Two local rescue dogs have become unlikely heroes - as they have donated blood for use in veterinary surgery.

The two unwanted greyhounds at Gables Dogs & Cats Home have helped save the lives of two seriously ill dogs.

Gables were first contacted by Filham Park Veterinary Clinic, as they urgently needed a blood donor for a seriously ill dog that had been rushed in to them as an emergency.

Gables always have Greyhounds on site looking for new homes, as they take them in after retirement from racing, when they are normally disposed of. Greyhounds make excellent blood donors as they are very calm in nature, have large blood vessels and significantly more red blood cells than other breeds.

"A wonderful Greyhound, named Tesla, was taken to the vets to donate his blood to help the poorly dog. He stayed the night at the vets in case they needed more blood from him. Upon his return the next morning he was treated to a hero’s welcome and spoilt rotten by the staff," said a spokesperso for the charity.

"Thankfully the poorly dog has now made a full recovery and even better news Tesla was adopted by a wonderful new family shortly after.

More recently Gables were called upon again by their vets as another dog in their care was desperately ill and needed a blood donor. This time it was the turn of Bentley the Greyhound.

"Bentley was taken to the vets to donate his blood and was so relaxed about the whole thing he came straight back to Gables after eating some freshly cooked chicken given to him by the veterinary staff. The poorly dog made a full recovery and is now back home with his family.

"Sadly, though, Bentley has not yet been adopted and is still looking for a new family."

General Manager Claire Sparkes says “we are so proud of our Greyhounds, who had no idea what all the fuss was about! We are always available to any vet surgery 24 hours a day seven days a week to help with blood donation. Greyhounds are truly wonderful animals and there are many misconceptions about them needing loads of exercise and not being suitable pets, which is simply not the case. Hopefully people will now see them in a new light and consider adopting one”.

If you think a greyhound would make the perfect addition to your family, please visit Gables website www.gablesfarm.org.uk where you can find information about all the Greyhounds currently looking for homes as well as their other residents. You can also find out more about their new adoption process and complete an online application form.