Charm’s Paws-Ability Fund
Give the gift of mobility & freedom!
Dog Squad is thrilled to announce the launch of Charm’s Paws-Ability Fund, a heartfelt initiative inspired by our own incredible survivor, Charm. This dedicated fund aims to give canine forelimb amputees the gift of mobility and freedom by providing custom prosthetic limbs crafted by 3DPets.
For many pet owners, the thought of amputation is overwhelming. But the truth is, dogs are incredibly resilient and often thrive after losing an ailing limb. While amputation restores quality of life, it’s essential to acknowledge the unique challenges that come with it— especially for large dogs with front limb amputations.
Dogs carry the majority of their weight—about 60%—on their front legs. For larger breeds like Charm, that number rises to roughly 77%. When a front limb is amputated, the remaining forelimb must carry the load. This shift can strain joints, muscles, and the spine, leading to secondary issues over time.
Charm wears a custom prosthetic limb designed by 3D Pets during activities like running and playing. Her prosthetic isn’t meant to help her walk—it serves a much bigger purpose: preventing further injury to her remaining limbs and delaying conditions like arthritis. Maintaining balance and proper alignment helps her live a more comfortable and active life.
Donate Today
Donate today to support Charm’s Paws-Ability Fund and help us change lives, one paw at a time.
Charm’s Story Unchained
Charm’s life began as a lawn ornament. Neglected and left chained outside as a “guard” dog, she suffereds cruel fate when the chain wrapped tightly around her left foreleg and right hind leg, cutting off circulation. While veterinarians saved her hind leg, front limb had to be amputated.
At just 4-5 months old, Charm underwent emergency surgery. Only a few days later, we took her in as a foster, never expecting she would become a permanent member of our family. But Charm had other plans - her resilient heart and big brown eyes stole our hearts, and she became a foster fail.
Despite her challenges, Charm adapted quickly. Within weeks, she was running, playing, and swimming faster than her four-legged siblings. Her athleticism knows no bounds - she’s even been known to jump onto unexpected surfaces, including a bar top! However, as much as Charm thrives as a young tripawd, the biomechanical changes caused by her amputation pose long-term health challenges that we are addressing in advance.
Forelimbs vs. Hindlimbs
The Challenges of Forelimb Amputation
While dogs can adapt remarkably well to limb loss, forelimb amputations present greater challenges compared to hindlimb amputations. This difference is due to the distinct roles the limbs play:
Hindlimbs: primarily responsible for propulsion and pushing forward.
Forelimbs: critical for balance, directional changes, coordination, and carrying weight.
On average, dogs carry 60% of their body weight on their forelimbs. Losing a front limb forces the remaining limb to bear the entire load, which can increase weight distribution to as much as 77% on that single forelimbs. This added stress makes forelimbs amputees more prone to joint strain, injuries, and long-term issues like arthritis, especially in larger, active dogs like Charm.
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Meet Teddy
Our First Prosthetic Sponsee!
Back in November, Teddy was found stuck in a coyote trap with badly broken leg leaving the open fracture which required amputation. He was placed on the euthanasia list at GCAC, and thanks to their heroic partnership with Greenville Humane Society, Teddy was given a second chance at life.
Fast forward to the start of 2025, and we’re over the moon to help Teddy move around all thanks to the new Charm’s Paws-Ability Fund! This amazing fund is going to help dogs like Teddy get back on their feet with a custom prosthetic limb from 3DPets!
Teddy is SO much bigger in real life and weighs over 80 lbs! Dogs carry the majority of their weight - about 60% - on their front legs. For larger breeds like Teddy, that number rises to roughly 77%. When a front limb is amputated, the remaining forelimbs must carry that load on its own. This shift can strain joints, muscles, and the spine, leading to secondary issues over time.
Teddy’s prosthetic isn’t meant to help him walk - it serves a much bigger purpose: preventing further injury to his remaining limbs and delaying conditions like arthritis. Maintaining balance a proper alignment will help him live a more comfortable and active life.
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