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Mateo, a spirited rescue pup, is on a mission to show the world that dogs with prosthetics can live happy, adventurous lives. Every step he takes not only builds his confidence but also spreads awareness about the possibilities of animal prosthetic care.
Found Among Trash, but Full of Hope
Mateo’s story began in Greece, where he and his sister were found lying in a heap of trash near a highway. He was only a few weeks old and missing one of his paws. At first, rescuers believed the missing limb might have been a birth defect. However, upon closer inspection, they saw scars that revealed the paw had been surgically removed, but no one knew exactly what had happened.
To ensure Mateo received the proper treatment, rescuers arranged for him to be transported to Germany, where a more experienced foster could care for his unique needs. That’s where he met Veronica Pinscht.
A Foster Home Becomes Forever
Veronica, who already had two rescue dogs, Mojo and Rana, instantly felt a bond with Mateo. Despite the challenges of raising a dog with special needs, she didn’t hesitate.
“I was in love with him right from the start,” she shared with The Dodo. “[The challenge] was worth it to me.”
Mateo quickly settled in with his new siblings. Mojo and Rana had both overcome hardships of their own, which made their connection with Mateo immediate and strong. “They [have been] one heart and soul from day one,” Pinscht said. “As of today, the three are inseparable and protect each other.”
Learning to Walk—With a Little Help From His Brother
At six months old, Mateo was fitted with his first prosthetic leg. Veronica discovered that walking him on a leash was the most effective way to teach him how to use it properly. Mojo, ever the caring older brother, joined the training sessions. From the beginning, he insisted on walking beside Mateo each time they practiced.
To make it more engaging for Mojo, Veronica taught him to hold Mateo’s leash in his mouth. “This was a lot of fun for Mojo because he was integrated in the training,” she explained. “And Mateo had support from his little big brother.”
The setup not only created a strong sense of teamwork between the two dogs, but it also allowed Veronica to film Mateo’s progress from the front—a valuable tool in tracking his development.
A Life Full of Adventures and Advocacy
Since then, Mateo and Mojo have walked side by side countless times. Each session ends with a sweet hug from Mojo, reinforcing their deep bond. Along with Rana, the trio often travels with Veronica across Europe.
“Whether we’re in France, London, Italy or Portugal, the dogs are always with us,” Pinscht said. “They love to discover new places.”
Their journeys aren’t just for fun. With each trip, the family is spreading a powerful message about the possibilities of prosthetics for animals and the incredible potential of rescue dogs.
“It’s nice to show the world that a dog like Mateo has fun in life and that prostheses are possible for animals, too,” said Veronica. “And that rescue dogs rock!”
