We’ve all heard of the Six Million Dollar Man and the Bionic Woman. Now behold Naki’o, the first-ever “bionic man’s best friend.”

Incredible Features

This amazing pooch was recently fitted with four prosthetic legs that allow him to run, jump and even swim like a regular dog. Martin Kaufmann, founder of Orthopets, designed and fitted Naki’o’s four legs as a first-of-its kind solution to the pup’s severe disability. The Denver-based company brings animals the same kinds of orthotic devices that are used by humans.

Abandoned by a family fleeing their foreclosed home last year, Naki’o and his red heeler littermates barely survived the harsh Nebraskan winter. In his weakened state, Naki’o stepped into an icy puddle in the basement and got stuck in the freezing water.

The 5-week-old puppies were eventually rescued and taken to an animal rescue center. But Naki’o lost his paws and the tip of his tail to frostbite. Under the shelter’s care, his paws healed to rounded stumps, but he was left unable to walk.

According to a story from Incredible Features, veterinary technician Christie Tomlinson was on the lookout for a playmate for her Jack Russell terrier mix Poki when she discovered the energetic and charming Naki’o. He was then crawling along on his belly to get around.

Tomlinson organized a fundraiser to pay for Naki’o to have his two back legs fitted with prosthetics. She raised $1300. He adapted so quickly and enthusiastically that Orthopets offered to fit his front legs for free. (One prosthetic can cost anywhere form $1,000 to $3,000; Naki’o’s procedure cost $4,500.) This marked the first time the company had provided an animal with a complete set of new legs.

The prosthetics are built to mimic the muscle and bone of dog limbs, allowing them to do everything a normal dog would do. After just a few days Naki’o was running and jumping and enjoying his new-found mobility. In recent years, veterinarian medicine advancements have included not just braces and prosthetics, but also implants — metal rods fused to the animals’ own bone and then attached to an artificial paw. Just a few weeks ago, a Siberian husky named Zeus got the first front leg implant at North Carolina State University’s veterinary school.

Tomlinson told Incredible Features, “Naki’o can now not only chase after a ball with other dogs, but he can beat them to the catch!”

Watch Naki’o play in his new paws:

Orthopets’ Facebook page shows photos of other injured pets that have received prosthetic limbs and wheelchair-like devices to help them walk again. Company founder Martin Kaufmann told ABC News, “They have a real willingness to thrive.”

Check out the ABC News segment about Naki’o here:

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