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Little girl who lost part of her arm in dog attack becomes shining star at swimming carnival

A strong-willed eight-year-old who lost part of her right arm in a savage dog attack, became the star of her primary school swimming carnival.

Thalia Standley, from Lake Macquarie, was playing with friends on August 29 last year, when an Alaskan malamute grabbed her arm through a gap in a fence.

Photo: Reaching Thalia Facebook
Photo: Reaching Thalia Facebook

The dog mauled her arm for about three minutes until an adult arrived to help.

Refusing to let go, it bit through Thalia’s arm completely.

After undergoing nine surgeries, Thalia was now working towards getting a prosthetic hand and using her left hand for writing.

Such a trooper! Photo: Facebook
Such a trooper! Photo: Facebook

Six months later her family have shared a heartwarming video of the youngster, swimming a lap for her school carnival.

‘Not a dry eye at the pool. Thalia’s first swimming carnival. Amazing little girl’: The post on Facebook said.

Since it was shared it has been viewed more than 500,000 times.

Photo: Facebook
Photo: Facebook

A spokeswoman for the family told The Daily Telegraph that it was a moving moment for all at Valentine Public School.

“The whole school has been right behind the family and right behind Thalia to get back to as close to normal as humanly possible,” she said.

“They’ve gone over and above to help.

“Thalia is one of those kids who will try something first before she asks anyone for help — she would rather give it a go than ask for help.”

“She’s just such an independent little thing.”

On February 27 a fundraising event will be held at Lake Macquarie. Donations can be given here.