Double amputee finds ‘kindred spirit’ in rescue dog with only two legs

A double amputee has struck up an incredible bond with a rescue dog who only has two legs himself.

Gill Dalley, 57, lost both her legs to a virulent infection in 2004, a year after she left her home in Leeds to enjoy her retirement in Phuket, Thailand, with husband John, 67.

The pair had set up a charity called Soi Dog to help the animals on the island and it was during a rescue that Gill waded through some water to reach the animal and contracted the infection.

Doctors were forced to amputate both legs as a result and she has had to get used to getting around on a pair of prosthetic limbs ever since.

In July this year, Gill heard of a dog called Cola, who had been brought to a vet in Bangkok by his owner after a neighbour cruelly hacked off both his legs with a sword in revenge for the ten-month-old puppy chewing his shoes.

Gill instantly knew what the dog, who had been given his own prosthetic legs, would be going through and decided to bring him back to her home.

She explained: “The moment I saw Cola, there was an instant bond between us.

“It was quite incredible, like nothing I’ve ever experienced before.

“It was as if we’d known each other all our lives yet we’d never met.

“I knew immediately that not only did I have to help him, but that I was in a unique position to be able to.

“I knew exactly what he was going through – I’d been through it myself.

“I could help him build up his strength, perfect his walking and take care of the sores the prostheses would inevitably create, like no one else could.

“In turn, he instantly trusted me in a way he didn’t trust any other person.

“He knew we were the same.”

Gill managed to get a fresh set of prosthetics made for Cola and the puppy, who is now 16 months old, can do everything that other dogs can do.

Gill added: “He has to be the happiest dog on this earth – he never stops smiling, he grins from ear to ear and never looks sad…

“People say Cola’s lucky to have found me, but I think it’s the other way around.

“I’ve just learned so much from him.”

Top pic: Soi Dog Foundation