A letter from Valley Catholic Middle School Principal Dr. Jennifer Gfroerer

This visit marked the first of several opportunities for students to engage directly with real-world design challenges. Students met three dachshunds, each with unique needs:

• Maple, a puppy born without back legs, who moves using a specialized drag bag
  
• Hank, who confidently navigates the world using a cart-style wheelchair
  
• Lucy, who is actively rebuilding strength in her back legs through rehabilitation

During the visit, students took on the role of engineers and researchers. They carefully documented each dog’s physical characteristics, including weight, body dimensions, and limb functionality, while also observing how each dog moved (limping, hopping, scooting) and noting important details about personality and behavior. This hands-on data collection serves as the foundation for their design process.

Building on this experience, students participated in a live virtual workshop on October 2 with Derrick Campana, founder of Bionic Pets and the prosthetics specialist featured on The Wizard of Paws. A global leader in animal orthotics and prosthetics, Campana has helped tens of thousands of animals regain mobility, from dachshunds to elephants. His insight gave students a real-world lens into how innovation and compassion intersect in this field.

From there, student ideas moved through a professional design pipeline: initial sketches evolved into digital renderings, which were translated into CAD-style blueprints and ultimately built into full-scale working prototypes, primarily using recycled materials. As the project progressed, students collaborated in structured teams, tested and refined their designs, and prepared to present their solutions in a professional, real-world format.

Culmination and Invitation

The Dog Mobility Project will culminate in two exciting events that showcase both the engineering process and the impact of student work:

April 8 – Judging Round
Student teams presented their mobility devices in a formal judging session, where their designs were evaluated for functionality, innovation, durability, and thoughtful response to each dog’s unique needs. This milestone represents the transition from concept to viable solution. 

April 15 – Final Showcase (11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)
The entire eighth-grade class will present their completed projects in a public showcase celebrating creativity, collaboration, and compassion in action. This event highlights not only the final products but the full journey, from empathy-driven problem identification to engineering-based solutions.

We warmly invite members of our community to join us for the Final Showcase event. Whether serving as a judge, offering feedback, or simply attending in support of our students, your presence helps affirm the importance of authentic, purpose-driven learning.

The Dog Mobility Project represents more than a STEM initiative; it is a powerful example of what happens when students are given the opportunity to solve real problems for real communities. Through this work, they are developing not only technical skills but also empathy, leadership, and a deep understanding that their ideas can make a meaningful difference.

We are incredibly grateful to Portland Dachshund Rescue for their partnership and for helping bring this experience to life for our students.

Does this sound like meaningful STEM education in action?
We invite you to share our story with friends and neighbors. Valley Catholic Middle School is currently accepting applications for the 2026–27 school year.

Dr. Jennifer Gfroerer