Discarded like discarded like trash in an old beer carton at a California beach, the young German Shepherd named Starfish embarked on an unimaginable journey when she was barely 10 weeks old. Unable to move, she lay sprawled out in the box, but her tail waged enthusiastically when someone opened it.
Moved to a shelter, it was presumed there was bleak hope for her survival. The immediate option seemed to be euthanasia, which almost became a reality before a miraculous intervention occurred.
Alaina Onesko, an Animal Control Officer from Alameda Police Department, found Starfish on a routine check on Crown Beach in San Francisco Bay area. She saw two cute ears protruding from a Heineken box and found a “happy, bright-eyed German Shepherd puppy” lying flat inside it. The puppy’s inability to stand touched Onesko’s heart.
The puppy’s tail continued to wag energetically during the quick drive to a nearby shelter. Despite the shelter’s unfavorable prognosis due to presumed organ malformations, a miraculous intervention occurred. John Lipp, CEO of the Friends of Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS), walked in and decided to go for a second opinion before proceeding with euthanasia.
The Unexpected Diagnosis: Swimmer’s Syndrome
After a second appraisal, it was revealed that Starfish had Swimmer’s Syndrome, a curable developmental condition that doesn’t let a puppy’s tendons and muscles mature enough for walking or weight-bearing. The cause is usually improper nutrition and malformed bones—an affliction completely different from the previously predicted condition. FAAS thus embarked on providing Starfish with the surgeries and physical therapy she needed to overcome this rare condition.
An Unbreakable Bond with a Twelve-Year-Old
Maggie Gray, a twelve-year-old who had signed up as a foster parent at FAAS, found herself instantly falling in love with Starfish. Despite the puppy being unable to walk, she found Starfish to be the “most precious thing in the world,” comparing her to a flat, tiny teddy bear.
Maggie and Starfish became inseparable, spending most of their time together. Initially, the pup was only to stay with Maggie’s family for two days post hip surgery, without any adoption decision. But Maggie couldn’t bear the thought of losing Starfish and ran away with her. Eventually, the family decided they couldn’t part ways with the lovable puppy.
Rose: The New Lease on Life
With the loving care from Gray’s family, Starfish, now renamed Rose, began to walk and even run. Despite her lack of enthusiasm for walking, she developed a fondness for swimming, which helped her gain strength. Leigh Anne, Maggie’s mother, set up a GoFundMe campaign to support Rose’s surgeries and the FAAS’s Starfish Medical Fund.
Emphasizing how fated Rose was for their family, Leigh Anne views Rose’s story as a remarkable representation of the inherent potential in all underdogs. Rose’s narrative of resilience, and the compassion bestowed upon her, has become an inspiring emblem within their community.
FAAS provided updates about Rose’s life, showing her transformation from a helpless puppy to an active, handsome dog who now enjoys chasing squirrels. Rose also has a new companion—Pearl, a rescued cat. This entrancing story has been made possible, all thanks to the generous donations and the unyielding spirit of a tiny pup.
Rose’s story showcases the magic second chances can weave. Do share your thoughts on this astonishing narrative, and spread the positivity by sharing this story with your friends. Send the Grays and Rose your best wishes!
