Skip to content
  • Happy Health
  • Happy Mindset
  • Animal Wonders
  • About Us
    • Team
  • Subscribe
Menu
  • Happy Health
  • Happy Mindset
  • Animal Wonders
  • About Us
    • Team
  • Subscribe
Happy News

Meet Popcorn, The Pomeranian With A 3D-Printed Brain Shield

When 8-year-old Pomeranian Popcorn Bester was viciously attacked by another dog, the damage was catastrophic: her skull shattered into more than three pieces with bone fragments pressing dangerously against her brain, leaving her weak, off-balance, and at risk of seizures. Dr. Shannon van Rooyen at the University of Pretoria’s Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital knew traditional surgery wouldn’t be enough for this complex case, so she turned to cutting-edge technology to save the tiny dog’s life. Using advanced imaging, the surgical team created a perfect 3D model of Popcorn’s skull and designed a custom titanium plate that would fit her exactly like a protective helmet for her brain.

In May, Dr. van Rooyen and Dr. Adriaan Kitshoff performed the delicate surgery, carefully removing the damaged bone fragments to relieve pressure on Popcorn’s brain before placing the titanium plate to reconstruct her skull and shield it from future trauma. The little Pomeranian spent considerable time in the ICU receiving round-the-clock care from clinicians and veterinary students, slowly regaining her strength day by day. When she was finally strong enough to be discharged, Dr. van Rooyen threw her a graduation ceremony complete with a certificate honoring “little four-legged warrior’s champion strength.” Over four months later, Popcorn is completely back to her old self, eating, playing, and enjoying life with a titanium-reinforced skull that proves modern veterinary medicine can work miracles.

PrevPreviousCapybara and Howler Monkey Friendship Defies All Odds
NextLost Cat Was Living HOW CLOSE The Entire Time?!Next

Recent Articles

Happy News

Bill Nye Will Receive His Well Deserved Lifetime Achievement Award

February 8, 2026

Bill Nye the Science Guy is about to receive one of the highest honors in children’s television when the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences presents him with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 4th Annual Children’s and Family Emmy Awards on March 1 at Jazz at Lincoln Center

Read More
Happy News

Taylor Swift’s Kitchen Skills Were Unexpected

February 8, 2026

Taylor Swift has become a beloved member of the Kelce family not just through her relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce but also through her impressive skills in the kitchen, particularly her baking abilities that have won over the entire clan including Chiefs teammates. On her podcast Not Gonna Lie,

Read More
Happy News

Will and Jada Smith Support Their Son During Fashion Week Debut

February 8, 2026

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith proudly supported their son Jaden at his debut appearance as Christian Louboutin’s first men’s creative director during Paris Fashion Week, and they reportedly looked to be in great spirits despite living separately since 2016. The couple’s outing marked the first time they had been

Read More
« Previous Next »
  • Privacy Notice
  • Accessibility Notice
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Unsubscribe
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Notice
  • Accessibility Notice
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Unsubscribe
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2026 HappyNews.