Starfish was merely 10 weeks old when she was discovered forsaken on Alameda’s Crown Beach, California, inside a beer box. This German Shepherd puppy was unable to stand or walk, limited to just lying down. She resembled a starfish, prompting the name ‘Starfish’.
Nonetheless, we have witnessed time and again that nothing is genuinely unattainable for a determined spirit. This courageous puppy demonstrates once more that with ample tenacity and determination, anything can be accomplished.
This is her narrative about how she survived against all odds and taught herself not only how to walk, but also how to run.
Defying The Odds
When Starfish was taken to the emergency veterinary clinic, her odds of survival were exceedingly low. The veterinarian stated that she had malformed organs and actually recommended euthanasia as there was little to indicate that she would ever surpass this birth defect.
Yet, something about this puppy conveyed a different story. She radiated happiness and affection. Everyone could perceive a distinct spark of life within her.
Fortunately, the shelter opted for a second evaluation. It was then revealed that she suffered from a condition known as swimmer’s syndrome… a perplexing condition that inhibits puppies from walking. Thankfully, it was entirely treatable.
It was excellent news, but Starfish still faced a challenging journey ahead. To conquer this syndrome, she required numerous surgeries and physical rehabilitation. Though it was a lot, this charming little puppy never gave up.
Just two days prior to the first surgery, Starfish found her foster family. A 12-year-old girl, Maggie, had registered as a foster for the Alameda Animal Shelter in California, and upon receiving notification about Starfish, she instantly fell in love.
“When we were introduced to her, she was truly the most adorable creature in the entire world. She resembled a tiny teddy bear, and she was just flat — like a pancake.”
“It didn’t really concern me that she was unable to walk. I didn’t hesitate in showering her with love!”, states Maggie.
Maggie and her family ultimately chose to adopt Starfish, despite it involving considerable care and dedication.
“In those initial days, we were incredibly close. We spent all our time together because… she didn’t really have much choice. She couldn’t just walk away,” Maggie chuckles.
From Being Immobile To Running On The Beach
The first procedure on the agenda was the hernia surgery, followed by intensive rehabilitation. They needed to reposition her limbs and then gradually assist her in regaining her muscle strength and teach her to support herself.
Each day, she attended physical therapy, engaging in extensive rehabilitation and exercises. Maggie was completely involved and did everything possible to assist her.
“I grabbed a towel and wrapped it around her midsection. I simply lifted her right off the ground. She began to wag her legs and go wild because she felt like she was moving on her own.”
It began with hydrotherapy and using a bolster for support, followed by obstacle course training. Soon enough, she was capable of walking up the stairs and even traversing the entire lawn independently.
“I have no idea how she accomplished it. She just kept on persisting, time and again!”
“She exhibited no apprehension, and she possessed an unyielding determination. It never crossed her mind to give up”, shares Maggie’s mother in the video.
A year later, this valiant puppy could walk and run just like any other “ordinary” German Shepherd dog.
Starfish even learned to run along the sand, and witnessing all her accomplishments, I believe nothing is unachievable for this wonderful girl.
“It’s quite ironic because she had swimmer puppy syndrome, and now she’s frolicking in the water,” remarks Maggie.
Now, Starfish is part of a caring family – the Grays. They supported her throughout it all. She is large, lovely, energetic, and most importantly, well.
She adores playing with children and Pearl, the cat – she enjoys being scratched on the face, tennis balls, running and jumping, and chasing squirrels.
“Starfish is genuinely in love with life. It’s impossible to spend time with her and not only see it but feel it. She simply wishes to live and ignores the challenges… if we all adopted that mindset, the world would be entirely different”, express her parents.
This remarkable dog has become a beacon of hope for many individuals globally. She has shown us that anything is achievable if you are willing to work and believe in yourself, and it is our hope that this article effectively conveys this message to you.
In honor of Starfish, FAAS named its medical emergency fund after her. Over the years, the Starfish Fund has assisted numerous animals in need, and you can, too, by supporting this worthy initiative.