Watch puppy with two legs walk for first time
Tumbles, a tiny puppy born without front legs, is set to gain a new lease on life thanks to 3D printing.
Scientists at Ohio University have created a mini-wheelchair with custom-made wheels to help Tumbles regain a sense of mobility when he needs to move around.
Tumbles was born in October, the runt of a three-dog litter, and was taken in by Ohio-based non-profit Friends of the Shelter Dogs. Karen Pilcher became Tumbles’ foster mother.
Image credit: Facebook / Karen Pilcher
Ms Pilcher’s husband and an FOSD supported teamed up to design the wheelchair and took it to the Ohio University Innovation Centre, which was able to print the custom design in just 14 hours.
Tumbles is reportedly still getting used to the device and will have to undergo some physical therapy moving forwards, but the overall outlook is good for the terrier mix. Ms Pilcher says, “He gets around really good. He's now starting to hop. He does that when he gets excited.”