My name is Archie!

Archie is such a special little guy in so many ways that we aren’t sure that writing this bio will do him justice, but we sure are going to try! Archie was found as a skinny stray at six weeks old. At animal control it was quickly discovered that he had a vision impairment, and was clumsy and wobbly on his feet. The Animal Control veterinarian wasn’t quite sure what condition he had specifically, but knew something neurological was going on.

When our team met him, and saw how spirited, loving, and happy he was despite his challenges, she knew that WISH had to help him and get him into a foster home. We didn’t know what was going on with him exactly, but we were committed to finding out as much as we could with the help of our veterinary team.

Archie has seen our regular veterinarian, as well as an eye specialist. Despite some subtle facial deformities (that somehow just add to his cuteness), and his vision impairment, Archie is a fairly normal developing puppy. It is suspected that he may have cerebellar hypoplasia (which causes him to have a wobbly gait), that has improved as he has grown and gained more muscle (as is typical with cerebellar hypoplasia). If he does have cerebellar hypoplasia, he is pretty steady compared to other dogs and cats with the condition! He can run, jump, and play! In fact, he loves to play so much with other dogs that we are hopeful to find him a home with another playful dog to wrestle around with and play.

Although we learned that Archie is blind, you’ll swear that he can see! He is able to quickly map out his surroundings and navigates them well. And if he gets confused, he lets out these little whimpers and cries almost like he is calling mom for help. We happen to find it so darn adorable! Archie is also able to follow sound, which is helpful when he is playing in the yard or can’t see you, but knows you are there. For Archie’s safety we think a home with no stairs or minimal stairs, and a fenced yard would be best.

Archie is an incredibly friendly pup who really thinks everyone and everything wants to be his friend. Strangers? Yup! Kids? No doubt! Dogs? You betcha! He’s just a happy, go lucky guy. Which is pretty amazing considering the adversity he has experienced. He romps around with favorite toys, and likes to play chase like any other puppy. He loves a good nap, and is a world class snuggler.

He quickly forms attachments with things he uses regularly like his crate, dog bed, and preferred toys, and thrives on routine. This is a skill that can take some dog owners months to train a puppy. But not Archie! He is calm in his crate, and quietly sleeps through the night. He is happy to find his favorite dog bed and take a nap, and is even doing well with housebreaking. Archie comes to find us when he has to go potty, but like any other puppy his age, he will still need support in this area.

Archie’s breeds are a mystery to us, but given the area he came from, and his personality, we think it is likely that he is a pitbull or pitbull mix. Regardless of that we do know that he is 100% cute. Our vet thinks he will grow to be about 60 lbs. Archie is a really special boy looking for that special person or special family to share his life with. Every person that meets Archie falls in love with him. He’s got something about him where you just can’t resist his charms. Archie needs a home where he can safely explore and be afforded the opportunity to be his absolutely lovable self. Special needs dogs make outstanding companions and Archie is ready for the challenge.