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TAIL wagging as he snuggles up to his best friend Molly, Flynn may look like any other golden retriever – but don’t be fooled.

This floppy-eared pet is a superhero, helping to save the lives of dogs across the country.

Two-year-old Flynn became a blood donor earlier this year after rescue dog Molly fell seriously ill and needed two transfusions.

The blood saved her life and owner Amy Barrass, 21, was so grateful, she signed the gentle giant up as a donor.

Flynn gave blood yesterday for the third time, oblivious that his 450ml donation will help save the lives of four other dogs.

Vets’ assistant Amy, from Stair, Ayrshire, said: “We are all so proud of Flynn. He was beside himself when Molly fell ill.

“The transfusions saved her so it seems fitting that her best friend is now helping to save other pets.”

Molly got sick in July 2014. Her health deteriorated rapidly and, fearing she had leukaemia, the local vet referred her to the Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh.

Within an hour of arriving, she was given an emergency blood transfusion and placed in intensive care.

The lurcher cross was diagnosed with the serious disorder immune mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA) and, for a while, it was touch and go.

Amy, who works at Mainshill Veterinary Surgery in Coylton, Ayrshire, said: “If we had got to the vet school an hour later, Molly would not be here today. Her recovery process was very slow and she was on 15 pills a day. At one point, she relapsed and needed another transfusion.

“Molly will never be free of IMHA and there is a chance she could relapse at any time. That’s what makes canine blood donation so important.”

Amy decided to sign Flynn up when she spotted a sign for the Pet Blood Bank UK at the animal hospital.

She said: “After Molly got sick, I signed Flynn up immediately.”

Dogs aged between one and nine can donate but chihuahuas and cocker spaniels need not apply as only canines weighing 55lb or more are big enough to make the grade. Dogs who are on steroids or have had a transfusion are not eligible either.

Amy said: “Flynn seems to love the experience. He lies on the vet’s table having his tummy rubbed while the blood is being extracted. It only takes five to 10 minutes.

“He’s even inspired me to become a blood donor. It’s so simple and look at the lives that can be saved.”

Jan Dixon, of Pet Blood Bank UK, said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Flynn to our Glasgow donation session. His story is testament to the life-saving importance of giving blood.”

Wendy Barnett, who founded Pet Blood Bank UK in 2007, is grateful to Flynn and the other 6500 dogs on her books as they are running short on supplies. She is appealing for more owners to register their dogs.

Last year, the dogs provided enough blood to treat 16,000 pets. To register your dog, visit petbloodbankuk.org