3-D Printed Braces Give Dog A 'New Leash On Life' (VIDEO)

Derby is like most other dogs who like to run around and play. Yet this puppy was born with a congenital deformity that left him without small forearms and no front paws. Fortunately, thanks to 3D-printing, he now has the proesthetics he needs to live a normal life.

Owners Dom and Sherri Portanova helped fit their beloved dog with the high-tech legs, thanks to the nonprofit dog rescue group of Hillsborough, New Hampshire, Peace and Paws. Though the couple originally purchased a dog wheelchair to help increase their pet's mobility, they realized a more intricate solution would be needed to increase mobility.

"This is what 3D printing is all about," said 3DSystems employee, Tara Anderson, via TechCrunch. "To be able to help anybody - a dog, a person - to have a better life? There's just no better thing to be involved in."

Two designers, along with Derrick Campana, an animal orthotist, helped scanned the dog's legs to made cradles and blades that helped with mobility.

"Derby seems to adapt very quickly to new things and his legs have been no different," Stephanie said, via Mashable. "He runs with my parents every day and plays with all of the neighborhood dogs (something he wasn't able to do much prior to his prosthetic legs)."

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Want to see Derby in action with his new gear? Check out this video, courtesy of YouTube.