Anyone who has had to put their dog to sleep knows how heartbreaking it can be. Sometimes, it’s the kindest option when the pain becomes unbearable and there’s no hope for recovery.

I hope you never have to face this situation, but if you do, stay by your best friend’s side until the end. No dog should spend its final moments alone and scared with strangers.

This is the story of Starfish, a puppy found in a box with her legs bent at a strange angle.

The person who found her believed she would need to be euthanized due to her severe injuries. The vet, though reluctant, agreed that her condition seemed too dire for treatment.

But just seconds before Starfish was supposed to be put down, the head of the rescue organization intervened, stopping the procedure. According to Newsweek, she wanted a second opinion on Starfish’s condition.

The puppy was taken to another vet, who, after a thorough examination, offered a more hopeful diagnosis.

Starfish was born with a condition called “Swimmer Puppy Syndrome.” With proper care and therapy, she had a chance to recover.

Instead of walking like a typical dog, Starfish initially seemed more suited to swimming. Her charming personality quickly won hearts, and she soon found a loving adopter.

“We loved the little dog so much,” said owner Leigh Anne Gray. “She taught us something we had never seen before.”

“When I saw Starfish, I grabbed her immediately,” Leigh Anne continued. “She was too weak to be picked up like a normal puppy. She was so flat you had to hold her sideways. But I wouldn’t let go.”

From the beginning, Starfish’s new family was dedicated to helping her recover.

“All we had to do was get her feet up under her,” Leigh Anne explained. “Once we got her on the grass and gave her something to hold on to, she would follow us anywhere.”

The team at the animal center was equally committed to Starfish’s recovery.

“She doesn’t understand what’s wrong with her,” they said. “But she keeps trying. Every day she gets a little better.”

In just two months, Starfish was able to stand on her own and run around like any other puppy.

The family felt immense pride and joy watching the brave dog’s progress.

“That determination and joy for life were missing from me,” Leigh Anne confessed. “I’m so glad she came into our lives.”

Starfish went from being on the brink of death to becoming a healthy, happy dog with a bright future.