• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Our website uses cookies. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our use of cookies. To see what cookies we serve and set your own preferences, please review our Cookie Policy. Learn More.

The Dog People by Rover.com

Powered by Rover.com

Tips, stories, and reviews for people who love dogs, powered by Rover.com, the world's largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers.

  • The Dog People by Rover.com
  • Dog Breeds
    • Golden Retriever
    • Australian Shepherd
    • German Shepherd
    • Pomeranian
    • Shih Tzu
    • Border Collie
    • Labrador Retriever
    • Boxer
    • Beagle
    • Dachshund
    • Chihuahua
    • Poodle
    • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Dog Love
    • Cute
    • Funny
    • Heartwarming
    • Quizzes
    • Trending
    • True Stories
  • Dog Names
    • Best Girl Dog Names
    • Top Boy Dog Names
    • Unique Dog Names
    • Cute Dog Names
    • Best Puppy Names
    • Dog Name Generator
    • Tough Dog Names
    • Food Dog Names
    • Romantic Dog Names
    • Literary Dog Names
    • Country Dog Names
  • Dog Videos
  • Life with Dogs
    • Dog Safety
    • Dog Behavior
    • Dog Psychology
    • Dog Nutrition
    • Dog Training
    • Health and Wellness
    • Recipes
    • Can My Dog Eat…?
  • PuppyHQ
    • Dog Adoption
    • Puppy Essentials
    • Puppy Names
    • Puppy Training
  • Shopping
    • Shop Rover Goods
    • All Dog Product Guides
    • Dog Gift Guides
    • Safety and Training
    • Toys and Chews
  • Cats!
    • Cat Breeds
    • Cat Names
    • Cat Psychology
  • Dog Training
  • Get Rover
    • Dog Boarding
    • Pet Sitting
    • Dog Walking
    • Doggy Day Care
    • House Sitting
    • Search Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers
    • Shop Rover Goods
    • Sitter Resources
  • Languages
    • en-CA
    • en-GB
    • fr-FR
    • es-ES
    • de-DE
    • it-IT
    • nl-NL
    • nb-NO
    • sv-SE
    • fr-CA

Teen With Spinal Disorder Has Big Heart for Rescue “Turkey Dogs”

Share1.2kPin It1
Jackson Saville and Archie the Golden Retriever
Credit Jane Krom (left) and Stacy Saville (right).

Teen With Spinal Disorder Has Big Heart for Rescue “Turkey Dogs”

For Dog People
By Jen Reeder | Freelance Writer

Share1.2kTweet0Pin It1

When Jackson Saville heard about a Golden Retriever named Archie who needed surgery to walk, he knew wanted to help.

Archie was hit by a car in Turkey, where he spent two days languishing in pain on the side of the road before someone rescued him. Working with an international partner, the nonprofit Southeastern Virginia Golden Retriever Rescue, Education and Training (SEVA GRREAT) transported Archie to the United States this July with other needy “Turkey Dogs” and got him into a caring foster home.

Jackson Saville, pictured with a rescue dog named Lucy, has loved Golden Retrievers “for as long as I can remember,” he told The Dog People. Photo by Stacy Saville

An Unusual Connection

A neurologist determined Archie suffered a fracture to his spine and needed surgery to be more mobile, let alone comfortable. SEVA GRREAT shared his story and a call for help on social media, which struck a chord with Jackson.

The 13-year-old Virginia resident has already had three spinal surgeries due to spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

“SMA is a neuromuscular disorder that affects the muscles in my body—the muscles you use for walking, crawling, breathing, and even swallowing,” Jackson told The Dog People. “I have a cough machine and a nebulizer and a vent to use to help me breathe when I’m sick. And also I have a wheelchair that I can get around in.”

Jackson was so concerned about Archie’s future that he asked his own neurologist about Archie’s situation and was relieved to hear the dog would have a good prognosis with surgery. To pitch in, he started creating and selling custom dog bandanas through a business he started this summer called RockStar Life Designs—and donates $5 from every sale to SEVA GRREAT.

“I have made over 230 bandanas and donated over $1,200 to SEVA GRREAT,” he said.

Jackson Saville creates custom dog bandanas to support the rescued Golden Retrievers. Photo by Stacy Saville

The Road to Recovery

Archie’s surgery in August was a success, and Jackson followed his recovery closely through the dog’s Facebook page, Archie Arch A Roux.

“Since he had his first medical surgery, he’s got a scar just like I do,” he said.

That’s not all they have in common. They both recently celebrated birthdays—Jackson turned 13, and Archie turned 2—and now they share a home. 

Jackson and his family adopted Archie!

Archie Comes Home

The Saville family’s newest addition is settling in nicely: Archie loves being close to people, likes Jackson’s new electric wheelchair, and in less than a week, learned cues like “sit,” “stay,” and even “play dead.” The gorgeous Golden walks with a limp and shouldn’t climb steps or jump onto furniture, but the house is outfitted with ramps for Jackson, which is perfect for Archie.

“He’s fun. He’s happy. He’s smart,” Jackson said of his new pet. “He can be stubborn, and ferocious. Today I heard him doing a ferocious bark for the first time at our house. There was a big dump truck out there that I think he was barking at.”

The lovable dog already charmed the family’s senior dogs: Trixy, a Puggle, and Baby, a Beagle.

“They’re like great aunts to Archie,” he said. “They always jump on him and follow him around.”

Help, Hope, and Compassion to Spare

Jackson hopes other young people will follow their hearts and try to make a difference by giving back. He’s also made tie-dye shirts to benefit SMA Proud, a group that helps provide meals, rides, and other travel costs associated with SMA treatments to patients. He also fills “blessing bags” with shampoo, deodorant, socks, crackers, water bottles, and hand sanitizer to keep in the car to give to homeless people.

“If you want to help someone or a Golden Retriever in need of help, don’t be afraid to try,” he urged.

Archie is already a beloved member of the Saville family. Photo by Jane Krom

A Loving Family Completes the Circle

Jackson’s family—which includes his dad, Bill; older brothers, Zeke and Clayton; and mom, Stacy—are supportive and proud. His older sister, Morgan, died of bradycardia associated with SMA before he was born.

“It’s more than we are proud of Jackson. It’s like, ‘Oh my gosh—this boy is unbelievable!’ Some days I just don’t know where he came from,” Stacy Saville told The Dog People.

She admires his deep empathy. For instance, Jackson felt sad for Archie not just because of his injury, but because the dog had to wait on the side of the road for so long before someone helped him.

“I think that is the part that really got to him: that it took two days for someone to show Archie some compassion,” she said.

She’s amazed by the way compassion has transformed Archie, who she said has adjusted to domestic life as though it was something he’s always wanted and is the “best dog.” Now he always wears a trademark smile.

More Dogs Need Help

Though Archie found a happy ending, there are still many other dogs in need, so now Jackson is starting to fashion holiday bandanas to continue supporting the work of SEVA GRREAT.

“Jackson says that he wants to make the pet bandanas forever,” mom Stacy said. “He is the person I want to be.”

To purchase a pet bandana, visit: www.rockstarlifedesigns.com or www.facebook.com/RockStarLifeDesigns

For more information about SEVA GRREAT, visit: www.adoptagolden.com

Further Reading

  • A Love of Rescue Pets—and Surprising Needy Shelters—Keeps Teen Cancer Fighter Going
  • Diabetic Alert Dog Darby Is Teenage Dancer’s Best Friend—and Viral TikTok Star
  • Paralympic Athlete Andrea Pusateri Thrives With His Dogs by His Side
Share1.2kTweet0Pin It1

Jen Reeder

Award-winning journalist Jen Reeder is former president of the Dog Writers Association of America. Her work has appeared in Family Circle, BBC News, Best Friends Magazine, the TODAY show's website, The Daily Beast, Inside Your Dog's Mind, AKC Family Dog, Modern Cat, and many other publications.

sidebar

By Jen Reeder

Share This Article

Share1.2kTweet0Pin It1

Popular Posts

  • 3 Frozen Dog Treats You Can Make in Less Than an Hour [Recipe]
  • 5 Reasons Dogs Lick and Chew Their Paws — And How to Help
  • 14 Muddiest Dogs on the Entire Internet
  • TLC From B.C. Rescue Turns Fierce Feral Cats Into Calm Kitties
  • Ice Licks Keep Your Dog Cool and Happy All Summer Long [Recipe]
  • What to Do if Your Dog Is Stung by a Bee
  • What You Need to Know to Prevent Heatstroke in Dogs
  • Two-Ingredient Watermelon Ice Cream Is an Easy Summer Treat for Your Dog [Recipe]
  • 4 Blended Summer Slushies to Share With Your Dog [Recipe]
  • Peggy the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Molly the Magpie Make the Cutest, Unlikely BFFs
Advertisement
More from The Dog People
Andrea Pusateri hiking with his dogs and cycling on a road bike

Paralympic Athlete Andrea Pusateri Thrives With His Dogs by His Side

Learn More

  • About Rover.com
  • Download the App
  • Rover Store
  • Sitter Resources
  • In The Press
  • Terms of Service
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • User Terms
  • Privacy Statement
  • Cookie Policy

Need Help?

  • Help Center
  • Join the Team
Advertisement
© 2023 Rover.com. All Rights Reserved.