Putting a dog to sleep is heartbreaking, but sometimes necessary to end suffering. Thankfully, that wasn’t the fate for Starfish, a puppy found in a box with twisted legs. Initially believed to be crushed and beyond help, she was moments away from euthanasia—until the shelter director intervened, seeking a second opinion.

A new vet diagnosed her with “Swimmer Puppy Syndrome,” a treatable condition. Starfish couldn’t walk like a normal pup but had a sweet spirit that captured hearts. Leigh Anne Gray and her family adopted her, committed to helping her walk.

With patience and support, Starfish gradually gained strength. Just two months later, she could stand and soon ran like any other dog. Her determination inspired everyone.

“She taught us something we’d never seen before,” Leigh Anne said. Starfish went from near death to living a joyful, healthy life—proof that with love and a second chance, even the most broken beginnings can have beautiful endings.