I’m always impressed when someone uses a 3D printer to turn out a genuinely useful object, but rarely have I been as moved by a design as I am by this one. Bubbles is a dachshund who’s missing her two front legs. But Bubbles is fortunate enough to have an owner like Trevor Byers, who bought himself a 3D printer specifically so he could make Bubbles a new harness.
According to Bubbles’ Facebook page, she was born in July 2014 with her front legs missing – and not as the result of an accident. Her owners, Trevor and Elissa, set up the Facebook page “To spread awareness that an animal with a handicap can lead a full and happy life and should not be given up on” – a message which surely applies to people as much as animals.
I came across Bubbles through Trevor’s page on Thingiverse, from where you can download the harness – although you’ll have to source your own wheels.
We’ve all seen news stories about 3D printing being used to generate replacement limbs, body parts and other prosthetics by the medical profession, but these always seem to involve hugely expensive Laser Sintering printers that are far beyond the reach of everyday enthusiasts. Here, though, is the first example I’ve seen of someone using a home printer to create such a device, and it’s encouraging to see how well it appears to work.
Good job, Trevor, and we wish you and Bubbles the best of luck.