Imagine losing all four of your limbs due to a bacterial infection from something as innocent as your own pet dog’s saliva.
For one Ohio woman, this nightmare became a reality — but her story doesn’t end there. Five years later, Marie Trainer is reclaiming her life and showing the world what true resilience looks like.
Back in the spring of 2019, Marie had just returned from a tropical vacation when her German shepherd puppy welcomed her home with a few excited kisses, per Inside Edition.
Harmless, right? Except Marie had a small cut on her hand that she received from a hotel keycard. She didn’t think anything of it at the time, but within days, things took a terrifying turn.
“Four days later, I wasn’t feeling well and just got sicker and sicker,” she recalled, per Fox8. Her husband, Matt Trainer, thought it was the flu and rushed her to the hospital. But what doctors found was something far worse.
Marie had contracted a rare and deadly bacteria called capnocytophaga canimorsus, found in dog and cat saliva. The bacteria triggered her immune system into overdrive, causing massive blood clots that cut off circulation to her limbs.
“It was just rapidly progressing where her hands and feet were turning black,” explained Dr. Ajay Seth, the orthopedic surgeon who would later perform a life-saving but grueling operation on Marie.
The situation was dire. Marie was placed into a 10-day coma, and - when she woke up - her limbs had been amputated.
Doctors initially wanted to amputate all four limbs at the torso, which would have drastically limited Marie’s future mobility. But Dr. Seth wasn’t giving up. Determined to save as much of her limbs as possible, he spent more than seven hours removing over 40 blood clots to ensure she could eventually be fitted with prosthetics.
And while both of Marie’s legs had to be amputated above the knee, Dr. Seth managed to save most of her arms. If he hadn’t, Marie wouldn’t have survived much longer.
Fast forward five years, and Marie’s life looks dramatically different — but in the best way possible. After a tough recovery process, which was delayed even further by the pandemic, she’s stronger than ever. "It’s been challenging," she admitted, "Learning how to walk was the hardest thing, but I’m good, I’m doing good."
Marie now has state-of-the-art prosthetic legs and hands, allowing her to do nearly everything she once could, from gardening to drawing, and even riding on her trike. Her prosthetics are so advanced that they function almost like real limbs — right down to the sensation of touch.
"When I see her walk, it’s like, ‘Oh my God, this is amazing,’” said Matt, who’s been by her side throughout the journey.
One of Marie’s proudest moments came when she first received her myoelectric prosthetic hands, which allow her to open and close them just by thinking about it. "The first thing I did was hold Matt’s hand because I hadn’t done that in a while," she said, choking back tears.
Despite everything, Marie’s positive spirit has seen her through a situation that would have left many people without hope. "She still persevered through,” said Dr. Seth. “And has just been running since then."
Marie’s story has since traveled beyond Ohio, inspiring amputees across the globe after being contacted by others who have been in her position.
Her perseverance is a testament to what’s possible, and she’s even looking forward to dancing at her son’s upcoming wedding.
But through it all, there’s one person Marie is especially grateful for — her husband, Matt. “I love him more and more every day,” she said, tearing up. “I don’t know what I would do without him.”
While Marie is embracing her future, her experience serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that can come from dog and cat saliva. 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.
You can still donate to Marie's GoFundMe to help with medical bills. The current total stands at more than $46,000.
