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Senior blood donor dog Bentley returns to shelter in need of a home

The 12-year-old dog is back at Lake County Animal Shelter after his owner’s health challenges left her unable to care for him

Bentley seeks a new home Bentley, 12, is available for adoption at Lake County Animal Shelter. The county says the parvovirus survivor became a blood donor to help puppies fighting the disease. (Courtesy of Lake County)

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Bentley once needed help surviving a life-threatening illness. Years later, he became a blood donor helping puppies fight the same disease.

Now, the 12-year-old dog is waiting for a new family at the Lake County Animal Shelter.

From survivor to lifesaver

Bentley first arrived at the shelter in 2017 while battling parvovirus, according to a county news release.

With help from a community partner, he survived and was adopted.

Years later, Bentley returned to the shelter after his owner experienced health challenges that prevented her from continuing to care for him.

This time, Bentley was able to help other dogs. The county said he became a blood donor, sharing antibodies gained from surviving the virus to help puppies fighting parvovirus.

A home for his golden years

Shelter staff are now looking for someone to give Bentley a home where he can spend his remaining years with comfort, companionship and care.

The shelter is promoting “Fall in Love with a Senior Pet” month in November.

Anyone interested in adopting Bentley can visit the shelter’s adoption page or call 352-343-9688.

The shelter is at 12280 County Road 448 in Tavares. Walk-ins are welcome, and adoptions are first come, first served.

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Brody Wooddell

Brody Wooddell, WFTV.com

Brody Wooddell is a digital journalist and media leader with more than a decade of experience in content strategy, audience growth, and digital storytelling across television and online news platforms.

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