In January, Archer, a dog from Alaska, faced a terrible ordeal when his home caught fire. As firefighters arrived, they found Archer engulfed in flames and attempted to rescue him.
However, in his panic, Archer dashed away, heightening concerns for both his safety and the firefighters’ efforts.
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Fortunately, Archer was located shortly after the incident near the coast and taken to get medical help. Living in Haines, Alaska, a remote area, finding emergency veterinary care was challenging.
Typically, Dr. Michelle Oakley—known from the Nat Geo WILD show “Dr. Oakley”—would handle such cases with her expertise in treating various animals.
At the time of the fire, Dr. Oakley was returning from California, so Archer had to endure a lengthy and difficult seven-hour drive through severe weather to reach the nearest vet for immediate care.
Once stable, Archer returned home to start a lengthy recovery process under Dr. Oakley’s care.
Dr. Oakley shared with PEOPLE the detailed treatment method she devised for Archer. She mentioned creating a sterile environment for bandage changes and burn care in her office.
To gain more insights, she consulted a burn specialist at the University of California, Davis. The specialist suggested using tilapia fish skins to promote healing, a pioneering treatment she learned to perform for Archer.
Covered in fish skin, Archer soon resembled a mythical creature, earning the nickname “Archer the Dragonslayer.” Remarkably, the fish skin treatment provided quick relief, especially to his face, which suffered the most severe burns.
The community rallied around Archer, with Dr. Oakley offering her services free of charge.
The residents of Haines organized financial support for Archer’s medical expenses, which included multiple surgeries, laser treatments, and frequent bandage changes.
Over time, Archer transformed from a frightened, severely burned dog into a happy and healed pet, with only a small bald patch as a reminder of his ordeal.
Although Dr. Oakley was instrumental in his recovery, she credits Archer’s gentle and strong spirit as a key factor. Despite his painful journey, Archer consistently greeted every vet visit with a wagging tail.
Archer’s ordeal has led to broader benefits, as Dr. Oakley can now apply what she learned from his case to help other animals injured in fires.
Reflecting on this challenging yet rewarding experience, Dr. Oakley views Archer’s recovery as a significant highlight of her career. “Because of this one patient, I’ll be able to save many more animals,” she noted.
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