An adorable dog who was once abandoned and left with little hope has managed to defy every expectation, learning not only to walk—but to run—with nothing but her two front legs. Her name is Putol, a six-year-old dog whose remarkable journey from rejection to joy has touched countless hearts. Thanks to the unwavering love and dedication of her owner, she has become a symbol of resilience, courage, and the healing power of compassion.
Putol, whose name means “chopped” in Tagalog, was born without her two back legs. Many would have believed her life was destined to be short and difficult. But from the moment she came into the world, she carried a quiet strength that refused to be dimmed. Today, she is a familiar sight in the streets of Casiguran in Quezon City, Philippines, where she playfully trots around on her two front legs, spreading smiles and warming the hearts of neighbors young and old. Her transformation from an unwanted pup to a neighborhood treasure is one of the most uplifting stories you’ll ever hear.
Her owner, Danilo Codilego Jr., a truck driver with a gentle heart, still remembers the day their paths crossed. At the time, he worked in a bakery. One ordinary afternoon, a coworker arrived with four tiny puppies, hoping to sell them for 5,000 pesos each—about $115. Three of them were healthy and quickly found buyers. But the small two-legged puppy, fragile and trembling, had no one who believed she could survive. No one wanted to take her home.
Danilo was the only one who saw something beyond her disability. He felt an instant connection, a tug at his heart. “She looked so weak,” he recalled, “but something in me just knew I had to help her. I was the only one willing to take care of her. We took a chance because we felt sorry for her. And from that moment, she became part of my life.” He named her Putol, not out of cruelty, but as a simple acknowledgment of her unique condition—an acceptance of who she was.
The first two years of Putol’s life were filled with challenges. She struggled to stand, to move, even to balance herself. Everything was difficult, and every small step required tremendous effort. Yet she never gave up. With Danilo’s steady support, gentle encouragement, and endless patience, she began to find her balance. There were many falls and many failed attempts, but Putol’s spirit remained unbroken. Slowly, she learned to lift herself, then to take a step, and eventually, to walk confidently on her two front legs. What once seemed impossible became her new way of life.
Today, Putol is full of confidence, energy, and personality. She explores the neighborhood daily, mingling with other dogs and greeting the people who adore her. Her bravery, her independence, and her playful nature have turned her into a local celebrity. Children love watching her zip down the street, while adults admire her courage and determination. Despite her limitations, she moves with grace and joy, as if she has never known hardship.
At home, Putol treats Danilo not just as her owner but as her family. She guards the house with surprising seriousness, barking at unfamiliar faces and watching over the place as if it were her duty. Danilo shares, “Putol acts like a guard dog. She’s loyal to me. She even gets jealous when I play with another dog. But she’s friendly, and everyone around here loves her.” Her loyalty runs deep, rooted in the bond formed through struggle and love.
The connection between Danilo and Putol is what makes her story truly extraordinary. It isn’t just about a dog learning to live with a disability. It’s about love that refuses to abandon. It’s about seeing worth where others see burden. Danilo never once saw her condition as a problem. Instead, he welcomed her into his life without hesitation, treating her not as a challenge, but as a companion deserving of warmth and protection.
Even with her missing legs, Putol lives a remarkably normal life. She eats whatever Danilo eats—rice, vegetables, meat—and she enjoys every meal without needing any special diet. The only thing she cannot do is have puppies, but that hasn’t stopped her from finding happiness and purpose. When Danilo goes to work, the neighbors gladly keep an eye on her. She trusts the people around her, and they, in turn, cherish her presence.
Putol’s story is a shining example of the resilience found in animals and the profound difference one person’s kindness can make. Though many believed she wouldn’t survive, she proved them all wrong. With a helping hand and a loving heart by her side, she rose above every obstacle. Her life reminds us of the beauty of second chances and the miracles that can happen when someone chooses compassion over convenience.
Her journey isn’t just about surviving adversity. It is about embracing life fully, joyfully, and without hesitation. She may have only two legs, but she stands tall in the ways that truly matter—with love, courage, and a spirit that refuses to waver.
Thanks to Danilo, Putol isn’t merely surviving—she’s thriving. She is living proof that with patience, faith, and love, even the most unlikely beginnings can blossom into something extraordinary. Her story reminds us all that sometimes, the smallest creatures carry the biggest hearts, and the strongest spirits walk not on four legs, but on two.
