Boxer found emaciated now up for adoption
Archie, a young adult male Boxer, is up for adoption for a short time at the Delta Animal Shelter (DAS) in Escanaba. (Courtesy photo of DAS)
A community member found this emaciated dog walking along M-35 near the Gladstone High School on April 12. He went on to recover at the Delta Animal Shelter. (Photo courtesy of the Delta Animal Shelter)
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)
A young adult male Boxer, who was later named Archie, arrived at the Delta Animal Shelter severely emaciated on April 12. He is now up for adoption for a short time. (Photo courtesy of the Delta Animal Shelter)
A rescued Boxer named Archie was brought home by Delta Animal Shelter's executive director, Tonya Gartland, during his first weekend in the shelter's care. He received continuous IV fluids to balance his kidney levels. (Photo courtesy of the Delta Animal Shelter)
Archie, a young adult male Boxer, is up for adoption for a short time at the Delta Animal Shelter (DAS) in Escanaba. (Courtesy photo of DAS)
A community member found this emaciated dog walking along M-35 near the Gladstone High School on April 12. He went on to recover at the Delta Animal Shelter. (Photo courtesy of the Delta Animal Shelter)
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)
A young adult male Boxer, who was later named Archie, arrived at the Delta Animal Shelter severely emaciated on April 12. He is now up for adoption for a short time. (Photo courtesy of the Delta Animal Shelter)
A rescued Boxer named Archie was brought home by Delta Animal Shelter's executive director, Tonya Gartland, during his first weekend in the shelter's care. He received continuous IV fluids to balance his kidney levels. (Photo courtesy of the Delta Animal Shelter)
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Content warning: This article includes photos and discussion of an emaciated animal.
ESCANABA -- After six months of recovery, a Boxer who was found severely emaciated in April and rescued by the Delta Animal Shelter (DAS) in Escanaba is officially up for adoption.
On April 12, a community member found a young adult male Boxer -- who would later be named Archie -- walking along M-35 near the Gladstone High School.
The Delta County Sheriff's Department and DAS were then notified. The shelter’s executive director, Tonya Gartland, arrived to admit Archie into the shelter's care shortly thereafter.
Shelter staff found a healthy, well-bred adult male Boxer’s weight should be between 60 to 70 pounds, but Archie weighed 23.4 pounds upon intake.
It did not appear to DAS staff that Archie had been wandering the area as a stray for an extended period in such condition, as he likely would have been seen and brought in sooner.
Archie’s condition was further evaluated using a Body Condition Score (BCS), which assesses fat reserves and muscle coverage, typically on a scale of one to five. A score of one indicates severe emaciation, and five indicates ideal or overweight condition.
DAS Operations Coordinator Vonnie Bruce said Archie’s BCS was the worst the shelter has encountered.
After undergoing testing and a full medical evaluation at Bay Veterinary Clinic in Gladstone, Archie was found to be severely anemic, and his kidneys had begun shutting down prior to medical intervention.
Archie spent his first weekend in the shelter's care at Gartland's home, where his kidney levels could be closely monitored.
He was also given several small meals each day to avoid refeeding syndrome -- a potentially deadly condition that can occur when food is reintroduced too quickly after severe malnutrition. Archie was continuously monitored during his steady recovery at DAS.
More information regarding Archie's alleged previous owner was eventually learned by staff, which was passed along to the sheriff's department for further investigation. Staff would also later determine Archie to be two and a half years old.
DAS raised more than $6,000 to support Archie’s care while he was lodged at the shelter, thanks to support from locals and those across the country following Archie's journey.
Archie is now ready to find his forever family. DAS staff said Archie is active and playful, and he would do great with a family who has experience with the Boxer breed.
Additionally, Archie will need to remain on prescription food to keep him feeling his best.
Those interested in adopting Archie can find his adoption application form on the DAS website under "Available Dogs." The shelter will be accepting applications for Archie until 1:45 p.m. today.
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Sophie Vogelmann can be reached at 906-786-2021 or svogelmann@dailypress.net.