Custom Prosthetic Limbs for Two Great Pyrenees
Bernie and Atticus are two Great Pyrenees who survived extreme cruelty, lost their front legs, and found their way to Dog Squad.
They are also half brothers.
This fundraiser is to help provide custom prosthetic limbs for both dogs—support that can make a critical difference in their long-term comfort, mobility, and quality of life.
Dog Squad will be working with 3DPets to obtain two custom front-leg prosthetics. These devices start at $1,500, but costs increase with size. Because Bernie and Atticus are giant-breed dogs, we are estimating $2,000 per prosthetic, bringing our total fundraising goal to $4,000.
Why Prosthetics Matter for Giant-Breed Forelimb Amputees
Dogs naturally carry about 60% of their body weight on their front end. When a dog loses a front leg, the remaining forelimb must compensate for that entire load. In large and giant breeds, that load can increase to as much as 77% of their body weight.
Over time, this imbalance can lead to:
• Chronic strain on the remaining front limb
• Altered posture and gait
• Increased stress on the neck, shoulders, spine, and hips
• Early-onset arthritis and secondary orthopedic injuries
Prosthetic limbs are not intended for constant, full-time wear. Instead, they are used during activity and play to help redistribute weight, protect the remaining limb, improve alignment, and reduce long-term wear on the body.
For giant-breed dogs like Bernie and Atticus, prosthetic support can mean the difference between simply getting by—and thriving.
Bernie’s Story
In February 2024, animal control officers responded to a call that would change Bernie’s life forever. He was found trapped in what officers documented as a bear-type trap, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. One of the bullets had shattered his humerus.
Due to the severity of his injuries, Bernie was taken to Greenville County Animal Care and placed on the euthanasia list.
Before that decision was carried out, Dog Squad stepped in and pulled Bernie into rescue.
Bernie underwent an extensive fracture repair surgery in an effort to save his leg. For a time, it appeared successful. Months later, Bernie began limping severely. Surgeons suspected soft tissue irritation around the metal implants and scheduled a procedure to remove the hardware.
Once Bernie was in surgery, the reality became clear.
The surgeon discovered a large hole in the bone that had never healed, along with fragments that would not fuse. Without the metal implants, the bone would not be able to support Bernie’s large body and would fracture again. The only humane option was amputation.
Bernie lost his front leg to save his life.
In October 2024, we officially adopted him.
Atticus’s Story
Just one year later, another case of extreme cruelty surfaced.
In October 2025, Atticus was surrendered to Greenville County Animal Care after his owner was charged. Investigators reported that Atticus’s paw had been intentionally cut off for unknown reasons and left without medical care.
Dog Squad immediately took custody of Atticus and rushed him to Fetch.
X-rays revealed a severe bone infection. There was no possibility of saving the limb. Like Bernie, Atticus underwent a forelimb amputation.
Two Brothers. One Future.
Once freed from chronic pain, both dogs transformed. They became happier, more energetic, and more confident.
When Atticus had fully healed, Dog Squad carefully introduced him to Bernie. Bernie is known to be dog-selective and typically wary of large male dogs. But when he met Atticus, his tail never stopped wagging. The two bonded immediately.
As part of Dog Squad’s standard protocol, all foster dogs receive DNA testing through Wisdom Panel. When Atticus’s results returned, they revealed something extraordinary:
Bernie and Atticus are half brothers.
Why We’re Asking for Help
Bernie and Atticus didn’t just survive—they overcame.
Now, our goal is to support them long-term by protecting their remaining limbs and giving their bodies the best chance at healthy alignment and mobility as they age.
If you’re able to donate or share this fundraiser, you are directly helping two giant-breed amputees take stronger, safer steps into their future—together.
Thank you for standing with them.
guidestar.org/profile/87-3968693