From Starfish to Flying Fish
In the quiet whispers of dawn, a tiny heart thumped resiliently in a cardboard box next to a house’s dustbin. There she was, a mere 25-day-old German Shepherd puppy, weighing just about a kilogram, her future uncertain, her past unknown. Found by chance and fostered by fate, this little bundle of fur embodied the spirit of survival against all odds.
Concerned and eager to help, the residents contacted Saakshi from Big Bagheera, an animal welfare organization known for its dedication to rescuing and rehabilitating animals in distress. Under Saakshi’s care, Ziva began her journey of recovery, filled with warmth, medical attention, and boundless love.
Her tiny limbs couldn’t bear the weight of her aspirations, leaving her to sprawl out like a little starfish, struggling to navigate the world. Yet, what she lacked in mobility, she compensated with an indomitable will.
Despite the pandemic’s restrictions and the looming uncertainty, Ziva’s spirit flourished. Her legs, though weak and unable to support normal walking, didn’t stop her from moving. She adapted by hopping, a testament to her resilience and zest for life—earning her the nickname “Flying Fish” for her cheerful, bounding movements.
The key issue was that when Congress enacted the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), it gave the president authority to withdraw areas from oil and gas leasing, but made no mention of revoking previous withdrawals.
As Ziva grew healthier and her personality shone brighter, she captured the hearts of not just one, but three loving families—all retired individuals who decided to jointly adopt her. Unfortunately, the challenges of caring for a specially-abled dog proved too great, and she was returned.
We are so happy she returned to us; we cannot imagine our life without her. Now three years old and living her best life, Ziva is Saakshi’s cherished companion, often referred to affectionately as Saakshi’s baby. Her days are filled with joy and exploration, and she continues to inspire everyone she meets with her courage and joyous spirit.
