Six-year-old Putol is living proof that resilience and love can overcome almost any obstacle. Born with a severe deformity that left her without the use of her back legs, she was abandoned as a puppy and left to face an uncertain future. Today, however, she’s a beloved member of her community in Casiguran, Quezon Province, Philippines—often spotted running alongside other dogs, balancing perfectly on her front legs, and exploring the streets with confidence. Her transformation is all thanks to her devoted owner, Danilo Codilego Jr., who refused to give up on her when no one else would.
Danilo, a truck driver, first met Putol when he was working at a bakery six years ago. One day, a co-worker arrived with four tiny puppies, hoping to sell them for 5,000 pesos each (about £115). One by one, the healthy puppies found new homes—except for one. The small, fragile pup with only two working legs was left behind. Potential buyers doubted she would survive and didn’t want to take on the responsibility of her care. But Danilo saw something in her that others didn’t. “Nobody wanted poor two-legged Putol,” he recalled. “They didn’t think she would live long. I was the only one who had the courage to take care of her. We took our chances because we felt sorry for her.”
Danilo named her “Putol,” which means “chopped” in Tagalog—a direct nod to her condition. At first, life wasn’t easy for the little dog. For the first two years, Putol couldn’t walk at all. She had to rely completely on Danilo for movement and support. But Danilo was patient and determined to give her the best life possible. Over time, something remarkable happened—Putol began figuring out how to balance on her front legs. Through trial and error, and with plenty of encouragement from her owner, she learned to move around on her own. Eventually, she mastered her unique way of walking, moving with surprising speed and agility despite her disability.
Today, Putol is more than just mobile—she’s thriving. She has taken on the role of a loyal guardian, keeping watch over Danilo’s home and barking whenever strangers approach. Her protective nature is matched by a strong personality; she can get a little jealous if Danilo gives attention to other dogs. But to everyone else in the neighborhood, she’s a friendly and beloved figure. Children adore her, neighbors greet her warmly, and she has become something of a local celebrity for her courage and zest for life.
Life with Putol also comes with some practical considerations. Due to her condition, she cannot have puppies. However, she’s not a fussy eater and enjoys sharing the same meals as her human companions. She’s adaptable and easygoing, happy as long as she’s included in the family routine. When Danilo has to travel for work, he doesn’t worry about her well-being—neighbors and friends happily step in to make sure she’s cared for and loved while he’s away.
Putol’s story is a reminder of how far kindness and determination can go. Many might have overlooked or given up on a dog like her, but Danilo’s willingness to take a chance changed her life completely. Instead of a short, difficult existence, she’s had six years of joy, companionship, and adventure. She runs, plays, explores, and inspires everyone who meets her.
Her journey from a helpless, abandoned puppy to a strong, confident dog balancing on two legs shows the incredible adaptability of animals—and the transformative power of human compassion. Danilo didn’t just give Putol a home; he gave her the opportunity to live a full and happy life, proving that disabilities don’t define worth.
In the streets of Casiguran, if you see a small dog darting past on only her front legs, you’ll know it’s Putol—living her best life, every single day, because one man decided she was worth the effort.
