Therapy dog recuperating after surgery
By Michelle Knight knight@theacorn.com

MICHELLE KNIGHT/Acorn Newspapers LAID UP- Archie, a 2-year-old Newfoundland who works as a therapy dog at Casa Pacifica in Camarillo, is recovering from surgery to repair a ruptured ligament in his back leg.

The sight of Archie these days brings some Casa Pacifica employees to tears.

The therapy dog for the abused and severely neglected children of the Camarillo residential treatment facility has to wear a cast for two weeks. The pooch had surgery on his back leg earlier this month.

Ventura veterinarian Dr. Ian Holsworth inserted a metal plate and eight screws in Archie's knee to repair a ruptured ligament. Holsworth said although it's unclear whether Archie's condition is hereditary, it is known that trauma and wear and tear can aggravate it.

Archie is likely to need the same surgery on his left knee in the future, Holsworth said.

And although the Newfoundland will have to have constant assistance and care over the next six weeks, he's well enough to return to work while he recuperates, the vet said.

Monday was the 2-year-old's first day back on the job.

"The doctor said it would be the best medicine to come back to work with the kids," said Vicki Murphy, Casa Pacifica's director of operations. "He's happier here."

Archie belongs to the children of Casa Pacifica, but he lives with Murphy and comes to work with her each day.

Murphy said some employees tear up as they watch the gentle giant struggle to walk.

"It's so sad because we love him so much," Murphy said.

It takes a couple of people to sling a hoist under Archie's hind quarters when he needs to stand and to help guide him when he walks so that he doesn't fall.

Smaller dogs can be fitted with a two-wheeled cart that elevates their rear quarters, but there's no such contraption large enough for the 165-pound Archie.

And the vet said it would be more traumatic for Archie if he fell, loosened the plate and screws in his knee and needed surgery once again.

Murphy said with each passing day Archie seems to improve. Visits from the children, who constantly come by Murphy's office, are helping his recovery, she said.

But the nonprofit could use help paying the $5,500 veterinarian bill. For information on how to make a donation, call Vicki Murphy at (805) 445-7804.