3D Printed Head Hoop for a Blind Dog

Sienna is 18 years old. That's very elderly for a dog. She's blind, but still eager to move around. How did owner Chad Lalande prevent Sienna from bumping her head into things? He designed and 3D printed this hoop.

Yes, there are headhoops for blind dogs on the market. But they're far too big for the little Pomeranian and Sienna is intolerant of anything that mounts on her head. So Lalande designed one that fits Sienna's little size and rests on a harness. Gizmodo reports:

In his design, your pet’s head goes through the center hoop, which is surrounded by a larger hoop held in place by an arm that goes over the top. The rest of the device fits over the back of your pet and has three slots to slide harness straps through to attach it.

Sienna mostly approves, too:

The finished product successfully protects her from bumping into things while still allowing her to prance about as she pleases. The only downside is that it works a little too well—she can’t get to her food or water bowl with the safety hoop on, so it needs to be periodically taken off throughout the day, Lalande said. Oh, and the jury is still out as far as Sienna herself is concerned.

“Sienna is still getting used to wearing it, but she complains less about it now,” Lalande said. “She’s 18 years old so she may not be around much longer, but if I can make her more comfortable in the time she has, all the better.”