If you are a frequent reader of 3DPrint.com, then you probably know that 3D printing has been providing ample benefit for human beings with upper limb differences. People like you and I, who lead normal lives, but do so with just one functional hand, have seen their lives greatly improved thanks to the increasing use of 3D printing technology. To date there have been hundreds, if not thousands of individuals around the world who have had their lives changed for the better thanks to the thousands of volunteers who donate their time to help create prosthetic hands for those in need.
Lately though, it’s not just humans with disabilities who have been benefiting from this remarkable technology. Animals with disabilities too, have seen their quality of life increase in one way or another thanks to 3D printing. There have been birds who have received 3D printed prosthetic beaks, turtles who have received prosthetic feet and jaws, and even ducks who have been the recipients of 3D printed legs. When it comes to 3D printing, the possibilities really are endless.
Probably the most heart warming stories are those which involve man’s best friend. There has been an increasing use of 3D printing in creating prosthetic legs and carts for our canine friends.
This was the case for one shy little puppy, named Scooter, who was born with only his two rear legs on August 8th, 2014. Scooter was put up for adoption by his owner, when a woman named Tina Gans decided to swoop in and save the day. Gans, who is known for taking in dogs in order to find them better homes, just couldn’t say no to adopting little Scooter. When Scooter was about 2-months old Gans adopted him, in hopes of providing him with a better life.
Gans admits that owning Scooter has certainly been a challenging experience, but when she met another man who also owned a 2-legged dog in her same state, Texas, things got a lot easier. The man that she met had created a 3D printed cart for his own dog, and he offered to volunteer his time to create one for Scooter as well.
After taking measurements, and modeling the device exactly how the two wanted it, a new doggy cart was 3D printed for Scooter, and so far he has loved it! It has given him much more independence and has provided him with the same abilities as most of his doggy friends.
“He doesn’t know he’s missing anything, so he’s an inspiration. I just want everybody to understand that, you know, they can have a great life,” Gans said.
Undoubtedly this won’t be the last doggie cart that is 3D printed, and we will continue to see more and more inspirational stories like these in the near future. 3D printing has potential for a lot of things, but it’s stories like these which are the most rewarding to read about.
What do you think about Scooter’s new doggie cart? Discuss in the 3D Printed Doggie cart forum thread on 3DPB.com. Check out the video of Scooter as well as some more images below.
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