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The Wizard of Paws - Frida (S2E5)
After a tragic accident in Thailand, a dog named Frida learns how to walk with her new leg braces.
| Runtime (min) | 25 |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 2021-05-26 |
| Genres | Documentary, Reality, Family |
| Network(s) | BYU Television |
Storyline
In this episode of The Wizard of Paws, viewers meet Frida, a dog who has suffered a life-altering accident in Thailand that has left her unable to walk on her own. Derrick Campana, the show's orthotic and prosthetic expert, travels to meet Frida and assess her unique mobility challenges. After carefully evaluating her condition and taking precise measurements, Derrick designs and fabricates custom leg braces tailored specifically to Frida's needs, aiming to restore her ability to move independently and enjoy a better quality of life.
The episode documents Frida's journey as she is fitted with her new braces and begins the process of learning to walk again. Through patience, encouragement, and gradual practice, Frida takes her first tentative steps with her new mobility aids. The episode highlights the bond between Frida and her caregivers, the technical skill required to create effective animal orthotics, and the emotional moment when Frida begins to regain her independence and confidence.
What kids learn
Children watching this episode can learn about resilience and the power of perseverance in the face of physical challenges. Frida's story demonstrates that setbacks and injuries do not have to define an individual's future, and that with the right support and adaptive tools, animals and people alike can overcome significant obstacles. Kids see firsthand how patience and determination are essential when learning new skills, especially after a traumatic event.
The episode also introduces children to the field of animal prosthetics and orthotics, showing how science, engineering, and compassion come together to improve lives. Young viewers gain an understanding of how custom-made devices are designed and fitted, and they learn that helping animals in need often requires creativity, problem-solving, and specialized knowledge. This can inspire interest in veterinary medicine, biomedical engineering, or animal welfare careers.
Additionally, the episode fosters empathy and kindness toward animals who have experienced trauma or disability. Children learn that all animals deserve care, dignity, and the chance to live fulfilling lives, regardless of their physical limitations. Frida's journey encourages kids to think about how they can support and advocate for animals in their own communities.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does the episode show graphic details of Frida's accident or injuries? | The episode focuses on Frida's recovery and rehabilitation rather than dwelling on the traumatic accident itself. While the show acknowledges that Frida experienced a serious accident in Thailand, it does not display graphic imagery of the injury or the immediate aftermath. The emphasis is on the positive steps forward, including the design and fitting of her leg braces and her progress in learning to walk again, making it appropriate for sensitive viewers. |
| Will my child find this episode sad or upsetting? | While the premise involves a dog who has been injured, the overall tone of the episode is hopeful and uplifting. Children see Frida's challenges, but the focus is on her determination, the care she receives, and the joy of her progress. The episode celebrates small victories and ends on a positive note as Frida gains mobility and confidence. Most children will find the story inspiring rather than distressing, though very young or particularly sensitive kids may need reassurance. |
| What age is this episode appropriate for? | This episode is generally suitable for children ages five and up, particularly those who are interested in animals and feel-good stories. Younger children may need some context about why Frida needs help and what leg braces do, but the content is presented in a gentle, educational manner. Older children and tweens will appreciate the science and problem-solving involved in creating custom orthotics, as well as the emotional journey of recovery and adaptation. |
| Does the episode explain how the leg braces work? | Yes, the episode provides insight into the process of designing and fitting custom leg braces for animals. Viewers see Derrick Campana assess Frida's condition, take measurements, and create braces specifically suited to her needs. The show explains in accessible terms how the braces support Frida's legs and enable her to walk again. This educational component helps children understand the intersection of veterinary care, engineering, and compassion in a way that is engaging and age-appropriate. |
| What positive messages does this episode reinforce? | The episode emphasizes resilience, compassion, and the importance of never giving up on those in need. Children learn that physical challenges can be overcome with the right support, creativity, and determination. Frida's story also highlights the value of kindness toward animals and the difference that dedicated professionals can make in improving lives. These themes encourage empathy, problem-solving, and a positive outlook when facing difficulties, making it a meaningful viewing experience for families. |
Writing
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Directing
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| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Lightning is a pony with deformed hooves who struggles to live life to the fullest. He needs Derrick's help to get back on his feet and improve his health and quality of life. |
| 1 | 2 | Derrick helps Waddles the duck regain mobility. Derrick then creates prosthetics that will help Avery get back on all four paws. |
| 1 | 3 | Derrick helps two chihuahuas, Turbo Roo and Thor, get new sets of wheels to keep up with their loving family. |
| 1 | 4 | Derrick makes a special prosthetic for Ferdie, a goat who lost his back leg in an accident. |
| 1 | 5 | Derrick gets creative as he makes four new braces for Bert, a potbelly pig with a disorder that limits his walking abilities. |
| 1 | 6 | Derrick gives Pearl, a rescue bulldog, some pawsitive reinforcements. |
| 1 | 7 | Having no paws makes mobility difficult for Elsa the dog Derrick creates four prosthetics to help her walk with less struggle. |
| 1 | 8 | Gracie already tried a prosthetic that failed her. Derrick works even harder to help her find her footing again. |
| 1 | 9 | Derrick helps three barnyard animals find new life through specialized prosthetics. |
| 1 | 10 | Derrick travels to the Barnyard Bhutan Animal Rescue to build a prosthetic for a horse named Yusi. Yusi lost her leg in a car accident, and if Derrick can't help her, she may not survive. |
| 1 | 11 | Derrick is in Bhutan to build a new leg for Yusi, a special horse who lost her leg in a car accident. |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | Derrick Campana makes prostheses for Toto’s sensitive front legs. He personalizes them to match her owner, Jorja. |
| 2 | 2 | Derrick returns to see Lightning, the dwarf pony he helped in season one. He makes braces for another dwarf pony named Thunder and a mobility cart for a recently paralyzed dog named Lacey. |
| 2 | 3 | Derrick visits an animal sanctuary to help an Icelandic sheep named Aries and a cow named Lois. Aries gets a mobility cart and Lois gets braces for her front legs. |
| 2 | 4 | Derrick goes to Los Angeles and hears the story of Shadow and her owner, Jamie. Shadow gets a mobility cart and finds the freedom and independence she needs. |
| 2 | 5 | After a tragic accident in Thailand, a dog named Frida learns how to walk with her new leg braces. |
| 2 | 6 | A dog named Zoey gets a prosthetic leg just like her owner, Cindy. Zoey trains to be a therapy dog to encourage and comfort other amputees. |
| 2 | 7 | Trigger is in urgent need of a prosthetic leg so he can stay healthy and strong. Derrick visits Ziggy’s Refuge Farm Sanctuary to help out a pig named Hope. |
| 2 | 8 | Derrick travels all the way to Hawaii to help Magical Creatures Sanctuary with a sheep named Menina and a dog named Hank. Menina finds independence with her leg braces. |
| 2 | 9 | Derrick visits Aloha Animal Sanctuary and meets a sheep named Gaia. Gaia has overcome abuse and neglect, but she needs a prosthetic leg to keep up with her lamb, Felicio. |
| 2 | 10 | Derrick travels to Utah and makes a leg prosthesis for a goat named Hope. He mentors Hope’s owner, Gentry, throughout the prosthetic-making process. |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1 | Derrick travels to Mooresville, North Carolina to meet the Russell family and build a custom cart for their 11-month-old corgi, Boots, who was born with front limb deformities. Derrick and the Russell family are eager to see if Boots will accept. |
| 3 | 2 | A familiar face joins Derrick at the shop before he travels to San Diego, California to help a bouncy puppy named Teo. Derrick must come up with a new cart design so Teo’s owners, frontline workers Milton and Vannessa, can take him on beach trips. |
| 3 | 3 | Derrick travels to Long Beach, California to help the Wackerman-Nulty family and their new puppy, Colby. Colby was born with a front limb deformity called ectrodactyly. Derrick will try to make Colby a custom prosthetic to help get him on his feet. |
| 3 | 4 | Derrick helps out a dog named Rex who was born without his two front legs and needs a custom cart. Then he heads to Fort Worth, Texas to meet Penny who lost a leg in a traumatic car accident and without Derrick’s help may become paralyzed. |
| 3 | 5 | Derrick travels to a farm hidden amongst the lights of Las Vegas to help an alpaca who was born with front limb deformities. Debbie’s legs will continue to break down unless Derrick can build custom braces to stabilize and correct her legs. |
| 3 | 6 | Derrick and Henry travel to Texas to help neighbors Monica and Robert with a cow and a dog, both named Penelope. Penelope the cow needs a boot to graze freely, while Penelope the dog has severe nerve damage and can’t control her back legs. |
| 3 | 7 | Derrick helps a dog named Buddy Love, who has a front limb deformity and needs a cart to help him get around. Then Derrick heads to Minnesota to meet Marvel, who was born without her front paw and needs a prosthetic. |
| 3 | 8 | Derrick travels to Savannah, Georgia to help a war hero and his service dog, Gunner. After losing his front paw to cancer, Gunner has not been able to perform his duties as a service dog. Derrick builds a prosthetic limb that will get Gunner walking |
| 3 | 9 | Derrick helps Bella, an older dog battling cancer. Derrick builds her a cart to help her stay active during these rough cancer treatments. |
| 3 | 10 | Derrick travels to North Carolina to help John and Brittany and their rescue dog, Indy, who lost his front leg in a car accident. When Derrick discovers Indy’s shoulder is severely underdeveloped and not suited for a prosthetic, he refuses to give up |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 1 | Derrick heads to Colorado to build a custom prosthetic for Wesley, a two-year-old rescue dog born with a front limb deformity. Derrick hopes a new leg will help Wesley keep up with his adventurous family for years to come. |
| 4 | 2 | Derrick travels to Glendale, Kentucky to help out a cuddly raccoon named Boone, who needs a custom cart so he can freely move around his home at an animal sanctuary. |
| 4 | 3 | Derrick visits a family in New Jersey to help two rescues: Angus, a cat with multiple amputations; and Lux, a dog who lost his front leg. Derrick's devices will help Lux and Angus keep up with their family. |
| 4 | 4 | Derrick gives a dog named Watson the chance to walk with a full limb prosthesis. Derrick then heads to Connecticut to help Peaches the goat with a custom cart. |
| 4 | 5 | In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Derrick meets the Hicks family and builds a custom prosthesis for their dog, Millie, who was born with a front limb deformity. |
| 4 | 6 | Derrick visits California to help a sheep named Timmy and his goat friend, Poppy. Timmy and Poppy share a stall and also share front leg mobility issues. |
| 4 | 7 | Derrick helps a pup named Rosie who is missing a paw and needs a custom prosthetic. Then, Derrick travels to Los Angeles to meet a chihuahua named Roo, who was born with two legs and needs a custom cart to help her keep up with her best friend, Chase. |
| 4 | 8 | Derrick travels to Sheridan, Illinois to help a camel named Moe. Due to his collapsed legs, Moe has been confined to his stall for four years and unable to go outside. For the first time, Derrick builds a set of braces for a 1500 pound camel. |
| 4 | 9 | Derrick helps a big dog named Bently with his back leg issues; Derrick then heads to Florida to help Ujwala and her foster dog Kala. Kala is a rescue from the streets of India who must learn to trust Derrick and the new prothesis. |
| 4 | 10 | Derrick and his wife, Kelly, travel to Thailand to visit Elephant Nature Park to help Mae Mai, an elephant with a painful dislocated knee. Derrick also helps a young bull elephant named Khun Dej and a bull named Mr. Cow. |
| 4 | 11 | Derrick and his wife, Kelly, travel to Thailand to visit Elephant Nature Park to help Mae Mai, an elephant with a painful dislocated knee. Derrick also helps a young bull elephant named Khun Dej who has an injured foot. |
| 4 | 12 | Derrick and his wife, Kelly, travel to Thailand to visit Elephant Nature Park to help Mae Mai, an elephant with a painful dislocated knee. Derrick also helps a young bull elephant named Khun Dej who has an injured foot. |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 1 | In Raleigh, North Carolina, host Derrick Campana helps Kaitlyn surprise her sister Kamryn by creating a full-limb prosthetic for Kamryn’s dog Amiri after he lost his leg in a golf cart accident. |
| 5 | 2 | Host Derrick Campana travels to California to meet Martin and Jesse Kove, stars of the “Cobra Kai” franchise, and help create a prosthetic limb for their 3-legged dog, Bubba. |
| 5 | 3 | Derrick travels to an animal sanctuary in Renton, Washington to build a brace for Amelia, a cow born with leg deformities. Derrick hopes that building Amelia a prosthetic leg will lengthen her life. |
| 5 | 4 | Derrick travels to Ontario, Canada to meet best friends Winnie, a two-year-old dog, and Chip, a six-month-old sheep. Derrick builds them both a custom cart that will allow them to explore the farm together. |
| 5 | 5 | In Deltona, Florida, Derrick brings hope to a mother and daughter as he crafts a custom cart for their potbelly pig named Valentine. |
| 5 | 6 | In Austin, Texas, Derrick faces his greatest challenge yet as he creates a custom lift to offer quadriplegic cow Champion a new sense of mobility. |
| 5 | 7 | Host Derrick Campana travels to Louisville, Kentucky to create prosthetic legs for Hanabi, a pit bull terrier born without front paws. |
| 5 | 8 | Derrick Travels to California to meet Story, a puppy found with a missing paw. her tender stump makes walking painful and puts pressure on her other limbs. Derrick hopes that a custom prosthetic will give her story a happy ending. |
| 5 | 9 | Derrick revisits Chicago, Illinois to meet a 10-year old dog named Birdie, who has never walked with four legs. He's challenged with building a full limb prosthesis that Birdie will accept and use to prevent further injury to her front leg. |
| 5 | 10 | Derrick travels to LA to host a pop-up workshop for animals in need. This proves to be one of the biggest challenges yet in Derrick's career as he builds more prosthetics in three days than he ever has before. |
| 5 | 11 | Derrick races to finish building 13 unique devices in three days at his pop-up workshop in LA, leading to the single biggest night of his career at The Frida Project fundraiser where each dog he helped walks down the red carpet. |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 1 | At the Juniper Wildlife Refuge, Derrick helps Jessika Coker's fantastic fox named Fig. This internet-famous fox was born with a deformed leg, and his good leg has collapsed. If Fig doesn't get help soon, he'll become immobile. |
| 6 | 2 | Derrick helps a family who struggled during COVID. The family's corgi, Ollie, was born with a deformed limb. Before building the young dog's prosthetic, Derrick has a special surprise for Ollie that involves getting wet. |
| 6 | 3 | Derrick meets his match with Agatha, a sassy two-legged goat. He builds Agatha a custom cart to take her from a handstand position back to something more comfortable. Derrick also helps a three legged cow named Mateo from Broken Shovels Farm Sanctuary. |
| 6 | 4 | Derrick helps Ivy, a miniature cow who was born with limb deformities in her front legs. Derrick builds two devices for Ivy: a brace and a lift. Both will hopefully help level out Ivy's shoulders and improve her mobility around the pasture. |
| 6 | 5 | Layka, the first dog to receive the Purple Heart since WWII, lost her leg while on a mission in Afghanistan. Upon returning to the US she was adopted by her handler, Julian. Now, years later, Derrick arrives to help regain some of Layka's mobility. |
| 6 | 6 | At the Lazy J Rescue Ranch in Humboldt, Iowa, Derrick helps a miniature zebu cow named Loretta regain mobility after an accident caused permanent damage to one of her front legs. Derrick also builds a prosthetic for a Doberman Pinscher named Holly. |
| 6 | 7 | In New York City, Derrick helps Lenny, an energetic eight year old dog with three legs. Lenny's family, Cassidy and Scott, notice he's not the dog he used to be. Derrick hopes a custom made full limb prosthetic will give Lenny a new lease on life. |
| 6 | 8 | Jojo Tidd was born without his left arm, and his Labrador puppy, Buddy, has a similar condition. Derrick builds a prosthetic for Buddy. The Tidds family shares its feelings about Lucky Fin, an organization that celebrates limb differences. |
| 6 | 9 | Derrick is in Honduras to assist Karen, Tonya, and Jimmy in finding homes for 200 dogs before their shelter closes. He works on mobility devices and posts about the animals on social media to help get as many dogs adopted as possible. |
| 6 | 10 | Derrick's family joins him in Honduras, where he is building mobility devices for several dogs, as well as using his social media presence to raise awareness for the 200 special needs animals searching for homes before the shelter closes. |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 1 | Derrick goes to Kentucky to help Chance, a tripod therapy dog who helps patients at Shriners Hospital for Children. Chance is big and his joints are wearing down. Derrick has to bring all his skills to bear to keep Chance in good form for the future. |
| 7 | 2 | Derrick visits Aimee's Animal Sanctuary to help two disabled goats, Scooter, born paralyzed and Bella, missing a leg; with help from Amy and volunteer Collette, he hopes to get them out playing and grazing with the herd, finally free to roam together. |
| 7 | 3 | Derrick visits Minnesota to help Buddy, a thirteen-year-old tripod Chihuahua; Buddy's parents are first responders who depend on his unconditional love to help them manage stress; Buddy's lost a leg and they're hoping Derrick can help. |
| 7 | 4 | Derrick travels to Houston to help Sydney with her dog, Saint, a red toy poodle missing a back paw; he meets Sydney's cousin Tracey, who has a dog named Joy with a partial front paw; Derrick steps in to assist both dogs. |
| 7 | 5 | Derrick travels to PA, to Indraloka Sanctuary to meet Loni, a three-legged lamb who needs urgent help; as Loni grows, he risks losing mobility; Derrick steps in to help give Loni the freedom he needs and support the sanctuary's mission of compassion. |
| 7 | 6 | Derrick Campana travels globally to build custom prosthetics for animals, giving them a second chance at life. His work not only restores mobility to pets but also brings hope and healing to their families. |
| 7 | 7 | On Derrick's final stop in Australia he visits the Hobby Farm for an emu called Buster; Buster was rescued by Josh, Amber and their daughter Ashlee after his feet were burnt in a fire; Derrick's excited to build his first ever pair of emu shoes. |
| 7 | 8 | Derrick visits Freedom Hill Sanctuary in South Australia to help care for rescued animals. He assists Atticus Finch, a cow getting a prosthetic leg, and Colette, a sheep recovering from a bite wound with a new brace. |
| 7 | 9 | Derrick travels to Bangalore, India, to help Vasi, a three-legged wild sloth bear that was rescued by a wildlife organization; they hope that Derrick can improve Vasi's quality of life, but this will be Derrick's first time working on a wild bear. |
| 7 | 10 | Derrick is in India to help Frodo, a horse who lost the use of one leg; rescued by Zoha at the Backwater Animal Sanctuary, Frodo now faces a critical moment, without a new prosthetic, he may become completely immobile. |
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