On Saturday, May 13, BTRC alum Archer passed away. Archer’s original story was a very sad one, and although he had special needs due to his health, there was no way to anticipate that his happily-ever-after would last less than a year. But we are grateful that although his time was far too short, each and every single minute was filled with so much love. ❤️️

From his mom:

“After a series of unfortunate events in my life, I decided I was ready for another dog in my life. My best friend and I were on the phone looking up dogs for adoption and that’s when it happened. She sent me a picture of Archer. One look and it was decided, I had to put an application in and try to adopt him. From what I understand, there were a lot of applications for Archer, and I won the lottery! He was going to be all mine. 

It didn’t matter to me that he was special needs, all that mattered was that I needed to give him all of the love that he deserved. It took Archer a little bit to come out of his shell, but once he did, the fun never stopped. He loved being outside, going for his short walks and wiggling his bum at all the people. Archer’s favourite thing to do was go for car rides. He was always on the lookout for “10-85’s” in progress (dog on the sidewalk). It was clear his job was to keep the public safe from those sidewalk intruders. He loved snuggling up to his sister every morning, trying to help me get her out of bed for school. 

Unfortunately, Archer’s health took a downward turn not long after I got him. We had many trips to the vet over his short 10 months with me. Lots of prescriptions, X-rays, ultrasounds, belly taps, etc. He was still such a loving boy that just wanted to cuddle and love on his people. It amazes me that he still had so much trust and loyalty to people, knowing where he came from.

The last week with Archer was tough, it was clear he was struggling to breathe and very uncomfortable. After speaking with his vet, I made the heartbreaking decision that it was time for Archer to rest and for me to let go. He passed away peacefully Saturday afternoon with the two ladies that loved him most. Myself (his momma) and his foster mom. Adopting a specials needs dog comes with so many rewards but you also run the risk of losing them too quickly. I had 10 amazing months with my handsome boy and he will never be forgotten.

Rest easy my sweet Archer boy. I needed you far more than you needed me.

We are happy to report that Cupid’s arrow hit the mark and Archer is adopted!

We are so pleased that a dog once found abandoned is now the star in his new, loving forever home. Congratulations Archer and family!

 

 

ADOPTABLE ARCHER!

A lot has happened since Archer was found in a park, semi-conscious and suffering from mild hypothermia, back in February.

According to his foster mom, “Archer is just as his name would imply, an arrow of love to the heart. He loves love, hugs, extra-long cuddles – and cheese.”

Here are the basics about this handsome boy. He weighs 28.5 lbs. He’s 3-7 years of age. Maybe. It’s difficult to accurately determine the age of an adult dog, especially one who comes with no history. Two of the vets who initially examined him estimated him at 3-4 years of age; the specialist feels perhaps 6-7 is more appropriate. He is house-trained but has been known to mark – this is addressed with a belly band and is improving since his neuter. He does not like to be crated but is non-destructive when left loose in the home. Dog-cam evidence shows he just chills on the couch until your return!

This laid-back (and somewhat lazy) gentleman is into people of all shapes and sizes! He will wiggle and waggle his bum and bring you his beloved stuffy for petting. If you’re on the couch he will be beside you. And bedtime is no problem because YOUR bed is another favourite spot of his. He would happily stay in bed with you all day 😴 [Please note, you will have to share the covers as he likes to be snuggled under there with you.]

Given his condition when found, and because Archer does have an audible heart murmur, to make sure it was safe to go ahead with his neuter (done) and dental (scheduled June 24), Archer saw a heart specialist. The cardiologist diagnosed degenerative valvular disease (DVD), ACVIM stage B2.

So, what exactly does this mean?

Stage B2 means that heart disease is evident on x-rays and echocardiogram, but at this point there are few symptoms. Archer is a bit slow to take the stairs, but otherwise appears healthy and happy. As advised by the cardiologist, to delay the onset of more serious heart disease, Archer has been prescribed Vetmedin (pimobendan), a drug which has vastly improved the prognosis for dogs with Archer’s condition. He will continue this medication life-long, and the cost for his current dosage is approximately $2 a day.

If you want a companion for running, Archer is not your guy, but he loves car rides and short walks. Perhaps because he’d much prefer to have you all to himself, Archer is not interested in having any other 4-legged housemates. While Archer has become fast friends with the small, passive female Boston/pug in his foster home, the same can’t be said for all dogs he has met. Particularly larger males. Archer is very dog selective and can be reactive to other canines. Cats are also unknown, but for everyone’s well-being, probably not a good idea. So all things considered, a pet-free home will be the best match for him.

Archer is a hugger. He will reach up and when you bend down to greet him, he will snuggle your neck and purr like a kitty. He has the most expressive eyes, and will look at you like there is no one more important than you.

We ALL need someone who looks at us like Archer looks at someone he loves. And Archer needs someone to love and accept him, as he is, just as much right back. If you’re that someone, you’ll be a lucky person indeed and we look forward to receiving your application HERE.

ARCHER • NEUTERED ADULT MALE • 28.5 LBS • SPECIAL NEEDS • PET-FREE HOME RECOMMENDED • NO KIDS UNDER 6* • FOSTERED IN DURHAM REGION, ON

*Archer has shown no inappropriate behaviour with any person of any age while in rescue’s care, however, if we do not have a history of a dog living successfully with children, we will not place a dog with children under 6 years of age in the home.

Note: From the time applications are opened, through the selection and screening process, adoptions can take approximately three weeks to finalize. We thank everyone who takes the time to apply, but only those who best fit each dog’s requirements in a forever home will be contacted.

 

 

 

 

---

WELCOME ARCHER