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Two-legged rescue puppy learns how to walk with 3D-printed wheelchair

Tumbles, the runt of the litter, was born with just two legs

Charlie Atkin
Friday 20 November 2015 12:37 EST
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Two legged rescue puppy gets 3D printed wheelchair

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A rescue puppy with only two legs is learning how to walk with the aid of a 3D-printed wheelchair.

Tumbles, the runt of the litter, was born with only two legs before being taken to a shelter at just two weeks old.

Facebook: Crystal Richmond
Facebook: Crystal Richmond (Crystal Richmond)

Friends of the Shelter Dogs in Athens, Ohio picked up Tumbles after he struggled to compete with the rest of the litter for his mother's milk.

After photos of the pooch were posted on Facebook, a couple designed a bespoke wheelchair for Tumbles and asked the Ohio University Innovation center to make it using their 3D printer.

Angela Marx, the board president of Friends of the Shelter Dogs, told Buzzfeed News that the endeavour will take time.

Facebook: Crystal Richmond
Facebook: Crystal Richmond (Crystal Richmond)

“It’s going to be a process,” she said.

“He’s a little sweetheart and doesn’t act as if he has any limitations,” she added.

“Since he is so little and still growing he needs to learn how to walk properly. Once the wheelchair is properly fitted he will need to go through physical therapy.”

The puppy is not presently up for adoption, but with his foster mother having a particular soft spot for Tumbles he is expected to stay with her.

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