Dog to be honored for donating blood 20 times

? He’s donated blood 20 times and is being honored by the Livingston County chapter of the American Red Cross.

Not bad for a 200-pound, 2-year-old English mastiff who answers to the name Lurch. He’ll receive the chapter’s “Pet’s Best Friend” award at an event here Thursday.

“We’re doing something different this year,” executive director Diane Serra said. “We’re honoring Lurch because he’s actually donated blood.”

Lurch’s owner, Joni Melvin-Thiede, said Lurch donates blood for other canines about once every four weeks. His blood has helped dozens, including saving one dog who got into some rat poison.

“You really don’t end up knowing which dogs he helps, but his little picture goes on each bag so the person that gets it will actually know it.”