Every dog, no matter how unique they may appear, has their own special beauty and is deserving of a loving, caring home.
Take, for instance, a remarkable dog who faced challenges due to his unusual traits but eventually found his ideal family. Born with a partial spine and lacking a neck, this pup stands out from the rest.
Cooper, an American foxhound, has a rare genetic condition known as “short spine syndrome,” which causes his vertebrae to fuse and compress. According to the Daily Mail, he is one of only 30 known dogs worldwide with this condition.
His owner, Elly Keegan, shared with the Daily Mail that “[his spine] is fused in two places – at his neck and at his rear.” As a result, Cooper has to turn his entire body to look behind him since he lacks a neck.
This unusual-looking dog had a difficult start in life. He likely came from a puppy farm near Halifax, Virginia, which contributed to his birth defect. It is believed that his condition resulted from inbreeding commonly practiced in puppy mills.
Rescuers found Cooper in 2017 and brought him to Secondhand Hounds, a shelter in Minnetonka, Minnesota. He was placed in a foster home, but his habit of chasing the cats made it an unsuitable match.
However, it didn’t take long for Elly Keegan and her family to fall in love with Cooper. Elly has a special affection for dogs with disabilities and was committed to providing him with the care and love he needed. While many might have overlooked or even euthanized a dog with such an unusual appearance, Elly saw Cooper’s potential.
With support from Secondhand Hounds, Elly knew Cooper would require ongoing medical attention. He faced a few health challenges early on, including a fall that caused a five-part neck fracture and a bone infection.
Despite these challenges, Cooper’s condition has improved in other ways. Elly shared that, due to his congenital defect, “he essentially had his butt on his back,” but surgery has greatly improved his ability to relieve himself independently.
Elly describes Cooper as the “happiest dog,” loved by everyone who meets him.
Wherever he goes, Cooper turns heads, but he thrives on the attention. Elly told the Daily Mail that Cooper has a large following on Facebook, and he’s known for being an incredibly friendly dog.
Dogs with special needs or unique appearances deserve love and care just as much as any other. Cooper has finally found the perfect home where he is cherished and embraced for who he is, and we’re so happy for him.
