An urgent warning was issued after a woman tragically had all of her limbs amputated after she kissed her pet puppy after returning home from vacation.
Marie Trainer’s life took a dramatic turn in 2019 after returning home from a tropical vacation.
Her German shepherd puppy greeted her with a few enthusiastic licks, a moment that seemed harmless at the time, per InsideEdition.
Unbeknownst to her, a small cut on her hand — caused by a hotel keycard — opened the door to a devastating medical crisis.
“Four days later, I wasn’t feeling well and just got sicker and sicker,” Marie recalled in an interview with Fox8.
Initially thought to be the flu, her condition worsened, prompting her husband, Matt Trainer, to rush her to the hospital.
What doctors discovered was far more severe than the flu.
Marie had contracted capnocytophaga canimorsus, a rare but deadly bacteria commonly found in the saliva of dogs and cats.
The infection triggered her immune system into overdrive, causing blood clots that cut off circulation to her limbs.
“It was just rapidly progressing where her hands and feet were turning black,” said Dr. Ajay Seth, the orthopedic surgeon who later performed a critical operation to save Marie’s life.
Marie was placed in a medically induced coma for 10 days. When she woke, her limbs had been amputated.
Initially, doctors considered removing her limbs entirely at the torso, which would have severely limited her mobility. However, Dr. Seth refused to give up.
Determined to preserve as much of her limbs as possible, he performed a grueling seven-hour surgery to remove over 40 blood clots.
His efforts ensured Marie could later be fitted with prosthetics. While her legs were amputated above the knee, much of her arms were saved. Without this intervention, Marie’s survival chances would have been slim.
Five years later, Marie is thriving in ways she once thought impossible. With state-of-the-art prosthetic legs and hands, she has reclaimed her independence, even resuming activities like gardening, drawing, and riding a trike.
“It’s been challenging,” she admitted. “Learning how to walk was the hardest thing, but I’m good, I’m doing good.”
Marie’s advanced prosthetics mimic real limbs, offering a sense of touch and functionality. One of her most emotional moments came when she used her myoelectric prosthetic hands to hold her husband’s hand for the first time in years.
“The first thing I did was hold Matt’s hand because I hadn’t done that in a while,” she said tearfully.
Her husband, Matt, who has been her steadfast supporter, expressed awe at her progress. “When I see her walk, it’s like, ‘Oh my God, this is amazing,’” he said.
Marie’s story has reached far beyond Ohio, inspiring amputees worldwide. She has connected with others who have faced similar challenges, sharing her journey and offering hope.
Her perseverance has not gone unnoticed. “She still persevered through,” Dr. Seth remarked. “And has just been running since then.”
Looking ahead, Marie is preparing to dance at her son’s upcoming wedding, a milestone she never thought she would reach.
Doctors warn that even a small cut can lead to serious infections. So, next time your pet gives you a kiss, make sure to wash your hands — because as Marie’s story shows, life can change in an instant.
Through it all, she credits her husband for his unwavering support. “I love him more and more every day,” she said, holding back tears. “I don’t know what I would do without him.”
You can still donate to Marie's GoFundMe to help with medical bills. The current total stands at more than $46,000.