Alaska dog burned in devastating fire makes miraculous recovery

In a heartwarming tale of survival, Archer, a dog from Haines, Alaska, has made an extraordinary recovery after being severely burned in a recent devastating fire.

When flames engulfed his home, firefighters found Archer surrounded by smoke and fire. In panic, the frightened dog fled the scene, leaving many uncertain if he would survive. Fortunately, Archer was later found near the ocean and rushed to the nearest veterinary clinic.

Due to Haines’ remote location and limited emergency veterinary services, Archer’s treatment was challenging. Dr. Michelle Oakley, star of Nat Geo WILD’s Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet, was away in California when the fire struck, so Archer had to endure a seven-hour drive through severe weather to reach a specialized clinic.

Once stabilized, Archer returned to Haines to recover under Dr. Oakley’s care. She created a burn unit in her office to provide a sterile environment for his treatment. Archer’s burns were extensive, and Dr. Oakley consulted a burn specialist at the University of California, Davis, who recommended an innovative treatment using tilapia fish skin. This treatment promotes faster healing by applying the fish skin directly to burn wounds.

The therapy provided immediate relief, and Archer soon earned the nickname “Archer the Dragonslayer” due to the scaly appearance of the tilapia skin on his burns. The local community rallied to support Archer, helping cover medical costs including surgeries, laser therapy, and numerous bandage changes.

Over several months, Archer transformed from a scared, severely burned dog into a happy, healthy companion with just a small bald patch remaining. Dr. Oakley praised Archer’s resilience, noting his unwavering spirit and tail-wagging visits despite the pain.

Archer’s recovery not only saved his life but also advanced burn treatment knowledge for other animals affected by fires.