A Halesowen vets is highlighting the case of a puppy whose life was saved by a blood transfusion in a bid to encourage dog owners to take their pets to a donor session.

Border Collie Molly was clinging to life after she was hit by the Parvo Virus at just eight weeks old.

The virus can cause vomiting and refusal of food and water and can lead to severe dehydration and ultimately death.

But thanks to the availability of donor blood at Vets4Pets in Halesowen Molly was given a transfusion and went on to make a full recovery.

The vets, in Stourbridge Road, is holding a Pet Blood Bank collection on Thursday December 18 from 2pm till 7pm and is appealing for kindhearted owners to take their dogs along.

Sarah Hanna of Vets4Pets said the transfusion saved Molly.

She said: "It really turned her around - because she had a virus we had to support the body, so because of the transfusion she didn't have to make red blood cells - it made a big difference."

Fun-loving Molly, who is now five months old, has made a full recovery and is back at home with owner Julie Minks of Halesowen.

Sarah said: "Molly's a typical puppy - she gets really excited to come back here - she bounds around - you'd think after everything she went through she would be more timid, but she's not at all, she loves it here!"

Donated blood will be collected and supplied by the charity Pet Blood Bank to vets across the UK to ensure blood is available if needed for life saving transfusions.

Dogs that can donate should have a good temperament, be aged one to eight, weigh more than 25 kilos, should not have travelled abroad or be on any treatment, should be up to date on all vaccinations and be fit and healthy.

Donor dogs will get a free vets exam and blood test.

To volunteer your dog to become a life saver by donating blood call Vets4Pets on 0121 5509909.