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High School Engineering Class Helps Three-Legged Dog Move Again

A high school engineering class stepped in to help a three-legged dog whose leg had been amputated after an accident.

Sadie, a three-legged Brittany dog was struggling to go on her daily walks, which used to be her favorite activity. Without one of her front legs, the other limbs had to work harder, and she got worn out much easier.

“She gets tired, she gets sore. Sometimes she won’t walk,” said her owner, Nancy Schoenecker.

Sadie had her leg amputated several years ago after she was hit by a car. Although she was able to run and walk on three legs, mostly without any problems, now that she is older, it is getting harder.

Schoenecker is a special education paraprofessional at a high school and was sharing Sadie’s story with the other teachers when the engineering and design teacher, Matt Howe, had an idea.

Howe said that a ‘lightbulb’ went off in his head when he heard Schoenecker talking about Sadie.

“I was like, ‘This is absolutely perfect,’” Howe said. “It’s a real, authentic manner of learning.”

Before they knew it, 90 students at the school became dedicated to the mission of creating assistive technology for Sadie, the Washington Post reported.

“Project Saving Sadie” was given to students ranging from freshmen to seniors.

“Everyone really locked in and started doing their work,” said Sam Doughty, 17, a junior in Howe’s class. “This is very unique, and I think it caught a lot of students’ attention.”

Sadie was brought into the school so the students could meet her and they could take her measurements.

“She loves the kids. She seeks the attention,” Schoenecker said. “When she goes in the school, she is in heaven and the kids are so good to her.”

After lots of hard work, students created prototypes of assistive technology for Sadie. They tested them out on Sadie, which allowed the students to understand where their creations were working and where they weren’t.

“It’s really neat to see how inspired they are, and how creative they get,” Schoenecker said. “From a personal perspective, I’m very excited. I’m hoping Sadie gets relief.”

The classes are still working on their final products and we are so excited to see how they turn out for Sadie!