As part of National Dog Week, we’re back with a special pet edition of our Southside Makers & Shakers series, that highlights members in our community. This month, we’re excited to introduce Archie & Skylar, two beloved pups who not only call VIDA San Antonio home but have also captured the hearts of many through their online presence.
Join us as we dive into the lives of these local canine celebrities and explore how they’re making their mark and shaking things up in our community.
How did Archie and Skylar become a part of your family, and what brought you to the VIDA community?
In 2023, we moved from Colorado to Texas without initially planning to get a dog. However, during a visit to Barton Springs in Austin, where we saw dogs joyfully playing, we decided to add a furry member to our family. After doing some research, we found a 3-day-old puppy in Utah, affectionately named “Chunky Mr. Red” because he was the biggest of the litter. We fell in love with him and, at 8 weeks old, brought him home, renaming him Archie. A few months later, we decided to get a companion for Archie, adopting Skylar from Oklahoma. Archie and Skylar quickly became inseparable best friends. By the end of the year, our family relocated to San Antonio. When we visited a potential new home at VIDA San Antonio, Archie got zoomies around the neighborhood, which confirmed it was the perfect place for our family to settle—and that we made the right decision.
For those who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting this doggie duo yet, how would you describe their personalities?
Archie is the sweetest boy ever—he’s playful, well-behaved, and loves being around people. He’s always checking on everyone to make sure they’re okay. Skylar, on the other hand, is a silly girl. She can be wild at times, loves chasing birds, and enjoys playing with her brother.
What inspired you to start sharing Archie’s & Skylar’s adventures online?
The first time we took Archie out, we went to downtown Austin. He was an 8-week-old puppy in a carrier, wearing a cowboy hat. We were celebrities that day! A lot of people were taking pictures of Archie, so we thought it would be fun to share Archie’s life on social media. We eventually renamed the account as @archiensky_.
Since moving to VIDA San Antonio, what are some of Archie & Skylar’s go-to places in the neighborhood or Southside that they absolutely love?
Archie and Sky love going for walks around the neighborhood, all the way to Texas A&M-San Antonio campus, and meeting people during the social events at Ana Park. Their favorite spots are walks around the Madla Greenway and Pawpark at The Greenline Park. We also enjoy discovering pet-friendly places. Our go-to spots are Hops and Hounds for food and drinks, where the dogs can play off-leash in a fenced area, and Tandem, a local coffee shop with a pet-friendly patio.
When Archie & Skylar aren’t basking in the limelight, what are their favorite things to do?
They love playing fetch, going to the dog park, playing with water, and relaxing at home. They also adore car rides, sticking their heads out of the window, and getting pup cups.
Are there other dogs in the VIDA community that Archie & Skylar have become friends with?
We met our neighbor’s dog, “Chief,” during an event at Ana Park, and we hope to make more furry friends around the neighborhood.
What’s next for Archie & Skylar?
They’ll continue discovering new places and having fun, but also keep up with their training. Archie is a certified emotional support animal, and he’s working hard to earn his Good Citizen K9 certification and Sky will keep working on her basic training.