Originally published at the NAAIJ on July 28th, 2014
Follow us on Twitter @NAAIJ
Like us on Facebook NAAofIJ
I’ve just come across the story of a tiny dog named Turbo who was born without his front legs and was going to be put down. Thankfully since then Turbo has been adopted and is now seeking a small cart-like apparatus to allow him to stand and move in a normal posture. The story has gotten quite a lot of news coverage. I originally encountered it at the HuffingtonPost.
“My name is Turbo.Roo! I was born without my front legs but, that has not stopped me one bit! I’m small but mighty and I am going to take on the world!!!!
I was only 4 weeks old when I was brought into a vet clinic in Indianapolis, IN! The breeder expressed concern because I was born without my two front legs. The breeder knew that I would need more one on one attention and decided to surrender me!
I have now been adopted by my new foster parents! Soon I will be able to be fitted for a wheelchair that is suited just for just my size and needs once I get to 6 months old!”
A fundraiser has been setup that appears to have met its goal of $600, at time of writing has collected $1,302. This will go to the aforementioned canine wheelchair once the dog is 6 months old.
When I originally drafted this article I did not know he already had a wheelchair for when he reached 6 months, But for now and until he reaches 6 months, The question that immediately sprang to mind is “Why doesnt someone 3D print an adjustable harness/axel with legs/wheels” this seems like almost the perfect application for it, If not for this dog then for other dogs in similar situations. Why not make this a thing?
After contacting the new foster owner for Turbo, He tells me there is already a few 3D printed concepts in the works, but they have yet to decide on which concept they will go with.
Turbo also has a Instagram and Twitter account
We will update this story when Turbo gets a 3D printed cart.
UPDATE: 08/12
Here are some pics of the latest cart for Turbo. Photo Credit: Turbo.roo Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/Turbo.roo
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/25/chihuahua-wheelchair-toys_n_5619106.html
http://www.youcaring.com/pet-expenses/wheels-for-turboroo-/209928
http://instagram.com/turbo.roo
https://twitter.com/RooTurbo
Nigel Todman is an Independent Journalist, Technical Consultant, Social Activist, Web Developer and Computer Programmer from Ontario, Canada. Nigel is also the Assistant Webmaster for the NAAIJ. Add him to Facebook and/or Follow him on Twitter E-mail: nigel [at] naaij [dot] org [PGP]