Canines poised to out-donor owners.

Byline: Jack Moran The Register-Guard

PEOPLE, DOG BLOOD DRIVE When: July 15 Where: Oregon Veterinary Referral Associates clinic, 444 B St., Springfield For dogs: The donor schedule is full, but dogs can get tested to be future donors For people: Openings still available; call Lane Memorial Blood Bank at 484-9111; must be 16 or older and weigh at least 110 pounds

Lane Memorial Blood Bank officials say that while many dog owners appear eager to volunteer their best friend's blood for donation, they aren't so quick to give away a pint of their own.

Hoping to change that, the blood bank is promoting an event at which canines and their humans can earn tasty treats in exchange for their obedience during a blood draw.

A combined blood drive for both species is set for July 15 at the Oregon Veterinary Referral Associates clinic in Springfield. The facility is at 444 B St.

The donor appointment sheet for dogs already is full, so pets that show up to give blood will instead be tested to determine if they are good candidates for future donations.

But unfortunately, the list of human donors is very short.

"We're getting a lot more dogs than people so far," Lane Memorial spokeswoman Kristi Henderson said. "Most of the people who signed up their dogs didn't sign up themselves."

That's a bit frustrating, especially since human blood supplies of all types run low in the summer.

"It's always difficult to get people to donate blood, but during the summer months, it's even harder," Henderson said.

The annual dilemma forces Lane Memorial to be creative with summertime blood drives, which has led to events such as the one set for later this month at the veterinary clinic. Any human interested in donating can make an appointment by calling Lane Memorial at 484-9111.

As long as you're 16 or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good health, Lane Memorial officials will be glad to accept a pint of your blood. You'll be on your way within an hour, after taking a short rest and eating a snack.

Lane Memorial supplies all hospitals in Lane County with blood needed for transfusions that help people survive life-threatening situations.

Blood for sick and injured dogs locally is provided by the OVRA's blood bank, where monthly canine-blood drives are held. Technicians at Lane Memorial process blood donated at the Springfield clinic for use by local veterinarians.