![](https://www.servicespace.org/images/dist/2023/10631/871x497.jpg)
Sadie, a three-legged Brittany whose leg was amputated a few years ago, has been struggling with daily walks as she gets older. Her owner, Nancy Schoenecker, a special education paraprofessional, was sharing Sadie’s problems with fellow teachers, when Matt Howe, who teaches engineering and design classes, decided to get his students to help Sadie walk. They presented “Project Saving Sadie” to 90 students in three elective classes. On Feb. 3, students tested their prototypes on Sadie and now will decide which three models have the most potential and refine them — with help from engineers from SMC, which manufactures medical devices. “What resonates with us is that there are teachers and educators that are creating projects that have purpose and meaning and give kids a learning experience,” said Eric Malmgren of SMC.
More: