by Joseph Riloquio
Joseph Riloquio is an Administrative and Humane Education Assistant with Valley Animal Center in Fresno, California. VAC shares their animal rescue adventures with us every month. Check out KRL’s interview with VAC to learn more about what they do.
Archie is a five-month-old mixed Pit-Bull puppy. He was originally found dumped on the property of a Good Samaritan before being brought to us at Valley Animal Center.
Archie was suffering from a bad case of demodectic mange when he arrived at the Valley Animal Center. Demodex is caused by tiny mites that are found on all dogs and even on humans. The mites are harmless to the dogs and people they live on as long as their immune systems aren’t compromised. Occasionally, a young dog like Archie or a senior dog will develop an infestation due to their weakened immune systems.
Archie on arrival day
Archie’s case of demodex caused him to lose most of the hair on his body. This is a common symptom of mange if it is not caught very early on. Archie’s body also became very swollen, and with no hair to protect him, he developed sunburn and inflammation all over his body.
We treated Archie at Valley Animal Center as soon as he arrived. He is receiving medicated baths with a special shampoo twice a week and is also taking medication to help strengthen his immune system.
Although he is still receiving treatment, Archie is expected to make a full recovery. Most dogs with demodex grow all their hair back, and there is a low-risk they will develop mange again. Once Archie finishes his treatment, he will be placed on our adoption floor where he will wait for his forever home.
Archie at present
Archie is shy around new people, but once he gets comfortable, he is very loving and playful. He likes other dogs and cats and is also great with children. He responds well to training and is working on his leash training and house manners. Archie would love a family with lots of energy to play with and will be fine alone or with other animals in the house.
Although Archie is not yet ready to be adopted, you can still help him and other animals in our shelter today. Caring for animals with special needs like Archie can be very costly; donations can be made to support Archie and all of our dogs and cats on our website.
If you would like to get more information about any of our adoptable animals, please call the Valley Animal Center at 559-233-8690 or stop by our facility. Our cat and dog adoption centers are open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Keep up with VAC’s animal rescue adventures here at KRL, and learn more about adopting from them, volunteering, and donating to VAC on their website If you advertise with KRL you can designate 10% of your ad fees to go to VAC.
Check out more animal rescue stories in our Pet Perspective section. Advertise in KRL and 10% of your advertising fees can go to a local animal rescue.
Oh Archie!! Poor guy had a rough start, but I’m so glad he’s getting the help and treatment he needs. You can already see the swelling has gone down. Hopefully his hair grows back smoothly and he find a great forever family. Our boy Ringo looked like Archie when he got to the shelter. We don’t know his story, but he was hairless and terrified. Now he’s furry and loving and cute as a button. I’m sure Archie will be too now that he has people caring for him!
Oh, Archie is SO CUTE! I am so sorry he went through so much so young. I never about dogs who lose their fur from mange also being at risk for sunburn! Sending lots of positive vibes that he recovers fully and finds the most perfect home!
Archie is so lucky to have found you. Hopefully, once he is healed, he will find a wonderful forever home.
Hey I want to say thank you for being a great dog lover, and also to send my regards to Great Archie (Guve him some treats today, can you)!!- Mishu
We hope that Archie will find a good home. Sometimes those who suffer are the best cats and dogs EVER because they know they really have found their ‘forever’ home.
Good luck Archie!
Aw! Sweet Archie looks so much better! My city shelter sees lots of dogs with demodex and it’s so sad to think of them suffering, but yes, thankfully, it is easy to treat! I hope Archie finds a new, forever home soon!
I’m glad that Archie is getting the care he needs now! I’m sure he’s going to be a great companion to someone once he is ready for adoption!
It is always heartbreaking to see stories like this. But with folks like you spreading the word, I have no doubt it will result in a happy new life for Archie. Prayers and hugs for that sweet boy!
Poor little guy! Lucky for him it’s a case of demadectic, Karma battled it as a young pup as well, and she has a lovely full coat now ? I sure hope he has a love filled life ahead of him, being as he had such a rough start!