Two-legged Dog Gets Prosthetic

A two-legged dog can move around a little easier this evening thanks to a 3D-printed prosthetic.

Leo the Chihuahua was born with just two legs.

Leo’s owner, Yvette Bocz says Leo has done well getting around by hopping but as he has gotten older it’s harder on him to get from one place to another.

That’s when she asked Phil Hampton a professor at Cal State Channel Islands to see if he could help.

“He does a great job of hopping around like a kangaroo, but we really want him to have an opportunity to run around with the big dogs so the hope is this will be something that won’t just work in the home but that he can actually go out and run with some of the other dogs,” said Hampton.

“He brings so much joy and hope to myself and other people but he is getting older so I am hoping this set of wheels will help him become and stay more mobile,” said Bocz.

The device made from the 3D printer was tested out on Leo on Friday. His first try didn’t go so well, but after a few minor adjustments, Leo was walking and even running around his home.

“I have watched Leo hop his whole life like a bunny so to see him move forward and have a little run and go is amazing, that is what I want to be able to see him run with the other dogs and experience having that regular part of a dog life,” said Bocz.