Outpouring of support gives Rottweiler who lost paws to frostbite the gift of being a dog

In this April 2, 2015 photo, dog owner Laura Aquilina strolls with her two year old Rottweiler Brutus, who was recently fitted with prosthetics on all four paws, and is currently learning to use them, near Aquilina's home in Loveland, Colo. Brutus lost all four paws to frostbite as a puppy while under care of a breeder, and Aquilina began caring for him about a year ago. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley) (The Associated Press)

In this April 2, 2015 photo, two year old Rottweiler Brutus, who was recently fitted with prosthetics on all four paws, and is currently learning to use them, sits on the couch at his owner's home in Loveland, Colo. Brutus lost all four paws to frostbite as a puppy while under care of a breeder, and Aquilina began caring for him about a year ago. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley) (The Associated Press)

In this April 2, 2015 photo, two year old Rottweiler Brutus, who was recently fitted with prosthetics on all four paws, and is currently learning to use them, smells a tree while out for a walk near his owner's home in Loveland, Colo. Brutus lost all four paws to frostbite as a puppy while under care of a breeder, and Aquilina began caring for him about a year ago. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley) (The Associated Press)

A 2-year-old Rottweiler who lost his paws when he was left out in the freezing cold as a puppy is learning to walk on prosthetics for all four legs.

Brutus received the prosthetics through the donations of hundreds of people. New owner Laura Aquilina of Loveland says the ultimate goal is to give Brutus the gift of being a dog.

Felix Deurr, an orthopedics professor at Colorado State University who focuses on small animals, says such prosthetics have been developed only in the past 15 years. A study on their effectiveness is due out later this year.

A good Samaritan noticed Brutus' injuries when he was offered for adoption in a store parking lot in Canon City. A breeder amputated Brutus' paws after they were frostbitten. The breeder could not be contacted.