Veteran with amputated leg adopts three-legged dog with the same injury

A veteran who is missing a leg has spoken of the moment he knew a dog with the same injury was destined to be his.

Dane Orozco, 42, has been fighting severe depression and anxiety for five years since having his leg amputated.

But he recently met Kane, a three-legged German Shepherd, at a local animal shelter and ‘instantly fell in love’ with him and his story.

Dane, from Los Angeles in California, said: ‘I lost my leg in 2016 to an infection. It has affected me in so many ways, good and bad.

‘Mostly bad because I can no longer be the man I used to be.

‘I can still do things but it takes more time and extra effort to do the things I want and it causes depression and anxiety every single day.

‘I went to the shelter just to look because I was depressed and the only thing that made me feel happy in the past was having my dogs.

‘When I saw Kane I immediately said to myself that I was going to take him home. I instantly fell in love with him. We both have our right legs amputated.’ 

And a video of the moment the pair went home to start their lives together has left viewers in tears.

Kane lost his leg after it was severely fractured when he was hit by a car.

Dane said his beloved pet has adjusted perfectly to his new life, and every day he gets stronger and more confident.

‘He runs like he has all four legs sometimes,’ Dane said. ‘He goes with me everywhere I go no matter where I am he’s never a few inches from me.

‘He has changed my life in that I now feel better and he has been the therapy I’ve needed.

‘I can turn to him when I am feeling down and instantly I feel better.’

He added he has been ‘blown away’ by the huge response to his touching video.

Dane said: ‘I am extremely surprised at how viral this has become and I never thought it would bring so much happiness to so many people.

‘I am happy we found each other and that we can be each other’s crutch.’

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