The day we filmed for Wizard of Paws
What an adventure!
When that email first landed in my inbox, I’ll be honest, I thought it was a scam.
A television show from America wanted to come all the way to Australia to fit my two-legged Cavoodle, Oscar, with a prosthetic leg. It sounded surreal. Too big. Too unlikely. But as the conversations unfolded, it quickly became clear this was something very real, and potentially life-changing.
Oscar has always been an extraordinary dog. Despite having only two legs, he runs like the wind, full of energy, joy, and determination. But as much as he thrives now, we’ve always been mindful of the long-term impact on his body. What would the future look like for him? Would his strength hold? Would his mobility decline?
We had already explored options, visiting SASH and another specialist hospital in Sydney to understand what might be possible for Oscar. So when this opportunity came along, it felt like everything was aligning. The chance for Oscar to not only receive a prosthetic but also to be part of something bigger—to help others see what’s possible—was incredibly exciting.
So, What is Wizard of Paws?
The show behind it all, Wizard of Paws, is known for its work in the United States, creating custom prosthetics and orthotics for animals in need. Led by Derek Campana, the team specialises in giving animals a second chance at mobility—whether that’s helping a dog walk again, restoring function after injury, or improving quality of life in ways many wouldn’t think possible. Their work is not only technical but deeply compassionate, combining innovation with genuine care for each animal they help.
After many Zoom calls and months of planning, things started to move quickly. The team began organising their trip to Australia and even reached out to find other animals who might benefit from their expertise. It was all becoming very real.
Then, on one hot, sun-drenched December day, we packed up and headed to Sydney to begin filming.
The days were long, and I mean really long. Filming took us all over, including beautiful Coogee, where Oscar got a little taste of city life between takes. There was a lot of walking, a lot of waiting, and a lot of repeating the same moments over and over again. It gave me a whole new appreciation for what goes into filming, I honestly don’t know how actors do it day in and day out. It’s exhausting.
But finally, after days of filming and about three days of careful crafting by Derek, the moment came.
Oscar was ready to receive his leg.
We chose an army print design, because, honestly, Ossy is the G.O.A.T. If any dog was going to wear a prosthetic like a badge of honour, it was him.
Fitting the leg wasn’t straightforward. Due to the shape of Oscar’s stumps, creating something that would fit comfortably and function properly was a real challenge. But Derek was incredible. With skill, patience, and a deep understanding of his craft, he managed to create a prosthetic that worked for Oscar.
Then came the first steps.
For such a brave, resilient little dog, Oscar was unsure. You could see it in him, this new attachment didn’t quite make sense yet. He hesitated. Paused. Tested it with a few tentative taps on the ground.
And then… slowly… he began to move.
Small steps at first. Careful. Curious. Learning.
It was a moment filled with hope, uncertainty, and quiet courage.
This was just the beginning of Oscar’s journey with his new leg – and we couldn’t wait to see where it would take him.
Stay tuned to see what Oscar really thinks of his new leg.