‘So brave’: Birmingham puppy’s life saved by a Mastiff-cross rescue dog as he looks for a forever home

A hero dog came to the rescue to save a sick Birmingham puppy who needed a life-saving blood transfusion.

Mastiff-cross Taurus stepped up after 16-week-old puppy Percy was rushed to Birmingham Animal Hospital, West Midlands, on March 24, in need of an urgent blood donation from a fellow pooch. 

Rescue dog Taurus - who is still looking for a home - was a perfect match and went on to donate 175ml of blood to Percy - who is recovering at the hospital. 

Kelly Legg, kennel supervisor, 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.

"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 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."

Five-year-old Taurus is currently at RSPCA rescue centre Newbrook Farm in Frankley Green, being looked after by staff, while looking for a forever home. He was rescued by the RSPCA in November 2022 and arrived with cropped ears - an illegal practice in which part of or all of the ear is removed for cosmetic reasons. It can cause lifelong health, welfare and behavioural issues for dogs - but staff say Taurus is loving and affectionate. 

Kelly said: "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. Now we’re appealing to the public to consider offering Taurus his forever home. 

"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.

"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."

Jo explained to be viable to donate blood, dogs need to meet certain criteria. She said: "We have to ensure they are vaccinated, fit and healthy, weigh more than 25kg (55lbs) and are aged between one and eight years old, and have a good temperament so they don't find the experience stressful."