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Dog’s New 3-D Printed Legs Are Massive Upgrade, Allow Him to Run and Sit

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A dog wearing a harness on a sidewalk with 3-D printed legs.

Thanks to advancements in 3-D technology, a disabled husky mix is able to walk more naturally.

Named Derby, the 2-year-old pup, was born with shorter forearms and no front paws. He got around by scooting on his nubs, which wasn’t an issue on softer surfaces but harder ones, like concrete, were painful. His circumstances changed in December 2014, when his foster at the time, Tara Anderson, got him fitted with 3-D printed prosthetics.

Related: 3D-Printed Legs Allow Dog to Walk

Anderson, who happened to work at 3-D company 3D Systems, teamed up Derrick Campana, a certified Orthotist at Animal Ortho Care in Chantilly, Virg. and 3-D designers Kevin Atkins and David DiPinto.

The crew decided to make the initial prosthetics closer to the ground, allowing Derby time to get used to them and not hurt himself. The legs were printed in a few short hours and changed Derby’s life. 

But after about a year adjusting to walking on his new set of legs, Derby recently got an upgrade.

His new set of paws not only make him taller but help absorb impact, similar to how human knees work. 

“Derby took to his new prosthetics very well,” owner Sherry Portanova says in a video. “No difference in having them on than the old ones except it raised him up to his proper height. He is walking in a straight line, and he is sitting like a real dog sits that he has never been able to do.”

derby and 3d legs sitting

Check out Derby’s new legs: 

By Andrea Huspeni

Andrea Huspeni is the founder and CEO of This Dog's Life. Her mission it to help dogs live a happier, healthier and longer life. When she isn't working, she spends time with her two dogs, Lola and Milo. She resides in Brooklyn, NY.

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