Gary Moskowitz
LA CRESCENTA -- His name's not Lassie, but this dog is a lifesaver
anyway.
Casper, a 4-year-old pit bull from Tujunga, recently saved another
dog's life by donating blood for a transfusion made necessary by a
ruptured spleen.
Oscar Jee, an 11-year-old springer spaniel mix, was no stranger to the
Crescenta-Canada Pet Hospital, where the transfusion took place. Dr. J.D.
Speas said Oscar is diabetic and has been in the pet hospital for
cataracts, hip arthritis and infections.
By the time he came in with what Speas initially thought was a tumor,
Oscar's condition was considered very serious based on his weak condition
and pale gums.
Once he realized there was a cyst on the dog's spleen and that the
spleen had ruptured, Speas knew he was going to need blood to keep the
animal alive.
"Normally we would do cross-matching, but he was crashing, and we
didn't have time," Speas said. "I called Myriah, told her Oscar was dying
and asked what Casper was doing today."
Myriah Aubut, an employee of the pet hospital, has lived in Tujunga
off and on since she was 4. When she got the message about Oscar's
condition, she knew Speas was in a hurry, and she wasted no time.
Aubut said the transfusion was a success. By the next day, Oscar had
his four on the floor -- four paws, that is.
"I feel like my dog is a life giver," Aubut said. "Casper loves other
dogs, and I felt that if he could make this decision, he would have
chosen to do this."
CANINE CARE
The Crescenta-Canada Pet Hospital will host pet first-aid clinics in
the upcoming summer months and animal rescue projects throughout the
year. For more information, call 248-3963.
