He nearly lost his life after no one would adopt him after donating blood to save another dog’s life.

A last-minute rescue prevented this sweet dog from being euthanized.

After losing his home, Stanford, a two-and-a-half-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback, has been at Smith County Animal Control & Shelter since December 15.

Although Stanford has lived a hard life, he has given back in a big way and even donated blood to save the life of another dog.

“He is a hero dog. He has donated blood to the animal emergency clinic to save another life of a dog,” Smith County Animal Shelter Supervisor Amber Greene told WFAA.

Despite saving a dog’s life, Stanford’s own life was threatened. As the shelter grew overcrowded, Stanford was the longest resident, so he was first to be euthanized to make room. Stanford had only been there for a few months, but he was the longest resident.

“They can either be adopted, transferred out, or euthanized,” Greene said. “That’s nothing we want to do. We’d rather get them into a home or to your rescue.”

It’s heartbreaking to think that this life-saving hero dog was nearly put down for space. Smith County Animal Shelter shared his story online and in the media, hoping someone would step forward to save him.

An update from the shelter stated that they received “an outpouring of calls, emails and messages” regarding Stanford… and that Stanford had been rescued!

Let Love Live, an animal rescue in Northeast Texas, has taken in Stanford. He doesn’t have a home yet, but he is no longer in danger of euthanasia.

Almost put down, this hero dog has been rescued by a rescue organization, and we are so happy for him.

It’s a reminder of the importance of adopting pets – overcrowded shelters can put the lives of animals in danger, even those as special as Stanford.