Starfish was just 10 weeks old when she was found abandoned in a beer box on Alameda’s Crown Beach in California.
The tiny German Shepherd puppy couldn’t stand or walk; all she could do was lie down, resembling the shape of a starfish—hence her name.
But as we’ve seen time and again, where there’s a will, there’s a way. Starfish’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and perseverance.
This brave puppy not only survived against the odds, but she also learned to walk—and eventually, to run.
Beating the Odds
When Starfish was taken to the emergency vet, her outlook was grim. The vet discovered that her organs were malformed and suggested euthanasia, believing her condition was too severe to overcome.
But despite her challenges, Starfish was full of life. She was happy and loving, and her spirit was unshakable.
Thankfully, the shelter sought a second opinion.
That’s when they discovered that Starfish had a condition called swimmer’s syndrome—a rare disorder that prevents puppies from walking. Fortunately, it was treatable.
Although this was great news, the road to recovery would be long. Starfish would need surgeries and extensive physical therapy.
But from day one, this determined little pup never gave up.
Finding a Foster Family
Just two days before her first surgery, Starfish found a foster family.
A 12-year-old girl named Maggie had signed up to foster dogs for the Alameda Animal Shelter, and when she received the notification about Starfish, she immediately fell in love.
“When we first met her, she looked like a little teddy bear—flat, like a pancake,” Maggie recalls. “It didn’t matter to me that she couldn’t walk. I loved her from the start.”
Maggie and her family decided to adopt Starfish, knowing it would require a lot of care and dedication. But for Maggie, it was worth it. She and Starfish quickly formed a close bond.
From Paralyzed to Running on the Beach
Starfish’s recovery began with a hernia operation, followed by intensive physical therapy. Each day brought new challenges, but with the help of her family and therapists, Starfish slowly regained strength.
Maggie was actively involved, even creating makeshift aids to help Starfish practice walking.
“I wrapped a towel around her torso and lifted her off the ground. She started wagging her legs like crazy because she thought she was doing it,” Maggie says.
Starfish’s therapy included water exercises, obstacle courses, and stair training. With each session, she grew stronger. Eventually, she was walking across the lawn on her own.
“She had no fear and just kept trying, again and again,” Maggie’s mom recalls. “It never occurred to her to stop.”
A year later, Starfish was not only walking but running—just like any other German Shepherd.
She even learned to run on the beach, defying all expectations for a dog with swimmer’s syndrome.
“It’s ironic,” Maggie says, “because she had swimmer puppy syndrome, and now she swims in the water.”
A Happy Ending
Today, Starfish is thriving with her loving family, the Grays.
She’s big, healthy, and full of life. She enjoys playing with the family cat, Pearl, and loves tennis balls, face scratches, and chasing squirrels.
“Starfish is just in love with life,” the family says. “It’s impossible to be around her without feeling her joy. She doesn’t care about the obstacles in her way—if everyone had her attitude, the world would be a different place.”
Starfish’s story has inspired people around the world, showing that with determination, anything is possible.
As a tribute to her incredible journey, the shelter named their emergency medical fund after her. The Starfish Fund has since helped countless animals in need, continuing her legacy of hope and resilience.