Archer, an Alaskan malamute, was severely injured in a house fire in January. When firefighters arrived, they found the terrified dog engulfed in flames. Despite their attempts to rescue him, Archer fled the scene, leaving many concerned for his safety.
Thankfully, Archer was found near the seashore shortly after the fire and rushed to the veterinarian. Living in rural Haines, Alaska, Archer had limited access to emergency veterinary care. Dr. Michelle Oakley, the star of Nat Geo WILD’s “Dr. Oakley,” stepped in to provide the specialized care Archer needed.
However, because Dr. Oakley was on his way back from California at the time of the incident, Archer was forced to endure a seven-hour vehicle journey through terrible weather to the nearest vet in order to receive treatment for his severe injuries. After he was in a more stable state, Archer was able to return home and begin his lengthy rehabilitation journey with Dr. Oakley by his side.
“Initially, we focused on changing his bandages and setting up a makeshift burn unit in my office to ensure a sterile environment,” Dr. Oakley explained to PEOPLE.
It soon became apparent that Archer needed specialized care beyond what Dr. Oakley could provide. Consulting with a burn specialist at the University of California, Davis, she learned about an innovative technique involving tilapia fish skin. The specialist even visited Archer to demonstrate the procedure.
After being covered in fish skin, Archer looked like a scaly dragon, earning him the nickname “Archer the Dragonslayer.”
“Archer responded immediately to the fish skin treatment,” Dr. Oakley explained. “The poor dog was badly burned all over, but the facial burns were the most painful.”
The community rallied around Archer as well. While Dr. Oakley treated her for free, Haines residents came together to cover any additional medical expenditures for Archer, which included a couple operations, laser therapy, numerous bandage changes, and more.
Archer progressed from a terrified burn victim with horribly pink skin and no fur to a completely healed and happy dog with only a quarter-sized bald spot from the burns to his face with plenty of love and fish skin over time.
The community rallied around Archer as well. While Dr. Oakley treated her for free, Haines residents came together to cover any additional medical expenditures for Archer, which included a couple operations, laser therapy, numerous bandage changes, and more.
Archer progressed from a terrified burn victim with horribly pink skin and no fur to a completely healed and happy dog with only a quarter-sized bald spot from the burns to his face with plenty of love and fish skin over time.
