ESCANABA – A young Boxer rescued in critical condition has become a symbol of recovery in Escanaba, drawing both local and national attention as he continues to heal at the Delta Animal Shelter.

Archie, a male Boxer estimated to be between one and three years old, was found emaciated along M-35 on April 12 by a community member who contacted the Delta County Sheriff’s Department. Deputies then notified the shelter’s executive director, Tonya Gartland.

Upon intake, Archie weighed just 23.4 pounds — far below the 60 to 70 pounds typically expected for a healthy adult Boxer. He was also found to be severely anemic, and his kidneys had begun shutting down prior to medical intervention.

Since arriving at the shelter, Archie has gained just over 20 pounds. As of Friday, he weighed 44.2 pounds, showing steady progress in his recovery.

Delta Animal Shelter employee Kristin Mallard sits with Archie at the U.P. Pet Festival. (Photo courtesy of the Delta Animal Shelter)

“He’s acting like a different dog,” said Shelter Operations Coordinator Vonnie Bruce. “He’s definitely got the Boxer energy – he’s very high energy, goofy and very social. He’s coming out of his shell now.”

While Archie has overcome many obstacles since his time at the shelter, he continues to face digestive issues.

“We’re doing a few different things with the vet to kind of figure that out,” Bruce said. “Right now, we’re doing a strict diet, so it’s kind of an elimination diet just to see if he is allergic to any specific proteins.”

Bruce said that instead of using different kinds of meat to provide protein for Archie, he is consuming beans and other hydrolyzed proteins in his food. Archie has also had other medical treatments for his digestive issues, including a fecal microbiota transplantation.

“We’re still hopeful, but if this doesn’t work, we’ll just keep on trucking along,” said Bruce. “He’s gaining the weight and keeping it on, so that’s the biggest thing, but it definitely would be nice to get him to being more on a path of regular stools.”

This photo from May 4 shows Archie, a rescued Boxer, during his recovery at the Delta Animal Shelter. (Photo courtesy of the Delta Animal Shelter)

Though he is still healing, Archie has become a familiar and uplifting presence around the community. Bruce said Archie loves everyone, including children.

Archie’s recovery has drawn widespread attention, and he has made recent appearances at the shelter’s Furraiser event at Island Resort & Casino and at the U.P. Pet Festival in Escanaba.

“We actually had people drive specifically to see him, so he’s definitely become a local celebrity,” Bruce said.

As for the investigation into Archie’s past, Bruce said authorities are still reviewing Archie’s case.

“We did hear from the officer back in mid-May, and he had spoken with the supposed owner. The officer did say that he was going to be requesting charges for animal neglect,” Bruce said. “We’ve learned to just be patient and hope for the best. It definitely can be a slower process, but we really appreciate the officers that are taking their time to really look into these things and advocate for the animals.”

Since his intake at the Delta Animal Shelter, Archie has gained just over 20 pounds. This photo shows Archie at the recent U.P. Pet Festival. (Photo courtesy of the Delta Animal Shelter)

Followers of Archie’s story have been eagerly awaiting the moment Archie becomes available for adoption. Bruce said the shelter is still working on his medical recovery.

“We want to get him closer to around 50 pounds, and then once he’s neutered and more medically sound, then we can get him put up for adoption,” Bruce added. “We don’t really have an exact timeline right now, but we know there’s going to definitely be a lot of people waiting for that day.”

Bruce also said an individual from California reaches out weekly to check on Archie’s recovery, underscoring how his story has drawn support well beyond the local community.

“I think once he goes up for adoption, he’ll be out of here pretty quick,” she said,

To follow Archie’s journey, visit the shelter’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/Deltaanimalshelter.nokill. Donations for Archie’s continued recovery can be sent through the shelter’s initial Facebook post about Archie, https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HBZnR9fnT/.

Donations can also be made through the shelter’s website, https://deltaanimal.org/, by calling (906) 789-0230 or by visiting in person at 6975 County 426 M.5 Rd in Escanaba. The Delta Animal Shelter is open Monday through Friday from 12 to 4 p.m.

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Sophie Vogelmann can be reached at 906-786-2021 or svogelmann@dailypress.net.