Monika Pavlović
BSc Orthotics and Prosthetics, MSc Kinesiology
Monika Pavlović
Monika holds a bachelor degreeA in Orthotics and Prosthetics and a master’s degree in Applied Kinesiology. She is currently completing her doctoral studies in applied kinesiology at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Slovenia. She works as an assistant at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana (UL), where she enjoys passing on her knowledge to students of orthotics and prosthetics. In May 2023, she received the award of the Faculty of Health Sciences UL for outstanding achievements in her professional work. In November 2023, her student Tamara Črnko received the Prešeren Prize of the Faculty of Health Sciences UL for the best final thesis in the study year 2022/23, which Monika co-mentored. The diploma thesis encompassed the making of the prosthesis for a dog with an amputation of the front limb, using 3D technology.
She got her first dog at the age of eight. Roni was a truly exceptional, loving golden retriever who unfortunately developed bone cancer in his hind paw at the age of two. At the time the possibility of prosthetic treatment was not available. Due to the necessary amputation and the associated health problems, he had to part from their family far too early (at the age of 3.5 years). The next four-legged friend was a Tibetan terrier mix – Mini. She shared her home with two cats and spent a wonderful 14 years.
After studying abroad (Finland and Austria) and moving to Ljubljana, Monika decided to get a dog again and in the summer of 2020, at the age of two months, an American Staffordshire Terrier puppy – Kaylee – came into her home. From the very beginning Kaylee was happy to lend a paw (or two) in making mobility aids.
When Monika and Aljaž met, they quickly realized that they share the same love for animals. They combined their knowledge and experience and started making custom mobility aids, first for dogs and soon after also for other animals. Monika’s greatest wish is to make people aware that animals with mobility impairments can also lead a happy life.
Aljaž Muršec
Veterinary Technician, BSc Orthotics and Prosthetics, BSc Nursing
Aljaž Muršec, vet. teh., dipl. ort. prot.
Aljaž was fascinated by animals from an early age on. During his childhood and youth, he had many pets at home and developed a great enthusiasm especially for exotic animals. In his teenage years, he also became interested in horses, mainly show jumping and dressage. After primary school, he continued his education at the Biotechnical secondary school, where he obtained the title of Veterinary Technician.
After graduating from secondary school, he continued his education at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana (UL), where he studied Orthotics and Prosthetics. During his studies, he took part in an international exchange programme at the Medipol University in Istanbul, where he also got the idea for his diploma thesis. His research included the frequency of amputations and prosthetic care in dogs in six European countries. In his diploma thesis at the Faculty of Health Sciences UL he collaborated with the Veterinary Faculty UL. It was during that time that the first canine prosthesis was developed in Slovenia. After completion of his undergraduate studies in orthotics and prosthetics, he obtained a degree in nursing at the Faculty of Health Sciences UL, and is currently completing his master’s degree.
With his versatile knowledge and experience, Aljaž enjoys helping people and animals.
Tamara Črnko
BSc Orthotics and Prosthetics
Tamara Črnko, dipl. ort. prot.
Tamara has been surrounded by animals since childhood, as she grew up on a farm. She also had several pets, including a rabbit and a dog. After finishing primary school, she continued her education at the Franc Miklošič Ljutomer secondary school. She then enrolled in the study programme of Orthotics and Prosthetics at the Faculty of Health Sciences UL. During her studies, she became interested in 3D technologies and bought her first 3D printer to expand her knowledge on 3D printing. In addition, she learned about 3D modelling in various CAD (computer-aided design) programmes, enabling her to master various design solutions. She deepened her knowledge and experience in 3D technologies during an international exchange at the Metropolia University in Helsinki, where she spent much of her free time in the 3D laboratory.
After the exchange programme abroad, she applied the newly acquired knowledge in her diploma thesis, which included Gricko – a young Doberman with a forelimb amputation – and made a 3D-printed prosthesis for him. Due to her innovative approach, her work was awarded with the Prešeren Prize of the Faculty of Health Sciences UL in the study year 2022/2023.
Tamara then completed an internship at the University Rehabilitation Institute, Republic of Slovenia – Soča. In her spare time, she enjoys using her knowledge, experience and creativity to design and print orthoses and prostheses for animals, implementing the newest technologically advanced solutions.
Kaylee, AmStaff
Photo model and product quality supervisor
Kaylee, AmStaff
Kaylee (pedigree Anaissa Kaylee the Queen) is an American Staffordshire Terrier, born on May 25, 2020, who entered Monika’s home as a puppy of two months. From an early age on, she has proved to be extremely intelligent and has a great will to cooperate. That’s why she and Monika have completed many courses (from puppy school to obedience and BBH test, and basic rally obedience, to detection and her favorite discipline – mantrailing). In addition to her accomplishments, she is a very curious, persistent and loving dog who likes the company of people and other dogs. She likes to go for walks, run alongside bike and enjoys paddleboarding.
Kaylee is also happy to be involved in the making of pet mobility aids as she lends a paw or two whenever needed. She acts both as a photo model and a product quality supervisor for new mobility aids.