly but she didn’t have to suffer and I wanted something of her to carry on and the donor scheme allowed that to happen.
“I think the donor scheme is a marvellous idea. Our veterinary practice is hoping to encourage more clients to sign-up and I hope that many pets will benefit from the scheme.”
Any dog or cat can become a donor but certain medical criteria need to be met – your vet can advise you on eligibility.
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Hide AdTissue donation can only take place at the end of your pet’s life. A single donation can help as many as 60 pets.
Once tissues have been retrieved, Veterinary Tissue Bank arranges a cremation and, if you wish, you will then have the option of receiving your pet’s ashes.