Giving Dogs Their Freedom Back: The Story Behind Pawionic

By Dr. Aldi Mehmeti

When a dog loses its ability to walk or move freely, it can be devastating — not just for the animal, but for everyone who loves them. Watching a once-playful friend struggle with pain or immobility can leave owners feeling helpless.

For Dr. Aldi Mehmeti, founder of Pawionic, that feeling was all too familiar. As a child, he had his own traumatic experience with his own dog.  Speaking with other dog owners he heard them sharing “So many of the supports or braces we tried didn’t fit properly or caused discomfort,” he recalls. “It made me wonder — why can’t animals have the same level of care as humans when it comes to mobility? the technology is there”

That early experience stayed with him. Years later, after completing a PhD in advanced manufacturing and engineering, Dr. Mehmeti decided to bring his technical expertise to the world of veterinary care.

From Engineering to Empathy

Founded in Birmingham in 2023, Pawionic was born from a simple but powerful belief: every animal deserves the chance to move comfortably and live without pain. The company designs and produces custom orthotics and prosthetic devices that help dogs regain their mobility after injury, illness, or surgery.

Each piece is made to fit the individual animal perfectly. Using detailed body scans and digital design tools, the Pawionic team creates braces and prosthetics that are lightweight, breathable, and shaped to the patient’s exact anatomy.

But for Dr. Mehmeti, the work isn’t just about technology. “We collaborate closely with veterinarians and orthopaedic specialists to make sure what we build actually helps animals heal faster and live better,” he explains. “It’s science, but it’s also compassion in action.”

Sky’s Story

One of Pawionic’s most memorable patients is Sky, a twelve-year-old German Shepherd who had developed severe arthritis in her elbow. Over time, the constant pressure caused a painful condition called pressure necrosis — a wound that refused to heal.

Her owners were told that little could be done. When contacted from the team at Blaise Referral Hospital, Pawionic created a fully articulated custom brace to support Sky’s elbow. It allowed her to move gently while taking the pressure off the damaged area.

Within a few weeks, the change was extraordinary. Sky’s wounds closed, her strength returned, and she was soon back walking comfortably and even playing again.

Stories like Sky’s, Dr. Mehmeti says, are what keep the team motivated. “When we see a dog take those first confident steps again, it reminds us why we do this. It’s not about the brace itself — it’s about giving them back their joy.”

Changing How We Think About Animal Mobility

In veterinary medicine, conversations about mobility support are still relatively new. Many owners and even professionals assume surgery or medication are the only options when a dog struggles to walk.

Dr. Mehmeti hopes to change that. He and his team are working with vets, rescue centres, and rehabilitation specialists to raise awareness about orthotic and prosthetic care for animals. “We want people to know that there are alternatives,” he says. “A mobility device can often mean the difference between a life of pain and a life of comfort.”

For many pets, these devices not only help with recovery but also prevent further injuries and improve overall wellbeing. They can restore balance, reduce strain on other joints, and make everyday movement from standing to playing  more natural again.

Looking Ahead

As Pawionic continues to grow, the team is exploring new innovations, including an implant designed to support dogs with carpal (wrist) problems  a common and painful condition. It’s part of Dr. Mehmeti’s wider vision to bridge the gap between human and veterinary healthcare, ensuring animals receive the same level of precision, safety, and care.

But at the heart of everything remains a simple truth: technology means nothing without empathy.

“For me,” he says, “it’s about seeing that spark come back into a dog’s eyes — that moment when they can run, play, or simply walk beside their owner again. That’s when you know you’ve made a difference.”

Rebuilding Joy, One Paw at a Time

Every animal Pawionic helps is a reminder that compassion and innovation can go hand in hand. Whether it’s an elderly dog like Sky or a young rescue recovering from injury, each story begins with the same hope  that with the right support, no dog should ever have to live in pain.

Because sometimes, the greatest breakthroughs aren’t found in a lab — they happen when a dog takes its first step toward freedom again.

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Explore more stories about canine wellbeing, science, and innovation. Visit the Paws the Word blog.