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We here at CapitalBerg are proud to have the first adorable animal story this year. This time, it’s about Derby, the pup who now has 3D printed front paws.
Derby – the rescued pup
The story of Derby began, like most other stories you see in the news, with a tragedy.
The pup was born without fully developed front limbs, so he was unable to walk, sit, or run. So, as most dogs that can’t get away do, he ended up in a shelter.
Although he was part Husky, Derby was still a mutt, and adding to that his partly developed front legs which didn’t allow him to do any of the regular dog stuff, he would have been eventually put down.
Cue Melissa Hannon and her organization Peace and Paws. The organization rescued Derby, and Melissa fell in love with him at first sight. Not being able to part with the animal, Melissa decided to keep Derby.
3D printed legs for an Aces dog
Although the tragic part of his story ends here, Derby was still unable to use his front paws, and was still unable to sit, walk, or even sleep like normal dogs.
He would scoot through the room on his chest, crawl, or walk on his hind legs.
However, in late 2014, Derby got a set of 3D printed paws from a company called 3D Systems. The new paws took some getting adjusted to, but they eventually allowed Derby to walk and run.
Sadly, the new paws were too small for the growing dog, which eventually had to start crawling again in order to go places. That, plus they were always too small, which didn’t really allow the dog to sit or walk like regular dogs.
So, after toying around with a few designs and ideas, including an oversized version of the original 3D printed legs, 3D Systems brought Derby his new legs.
The animal got used to them instantly, and is now able to run, walk, and even sit like regular dogs. They are finally large enough for his proper height, allowing the dog to do pretty much everything he always wanted.
Derby and his mistress are now living happily together, going out for walks like normal people.
Image source: Youtube
