Brave NSW girl competes in first swimming competition since losing her arm in a dog attack

Eight-year-old NSW girl Thalia Standley has competed in her first swimming competition since she lost part of her arm in a dog attack last year.

Thalia, who lost her lower her right arm in the attack, inspired her Lake Macquarie school community today as she jumped back into the pool.

Six months ago, an Alaskan malamute mauled her arm through a fence.

“The dog's snout came underneath and actually snatched Thalia via the pinkie and pulled her into the yard where it actually sat on her arm,” Thalia’s mother Sally Standley said.

“If she moved it...the dog became vicious with it and pulled her like a rag doll.”

Thalia does not want the injury to affect her dream of becoming an athlete.

“I want to be a professional swimmer,” she said.