Three Legs, One Huge Heart: Meet Zelna and Igor
A three-legged working dog is proving that champions aren’t made by how many legs they stand on. Belgian Malinois Igor, a South African Breed Champion and decorated K9 competitor, lost a leg to amputation after a nine-month fight to save it and came back stronger than ever. Alongside his handler Zelna Truter, he’s now in his second season competing in obedience, detection and send-away events across South Africa.
At seven years old, Belgian Malinois Igor has already achieved more than most dogs could dream of. He’s a decorated working dog, a South African Breed Champion, a much-loved teammate, and these days, he does it all on just three legs.
Igor, turn eight on 30 September, competes alongside his devoted owner and handler, Zelna Truter. Together, they are proof that sometimes being a champion has less to do with the medals you win and more to do with what you do when life knocks you down.
Before a devastating injury changed their lives, Igor had built an impressive career in dog sport. He achieved Tracker Dog 1 and 2 Excellent, Police Dog Excellent and Tracker Trials 3 Excellent, became a South African Breed Champion and received the KUSA Champion Working Dog Award in 2023.
Then everything changed. Igor lost the use of one of his legs. For nine months, Zelna fought to save it, taking him to doctors and trying every treatment she could. Through it all, Igor trusted her completely.
Eventually, however, his leg could not be saved and had to be amputated. But nobody told Igor that three legs were supposed to slow him down. Remarkably, Zelna and Igor are now competing together for their second year, with Igor taking part in obedience, detection and send-away events.
And watching him work is something quite extraordinary.
“He is absolutely amazing to watch,” says fellow teammate Sasha Wein. “When Igor gets onto that field, you almost forget that he only has three legs. He works with so much enthusiasm and determination. Watching the bond between him and Zelna and seeing everything they can still achieve together, is incredibly special.” Helping guide the team is experienced JMPD K9 instructor and award-winning dog handler Inspector Peter “Seppie” September.
“What Zelna and Igor have achieved together is remarkable,” says September. “Igor has tremendous heart and drive. He wants to work and he wants to please. You watch him out there and you realise that losing a leg never took away the working dog inside him.”
For Zelna, however, their journey has become about far more than competition.
“He went through hell the past couple of months and I was by his side every step of the way,” she says.
“He taught me not to give up, to be joyful and to appreciate every day that is given to you. Be grateful and make the best of what you have. Never give up.”
Despite everything he has been through, Igor has certainly not lost his personality. Zelna describes him as a pleaser, a clown and a dog with 100% work ethic. He loves chasing what Zelna calls “imaginary dragons” in the air, clapping his teeth as he tries to catch things apparently visible only to him. He thinks he is quite the macho man, knows exactly how to produce that look when he wants food from the table and his favourite treats are chicken necks and feet.
His favourite toys are his ball and tug. And if Igor had a theme song? It could only be “We Are the Champions.” “He is and will always be my Superman,” says Zelna.
Now Zelna and Igor are preparing alongside their teammates for another exciting season of competition.
Dogs and handlers compete across a range of disciplines, including Control Search, Scent Discrimination, Agility, Send Away, Obedience, Manwork and Detection events.
The National Championships will take place from 2–3 October 2026 at BCI Academy, near Krugersdorp and the Cradle of Humankind.
For Igor, Nationals will come just days after another milestone, his eighth birthday on 30 September.
And for anyone who sees him flying through an obedience exercise, racing out on a send-away or putting that extraordinary Malinois nose to work in detection, it is difficult not to be inspired.
Igor may have lost a leg. He certainly didn’t lose his heart.
And alongside Zelna, he is still doing exactly what a champion does: He keeps going.
Follow SAWDTA Dog Sport on Facebook and Instagram for competition and National Championship updates.
For more information, contact [email protected] or Peter September on +27 82 801 7541.
VETERINARY DISCLAIMER: This article is a profile piece celebrating a young handler and his dog. It is not intended as training advice. Always work with a qualified, fear-free trainer when developing your own dog’s skills.
FAQ Section
Q: Can a dog still compete in dog sport after a leg amputation? A: Yes. Many dogs adapt remarkably well to three legs, especially with a gradual, well-managed recovery. Working and sport dogs like Belgian Malinois Igor have gone on to compete in obedience, detection and agility disciplines after amputation, showing that mobility loss doesn’t have to end an active dog’s life or working career.
Q: How long does it take a dog to adjust to life on three legs? A: Most dogs adjust their gait within weeks to a few months, depending on age, fitness and which leg was removed. Front-leg amputees typically take longer to rebalance than back-leg amputees. Controlled exercise, physiotherapy and a gradual return to activity all support a smoother, more confident recovery.
Q: Is it harder for a dog to lose a front leg or a back leg? A: Front-leg amputations generally require more adaptation because dogs carry roughly 60% of their weight on their front legs. Rear-leg amputees often adjust faster. Either way, most three-legged dogs, sometimes called tripod dogs, regain strong, stable mobility with time, support and appropriate conditioning.
Q: Is it safe for a three-legged dog to do agility or obedience training? A: It can be, with a vet-guided, gradual return to fitness. Many tripod dogs safely return to obedience, agility, detection and other dog sport disciplines. Handlers usually start with lower-impact training, build strength slowly and watch for signs of overcompensation strain on the remaining limbs before increasing intensity.
Q: Where can I watch dog sport competitions in Gauteng? A: Watch the South African Working Trials Dog Association Nationals competition taking place 2-3 October at BCI Academy Kromdraai, Krugersdorp. Spectators are welcome and entrance is free. There will be food and drink on sale and just a fun day out for the whole family.
South African Working Trials Dog Association
The South African Working Trials Dog Association is committed to advancing the discipline of working trials through unwavering integrity, education and sportsmanship. We strive to build a community rooted in mutual respect, where handlers and dogs are guided by dedication, fairness and continuous growth. Our mission includes promoting responsible training practices and prioritizing the physical and emotional well-being of all dogs involved. Through excellence in competition and care, SAWTDA aims to strengthen the bond between handler and working dog while upholding the proud tradition of working trials in South Africa.