"When I saw Niblett's adorable little face, I knew we had to do everything we could to help."
When Niblett, a tiny Chihuahua, arrived at the Humane Educational Society (HES) just a few weeks ago, he immediately captured the hearts of the staff. Weighing in at just over 2 pounds, Niblett was far from the first Chihuahua to come through the shelter doors, but there was something about him that made him stand out from the rest.
In addition to his sweet and playful personality, Niblett was soon found to have a rare medical condition. Further testing revealed that he was suffering from hydrocephalus, a condition commonly known as “water on the brain,” which caused a soft spot on his skull that hadn’t fully closed. This made him extremely vulnerable to even minor injuries, putting his life in danger.
"As soon as it became evident that Niblett had hydrocephalus, we knew we had to protect him," said HES in a statement. “The condition made him highly susceptible to harm, so we immediately began brainstorming ways to safeguard his fragile skull."
It was a challenge, given Niblett's small size, but HES officer Leigh Stacy quickly came up with an idea.
“Officer Stacy suggested that Niblett needed a cap to protect his head,” HES shared.
Dr. Samantha Blair, another member of the HES team, agreed with the idea and reached out to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s College of Engineering and Computer Science for assistance. Dr. Trevor Elliot, an associate professor, and Connor Mackey, a recent graduate with extensive 3D printing experience, were immediately intrigued by Niblett's case.
"As soon as I saw Niblett's adorable face, I knew we had to help," Dr. Elliot said.
The team sprang into action, beginning with scanning Niblett’s skull to create an accurate 3D model. They collaborated with Volkswagen’s Justin Stephens to capture the precise measurements.
With the 3D scan complete, the team worked tirelessly to design the perfect protective cap. After several iterations, they finally created a football helmet-like design that fit Niblett perfectly.
“Once we had the right design, we 3D-printed a custom helmet for Niblett, and he took to it right away,” HES explained.
A few days later, Niblett tried on his new helmet for the first time. The fit was flawless, and he’s been wearing it consistently ever since. His caregivers have already noticed positive changes in his behavior and well-being.
“We’re confident that Niblett is in the best possible place to thrive, and we’re hopeful he’ll enjoy a long, happy life in a loving home,” said Sarah Callahan, HES' director of veterinary services.
Though Niblett is still looking for his forever home, he’s surrounded by love and care at the shelter. The staff are committed to giving him all the attention he needs while they wait for the right family to find him.
"Niblett's journey is a beautiful reminder of the incredible efforts that individuals and organizations will make to give animals in need a second chance," HES concluded. “It’s amazing to see how technology can help save a life.”
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