Another day, another cute dog with a new lease on life thanks to 3D-printed wheels. Today we meet Bubbles, a Dachshund born without front legs. Her owner, Trevor Byers, noticed she was missing her legs when she was in the whelping box and was concerned for her quality of life. However, as she grew, it became clear that little Bubbles could be happy if only she had some sort of wheelchair on which to get around.
Enter 3D printing. By creating a little basket and some large wheels, Byers helped Bubbles run with the best of them. He created an Instructable so people can make their own dog wheelchair. He writes:
After a few months had past and a many failed attempts at building a wheelchair more conventional ways we purchased our very first 3D printer. Many many more failed attempts later I have came up with a design that is perfect for my Bubbles. It is light weight and stable without placing too much weight on her extra long dachshund back. She gets around in her cart better than any other small dog I have seen missing there front legs. Up and down hills and running through thick grass taller than her nothing slows her down. Following our success with Bubbles and learning just how many dogs are out there in need of cart, my wife and I want to share what we have learned in hopes that a dog wont be thrown to the curb due to this simple disability.
Bubbles has a Facebook page and, as evidenced by the video above, is living the life of Reilly thanks to 3D printing.