TYLER, Texas — A dog who gave his blood to help a fellow four-legged pal but was on the brink of getting euthanized at the Smith County Animal Shelter is now safe at a Northeast Texas no-kill rescue.
"We had some open kennels from our last transport this last weekend," said Evan Panhasi, vice president of Let Love Live. "We were looking at three other dogs because we had to space for four. Stanford was one of the ones who was most urgent and so we decided to take him."
Stanford, a 2.5-year-old friendly Rhodesian Ridgeback dog, had been at the Smith County shelter for four months. He is lovingly called a hero dog in honor of the kindness he showed to another canine.
"He has donated blood to the animal emergency clinic to save another life of a dog," Smith County Animal Shelter Supervisor Amber Greene said.
Due to the length of his stay at the shelter, Stanford was scheduled to be put down.
Following an outpouring calls, emails, and messages, the shelter said on Facebook a rescue in Titus County, Let Love Live, has saved the sweet boy.
"We started introducing him to a lot of the dogs here at the rescue," Penhasi said. "He's just kind of a fun goofy guy, and I'm sure we'll have no problem finding him a home."
Penhasi said they had no knowledge that Stanford was featured on CBS19 News. They solely rescued him because he was next on the euthanize list.
In addition to giving thanks to those who reached out about Stanford, the Smith County shelter said there are several other dogs in need of their furever homes.
"However, I do want to mention that we do have other hero dogs in here that are just like Stanford and looking for their forever home," the Facebook post read. "You may come by our shelter at 322 E. Ferguson in Tyler and take a look at all our dogs."
Because of Stanford's blood donation, he is neutered and fully vaccinated. His vaccinations are free every year until he's 8 years old.
To adopt other dogs like him, you can visit the Smith County Animal Control Shelter Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.