MEET Lincoln who has been hailed a "hero" after donating blood and saving the life of a fellow pooch who was in desperate need of a transfusion.

Lincoln, who belongs to nurse Abbie Wilson at Prospect House Veterinary in Colwyn Bay, was used as a donor when a female dog fell ill.

The little pooch - who the Pioneer have been asked not to name due to her still being in recovery - had a suspected sudden onset auto-immune disorder, where the bodies immune system start to destroy its own red blood cells.

The dog's red blood cells were critically low and her chances of survival looked bleak.

Compliant Lincoln fitted the bill and Abbie quickly rushed home and brought in her pet.

Diane Hildreth-Osborn, registered veterinary nurse who has worked at Prospect house for 26 years, said: "We had a dog who was very unwell. She needed blood and pretty soon - she needed the transfusion that day.

"To give blood, the dogs have to fit a certain criteria. They have to be a minimum of 25kg, between one and eight years old, no current medication, not travelled abroad and up to date vaccinations, fit and well and a good temperament.

"Lincoln was really good and just lay on his side. A sample was taken from his neck.

"He was perfectly well afterwards.

"He had a meal and rested in a kennel for the afternoon and had a quiet evening at home.

Diane termed Lincoln a hero. She said it was an emergency situation and the other dog was in a life-treating state.

She added: "In a couple of days, we should be able to give an update on the little dog and how she is doing.

"Lincoln gave a generous dose of blood.

"He was been rewarded with lots of pampering and extra food."

The Pet Blood Bank, a UK charity that provides a canine blood bank service for all veterinary practitioners in the UK, are sometimes called upon to blood productions.

In this case, as the blood was desperately needed within a few hours, it was more suitable to have an immediate donor.

Prospect House are keen to explore the possibility of having a list of people with dogs, that meet the necessary criteria, who would be willing to be contacted in the event of the vet's needing a dog in emergency/critical situation.

For an initial transfusion, it is not essential that the donor blood is the same group as the recipient.