Most of my blogs are related to humans, maybe because I am a human and it is easier for me to talk about me! LOL
But in honor of National Love Your Pet Day (February 20), I decided to take a different approach and research amputee animals. O-M-G! Amputee animals are so cute (like any animals). We can learn so much from them, like not giving up on life and keep moving forward no matter what’s stopping us – we just need a little more help!
- Chi Chi – Golden Retriever
Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Howell
I wrote a blog on Chi Chi, the Golden Retriever, back in November! Chi Chi was found inside a trash bag near a black market meat trader in South Korea. According to rescuers, she was barely breathing and all four legs were bound with wire.
She was immediately rushed to the hospital where doctors declared that the only way to save Chi Chi’s life would be to amputate all four of her paws. Losing her paws has not diminished Chi Chi’s energy or spirit. Just a day after her surgery, she was ready to be up and about, playing with her toys. Chi Chi is now living with her new family in Arizona. Her new owners have certified Chi Chi as a therapy dog so she can visit amputee patients. The best part, Chi-Chi looks incredible in our Knit-Rite prosthetic soft socks! 🙂
Photo courtesy of people.com
If you would like to hear more on Chi Chi’s journey, follow her on Facebook or on Instagram @chichirescuedog
2. Ozzie – Goose
Photo courtesy of 3dprint.com
Ozzie is a male goose that lives in South Africa. He was rescued by Sue Berger as part of an animal rescue effort. Ozzie had sustained a severe fracture in his left leg; so bad in fact that amputation of the limb was the only option. As a result of the amputation, Ozzie had great difficulty performing normal goose activities – such as walking. Because the rest of his body overcompensated for the missing limb, it caused him to end up breaking wings and damaging other parts of his body. Ozzie’s owner could not bear to see him continue to struggle, however she also did not want to give up on him. Berger sought out help from others – experts in 3D printing technology helped print a new leg for Ozzie to be able to walk again normally. Once Berger assembled the team to help, they developed a unique 3D design for Ozzie’s prosthesis. BunnyCorp who were responsible for the design of Ozzie’s leg, started the process by measuring Ozzie’s remaining leg in order to size up the dimensions properly in their computer program. Once the design of his leg was complete, they sent it to Hybrid Advanced Geometrics for 3D printing.
Photo courtesy of 3dprint.com
Ozzie will require physical therapy, but has actually begun to walk using the prosthetic leg. The team is keeping an eye on his progress and this first version of the leg to see how Ozzie does before they actually go to CRPM to have his final, permanent nylon prosthetic leg 3D printed. The final 3D print is expected to be extremely durable and long-lasting for Ozzie, who should be out foraging in the green grass again soon.
Read more about Ozzie here
3. Minzi – Pomeranian
Photo courtesy of @missyminzi
Minzi lost her leg as a puppy due to a medical malpractice incident, but never lost her positivity. After her owners spent two years searching for a prosthesis, they finally got her a new prosthetic leg. Their search was long due to her small size. Minzi was too small for most prosthetists to manage. Her new prosthesis fits perfectly and she is doing well with it.
Follow Minzi on Instagram @missyminzi
4. Mosha and Motola – Asian Elephants
Photo courtesy of itv.com
Both, Mosha and Motola, two Asian elephants made headlines when became the first two elephants to be fitted with prosthetic legs. The elephants lost their limbs as calves when they stepped on landmines in Northern Thailand. Mosha was only seven months old at that time and weighed in at 600kg. As she grew, she was fitted with nine different prosthetic legs. She is now 2000kg.
Photo courtesy of itv.com
Unfortunately, the border between Thailand and Myanmar is still dotted with landmines left over from clashes between ethnic-minority rebels and the Myanmar army dating back decades. Motola was injured by one of these landmine explosions while working for the logging trade in Northern Thailand. Being fitted with prosthetic legs saved both of these animals’ lives and Mosha and Motola are thriving!
Read more about Mosha and Motola here
5. Gamera – Tortoise
Photo courtesy of newsfeed.com
Life for an amputee turtle isn’t easy. It’s tough enough crawling around with four stocky little legs and a cumbersome shell, let alone just two or three limbs. Leg injuries for these reptiles are surprisingly common, particularly in the wild. Fortunately, missing a leg or two isn’t always a death sentence for these creatures. Moreover, inventive vets and other caring people have come up with creative ways to make sure that turtles and tortoises get mobile again.
In April 2011 a tortoise by the name of Gamera was affected by an unexplained, yet serious leg injury. The African tortoise, who was 12 at the time, was taken to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University (WSU). at WSU, it was decided that the reptile’s front left leg would have to be removed to keep him alive.
Photo courtesy of itv.com
Thankfully, the vets at WSU didn’t give up on Gamera, and took an imaginative approach to getting the reptile back on his feet – well, the remaining three at least. The team fixed a swivel-style wheel to Gamera’s shell, allowing him to have mobility for the rest of what should promise to be a long life.
Officials have reported that Gamera is thriving with his new leg. He doesn’t even mind that he now vaguely resembles an office chair.
Read more about Gamera here
This February 20, reserve some extra love for these amazing pets on National Love Your Pet Day! ❤
Knit Rite 