An Ohio woman, Marie Trainer, revealed that she lost all four of her limbs after her pet dog licked her. Shortly after returning from vacation, Trainer began feeling unwell with back pain and nausea, prompting her to take sick leave from work. As her temperature fluctuated, she was admitted to the emergency room on May 10, 2019.
The next day, Trainer was urgently transferred to Alliance Community Hospital as her condition worsened. She reported intense pain in her hands and legs and was placed on life support due to breathing difficulties. On May 13, doctors delivered the grim news that a severe infection affecting her blood vessels would require the amputation of her arms and legs to save her life.
According to her GoFundMe page, “A helicopter took Marie to Cleveland MICU on the evening of May 13,” and the following day, the family learned that amputation was necessary for her survival. To keep her closer to home, she was brought back to Aultman Hospital.
During her transport, doctors identified the infection as capnocytophaga canimorsus, a bacteria found in the saliva of cats and dogs. They believe the bacteria entered her system when her German Shepherd licked a wound on her hand after the vacation.
Five years on, Trainer now uses advanced myoelectric prosthetics. “It’s been tough,” she told Fox 8, describing how hard it was to learn to walk again, but added, “I’m doing well.” Dr. Ajay Seth, who performed the amputation, recalled how quickly her hands and feet turned black.
Her husband of 37 years, Matt, expressed amazement at her progress, saying, “Seeing her walk is incredible. We see hope and adjust to the new normal, which just requires more planning.” Dr. Seth praised her recovery, calling it “miraculous.”
Trainer’s GoFundMe campaign has raised nearly half of its $100,000 goal. She shared her deep appreciation, saying, “I’m overwhelmed by the support, even from people in other states. I don’t know how to thank them all.”