Dachshund Puppy Who Lost Her Legs Tries Out New Wheelchair And We Can't Handle It
Dogs can be born without limbs or lose them later in life, just like humans can. In either case, they can live long, happy, healthy lives, thanks to carts (wheelchairs), prosthetics, and other mobility devices. Meet Matilda, a mini, one-legged dachshund rescued by the Cleft Rescue Unit (CRU) in Rochester, New York. This precious pup lost her legs shortly after she was born in early September 2025, so CRU shared a request on social media for assistance in creating a 3D cart for her. Within a few days, they received a response, and by October 8, 2025, Matilda tried it for the first time.
@crurescue Matilda cart day 1! A bit too small for it still but she will grow into it!
CRU shared the video on Instagram and TikTok. "Tillie is a bit small for her cart and we have some tweaking to do, but she will get there," the Instagram caption reads. In response to CRU's request, the rescue organization received a file for a cart that they 3D printed. However, the file was designed for Turbo Roo, the famous Chihuahua born with two legs. Because his legs are longer than Matilda's, the cart wasn't quite the right size for her. The wheels were a bit too high, so unfortunately, it didn't help Matilda move around independently like her rescuers hoped it would.
Unlike Turbo Roo, Matilda was born with all four of her legs. However, her mother experienced such intense distress after giving birth and spending most of her life in a puppy mill cage that she tragically started chewing them off. Thanks to CRU's intervention, she was able to have two surgeries, leaving her with one whole leg and one half leg.
How Matilda is doing today
Despite being unable to independently use her first set of wheels, Matilda is adjusting well to her condition. She likely doesn't even realize that she's different. She's learned how to scoot and hobble to get around and can even hop on her leg. Nothing stops her from loving her favorite toys or even jumping up and rolling on Walter, another special needs puppy in CRU's care. She also hasn't had any issues with chewing on treats, even though she has no front paws to hold them.
On November 4, Matilda met with the Penfield Robotics Team to get measured for a new customized cart to match her current size. CRU and all her social media fans are eagerly awaiting the arrival, with hopes that it will be the perfect fit to help her get around more efficiently and comfortably. She's also now making appearances at events in her Rochester, New York, community, including at yoga studios and floral shops.
The next step for Matilda will be placement in a foster home as she awaits adoption. With all the love she's already received, she probably won't have to wait long to find her furever home. If you're interested in adopting a dog without all of its limbs, it's important to know what to expect when adopting a three-legged dog, two-legged dog, or one-legged dog like Matilda. Although there will be some challenges, dogs like Matilda can still make wonderful, loving companions with a good quality of life. Interested in more mini dachshund stories? Check out this miniature dachshund proudly showing off his fall sweater.