Photo via YouTube
Photo via YouTube

How’s this for a heartwarmer? Derby the dog, born with deformed front legs, gets a new set of 3D-printed prosthetics and can now run and play like never before.

The idea for his legs came from his foster parent, Tara Anderson, who works for South Carolina-based 3D Systems, according to the Washington Post.

Anderson started him with a cart, but realized that it didn’t offer him the mobility to play and move like other dogs. She knew there was a better way. So she worked with her colleagues to develop a set of 3D-printed custom prosthetics.

3D-printed prosthetics are cheaper and easier to build, because the images are kept on file, then printed when needed. It proved to be the perfect solution. The custom-built legs are like little ovals with traction to help Derby better navigate dirt and grass.

Now, this adorable dog runs two to three miles every day with his new owners, Sherry and Dom Portanova. “The first time he was put on them, and he took off running he was just so happy,” says Sherry. “I was absolutely amazed at how well he did.”

Watch the video below.

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