In January, an Alaskan dog named Archer faced a terrifying ordeal when his home was engulfed in flames. The fire had consumed the house by the time firefighters arrived, and Archer was seen running frantically, covered in burns.
Understandably scared, he sprinted away, raising fears about his well-being.
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Fortunately, Archer was found not long after near the waterfront and was immediately taken to a veterinarian. Living in the rural area of Haines, Alaska meant that emergency veterinary services were not readily available.
However, Dr. Michelle Oakley, known for her expertise in animal care on Nat Geo WILD’s “Dr. Oakley,” would eventually aid his recovery.
At the time of the fire, Dr. Oakley was making her way back from California, leaving Archer to endure a seven-hour drive through harsh weather to the nearest vet to get his severe injuries attended to.
Once stabilized, Archer could return home, beginning his extensive rehabilitation journey alongside Dr. Oakley.
Dr. Oakley set up a specialized burn unit in her town office, ensuring a clean environment to treat Archer’s wounds. She explained to PEOPLE that this setup allowed for regular bandage changes in a sterile setting essential for healing.
Recognizing Archer needed more advanced care, Dr. Oakley consulted a burn specialist from The University of California, Davis, who introduced an innovative treatment using tilapia fish skins to help heal the burns.
This expert even visited to demonstrate the technique, resulting in Archer being covered in fish skins and gaining the playful nickname “Archer the Dragonslayer” due to his scaly appearance.
Dr. Oakley noted the fish skins provided Archer with immediate relief. He had burns over much of his body, with his face suffering the most. Yet, the ordeal didn’t just involve medical treatments.
The Haines community rallied around Archer, providing financial support for his additional medical needs such as surgeries, laser therapies, and constant bandage changes.
Over time, with the community’s love and the innovative treatment, Archer transformed from a frightened, severely burned dog into a joyful and nearly fully recovered companion, retaining only a small bald spot as a reminder of his ordeal.
Dr. Oakley humbly attributes Archer’s recovery primarily to his resilient spirit, noting his consistent tail wagging despite the pain during his multiple vet visits.
Additionally, Archer’s experience has unexpectedly broadened Dr. Oakley’s understanding of treating burn injuries, now allowing her to aid other animals in similar situations effectively.
Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Oakley considers Archer’s recovery journey a high point in her career.
“This one patient will help me assist so many animals,” she remarked, acknowledging the broader impact of Archer’s story on her work and the animals she treats.
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