Giving Dogs Their Freedom Back: The Story Behind Pawionic

When Movement Becomes a Memory

When a dog loses its ability to walk or move freely, it can be devastating not only for the animal but also for everyone who loves it. 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 experienced the heartbreak of watching his own dog lose its mobility. Later, speaking with other owners, he realised the problem was widespread.

“So many of the supports or braces we tried didn’t fit properly or caused discomfort,” he recalls. “It made me wonder why canimals can’t have the same level of care as humans when it comes to mobility? The technology is there.”

That early experience never left him. Years later, after earning a PhD in advanced manufacturing and engineering, Dr Mehmeti decided to use his technical expertise to transform 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 orthotic and prosthetic devices to help dogs regain mobility after injury, illness, or surgery. Each device is made to fit the individual animal perfectly, using detailed body scans and digital design tools to ensure a lightweight, breathable fit tailored to their exact anatomy.

“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, constant pressure caused a painful wound known as pressure necrosis, and it refused to heal.

Her owners were told that little could be done. Then, working alongside the team at Blaise Referral Hospital, Pawionic created a fully articulated custom brace to support Sky’s elbow. It relieved pressure on the damaged joint while allowing her to move gently.

Within just a few weeks, the transformation was extraordinary. Sky’s wounds began to close, her strength returned, and soon she was walking comfortably, even playing again.

“When we see a dog retake those first confident steps, it reminds us why we do this,” says Dr Mehmeti. “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 some professionals, assume that surgery or medication is the only solution when a dog struggles to walk.

Dr Mehmeti hopes to shift that perception. Pawionic now works 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 dogs, these devices don’t just aid recovery; they help prevent future injuries and improve overall wellbeing. They can restore balance, reduce strain on other joints, and make everyday movement from standing to playing feel natural again.

Looking Ahead

As Pawionic continues to grow, the team is exploring innovations, including an implant designed to support dogs with carpal (wrist) problems —a common, often painful condition.

It’s part of Dr Mehmeti’s broader vision: to bridge the gap between human and veterinary healthcare, ensuring animals receive the same level of precision, safety, and care.

Yet 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 work 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 proper support, no dog should ever have to live in pain.

Because sometimes, the most significant breakthroughs aren’t found in a lab.

They happen when a dog takes its first step toward freedom again.

By Dr. Aldi Mehmeti

If you’d like to learn more about the latest veterinary advances in mobility and wellbeing, subscribe to Edition Dog Magazine or visit us at Edition Dog Live, where innovation meets compassion.