In a heartwarming tale of resilience, Cola, a dog who fell victim to a vicious machete attack in Bangkok, has been gifted a new lease on life with custom-made prosthetics, allowing him to once again roam freely.
The traumatic incident unfolded when Cola was a mere nine months old, enduring the brutal loss of his front legs in a retaliatory act by a neighbor angered over the pup chewing his shoes. However, fate took a turn for the better when Brits John and Gill Dalley, founders of the Soi Dog Foundation aimed at aiding Thailand’s strays, took Cola in and provided him with prosthetic legs, enabling him to lead a life akin to other canines.
Now eight years old and residing in Hornsea, Yorkshire, with John, who returned to the UK in June 2022 for medical reasons, Cola faced a predicament as his original prosthetics showed signs of wear and tear.
Stepping in to assist, Dorset Orthopaedic, a leading specialist, generously offered their expertise, crafting robust and durable new legs for Cola, free of charge, ensuring his continued ability to run freely.
Cola’s journey began in 2015 when he suffered the brutal attack in Bangkok, and the Dalley couple adopted him as part of their family. Tragically, Gill, who shared a special bond with Cola due to her own amputation experience, passed away in 2017 from cancer.
The initial prosthetics were fashioned by Gill’s prosthetist, Bengt Soderberg, but over time, they began to deteriorate, necessitating the need for a replacement to prevent confining Cola to the house.
The newly crafted legs feature a plastic laminate with a flexible sole for shock absorption and enhanced durability, along with an inner socket made from soft foam to snugly fit over Cola’s stumps. Toby Carlsson, a prosthetist from Dorset Orthopaedic, shared insights into the design, emphasizing sturdiness and functionality to facilitate proper standing and running.
Owner John, 74, expressed gratitude for the generosity of Toby and highlighted the transformative impact of the prosthetics on Cola’s life. With the new prosthetics, Cola can once again enjoy walks, run on beaches, and fully participate in canine activities, embodying the spirit of resilience after enduring a harrowing past.
