In late March, Alaqua Animal Refuge received a call from a shelter facility in Chipley stating they had a dog that came in that just broke their heart. “Manny,” a 4-year-old large shepherd mix had arrived, missing his front right foot and in horrific pain.

The Chipley shelter manager was told that it was “a homemade amputation.”

Manny immediately received veterinary care until Alaqua was able to take him in. After he arrived, it was determined that his weight would make it difficult for him to adjust using three legs.

Manny’s medical information was sent to a team of veterinary specialists at Animal Ortho Care, LLC., in Chantilly, Va., to see if he could be a candidate for a prosthetic foot.

He was.

Using 3D technology, Derrick Campana, and his staff at Animal Ortho were able to create a prosthetic using a mold Alaqua created using Manny’s injured leg. Last month, the prosthetic arrived at Alaqua, and he now wears it about five hours a day. Pictures and video will be sent to the clinic in Virginia to evaluate Manny’s progress.

Alaqua is extremely grateful for the outpouring of support. Donations were utilized to cover the cost of the prosthetic as well as Manny’s medical care.

The great news is Manny is being adopted by a family in Texas and will meet them very soon!

If anyone would like to donate to help Manny continue his road to recovery or help another animal in need at Alaqua Animal Refuge, please click here.