West Sussex rescue dog leaves legacy to help other pets live on with tissue donation

When Gina Palmer from Angmering saw an article about the lifesaving work of Veterinary Tissue Bank in a magazine, she immediately signed her elderly collie-cross, Mollie, up as a donor.

Gina was inspired by the thought that her beloved pup could go on to help others after her passing.

Mollie was 16 and had enjoyed a wonderful life with Gina and her late husband, Len, after the pair rescued her at six-months-old.

However, her quality of life was sadly diminishing and Gina was aware that her pet may not be with her for much longer.

She said: “Mollie was struggling to get around – her back legs would collapse on occasions but then she would pick herself up, have a shake and carry on.

“However, when she lost her appetite and became incontinent, I knew her time to pass wasn’t long away.

“I loved Mollie dearly, but when the time came for her to be put to sleep, I did get comfort from her going on to help another dog in need.”

“Mollie was a great character who spent all of her time with us – an integral member of the family and I miss her terribly but she didn’t have to suffer and I wanted something of her to carry on and the donor scheme allowed that to happen.

“I think the donor scheme is a marvellous idea. Our veterinary practice is hoping to encourage more clients to sign-up and I hope that many pets will benefit from the scheme.”

Any dog or cat can become a donor but certain medical criteria need to be met – your vet can advise you on eligibility.

Tissue donation can only take place at the end of your pet’s life. A single donation can help as many as 60 pets.

Once tissues have been retrieved, Veterinary Tissue Bank arranges a cremation and, if you wish, you will then have the option of receiving your pet’s ashes.