In a world where technology is sometimes considered to be more harmful than helpful, it’s always nice to hear stories that support the opposite approach.
A Red Heeler cattle dog named Naki’o was abandoned in a frozen puddle when he was just a puppy. Severe frostbite resulted in the amputation of all four of his paws, and the dog was kept at a Colorado rescue center.
Veterinary surgeon Christie Tomlinson came across Naki’o and took him home as a playmate for her golden retriever. She explained: “I’ve always had a soft spot for animals with problems. I knew I had the skills and knowledge to be able to take care of him properly. I took him to work with me every day and was able to x-ray his legs regularly to see how they were developing.”
She explained that when Naki’o was small, he was light enough to hold himself up on just the stumps. However, as he gained weight it became too painful for him.
Christie said: “I felt so bad for him as his condition worsened. He is such a hyper and happy dog, but I was having to take him for walks in a stroller and carry him around. He couldn’t be a normal dog, he couldn’t lead the life he wanted.”
A company called Orthopets in Denver, Colorado, caught Christie’s attention. The company, founded by husband and wife Martin and Amy Kaufmann, was established with Martin realized that human orthopedic devices can be used on animals too. They offered to help Naki’o free of charge, and fixed four bionic legs for the dog. He is now walking, jumping and playing with other dogs as naturally as he would with his own legs.
For more information and images, visit the Daily Mail.