Get to know Derby, the determined adorable Husky mix dog! He was born with a deformity on his two front legs which made it very difficult for him to walk and run around, like other able bodied dogs. Although Derby could still move around, he suffered from cuts and bruises as a result.
Derby Was Born With Front Legs Defects
Photo Credit:3D System
Peace and Paws rescued this little pup, from a shelter. Things started to take a positive turn when a lady called Tara Anderson spotted Derby at the shelter. She immediately got drawn to him.
Tara worked in a 3D System and was there to adopt a dog. She followed Derby’s story very closely and kept looking at his photos online, which sometimes brought tears to her eyes.
She felt very strongly that she could help Derby and decided to foster him. The love Tara had for Derby grew even stronger as she got to know him.
The first set of wheels Derby got was not very good as they couldn’t give him the freedom to run, walk and play with other canine friends. They were digging into the mud, making Derby struggle to walk.
First Wheel Made For Derby
Photo Credit:3D System
Tara went back to the drawing table to come out with something more ideal. She and her colleague at the Company came up with the idea of making a 3D printed prosthetic legs that would make Derby’s life easier.
Legs that he would be able to run and walk on, with the flexibility of playing with other dogs. What happened next set Derby for life!
The 3D Prosthetic Model
Photo Credit:3D System
The 3D printer they worked with made it easier for them to get the prosthetics fitted to the perfect measurements of Derby’s legs and feet. They didn’t have to create models and keep testing, which saved a lot of time and money. Everything was done on the computer.
Derby’s Life Will Never Be The Same Again!
Photo Credit:3D System
Tara and her colleagues made the prosthetic low enough to avoid sudden change to the height Derby was used to. The heights will be adjusted as he grows, to fit his age.
Derby wasted no time in putting his newfound legs to the test, overtaking his loving adopted parents!
Derby Took To The Street With New Legs!
Photo Credit:3D System
Nothing beats helping a canine friend when Science, Technology and love come together!
Video Credit:YouTube – 3D System
