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A three-legged shelter dog is reclaiming her life, thanks to the ingenuity of a talented high school robotics leader and her groundbreaking 3D printed prosthetic design.
The remarkable journey began when Sarah Barros, a 16-year-old robotics enthusiast from Southampton High School, was approached by a school counselor with a unique proposal. The counselor informed Barros about a vital project involving a dog at the local shelter, leading to the chance to apply her engineering skills in a compassionate way.
Barros recalled, “The counselor said, ‘I know you’re very interested in design engineering. I heard about this opportunity from a friend about a dog at the shelter who might need a leg, and this is a cool project you could take on.'” The young engineer accepted the challenge with enthusiasm, noting, “It was really a fun journey.”
The star of this touching story is Tryla, a lovable six-year-old pitbull mix, believed to have lost her front right leg after being struck by a vehicle in her younger days. Following her accident, her previous owner gave her up, and she found refuge at the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation in Hampton Bays, New York, two years ago, as reported by the New York Post.
With Tryla resting in her lap, Barros detailed her creative process, explaining how she raised funds for the project’s materials. She invested significant time in researching proper weight distribution for the prosthetic and making precise measurements, embarking on a meticulous trial-and-error adventure to ensure the design met Tryla’s needs.
Throughout the development, Barros encountered various challenges. Some prototypes pinched or irritated Tryla’s skin, while others failed to consider the mobility of her existing joints.
Amy Beth Stern of the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation highlighted the impact of Barros’ successful design. She stated that the appropriate model significantly improved Tryla’s stability and overall activity levels during the day. This advancement has allowed the dog to engage more actively in her surroundings.
Stern noted, “She is an absolute darling, and it’s hard for individuals to see past the extra effort required for a dog with special needs.” This sentiment underscores the dedication required in caring for animals like Tryla.
At the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation, the team prioritizes helping special needs dogs and older animals, ensuring they receive the assistance necessary for a better quality of life. Stern emphasized the importance of innovations like the prosthetic leg for dogs, stating, “Any support that helps animals live better, whether it’s through medication or a prosthetic leg, makes it easier for potential owners to consider adoption.”
Currently, Tryla remains at the Long Island shelter, patiently waiting for her forever home. Stern described her as a “wonderful, sweet” dog who thrives on human affection. However, she emphasized that Tryla would likely do best in a household without other dogs.
According to Stern, “She likes her humans a lot. [She needs] someone who can exercise her and can show patience because she does require a bit more assistance. It’s essential for her to stay active to maintain a healthy weight, as her mobility impairment could lead to weight gain. But she deserves someone who will love her the way we do.”
With her newfound mobility thanks to the innovative spirit of Sarah Barros, Tryla embodies resilience and the power of compassion in action. As she awaits adoption, her story serves as an inspiring testament to the intersection of technology and empathy in creating meaningful change for animals in need.
Individuals interested in adopting a pet like Tryla are encouraged to consider animals with special needs, as they often bring unparalleled love and joy to their new families. With dedicated individuals like Barros working to improve the lives of dogs like Tryla, the future for shelter pets looks brighter.
