Cooper is an American Foxhound that has a very rare genetic condition. It is so rare that there are only 30 dogs in the world with this affliction. This condition is called Short Spine Syndrome. This results in the vertebrae being fused together and is mainly caused by inbreeding.
Cooper appears to have no neck, and his butt seems to be on his back. His body is shortened with him having only what would look like a half spine. But despite all this, he doesn’t seem to mind at all. He is always smiling and has a happy demeanor.
Abandoned
The peculiar pup was merely two months old when animal control officers found him. He was discovered near a puppy mill in Halifax, Virginia. The officers believe that Cooper was thrown away because of his condition.
Eventually, a local shelter, named Secondhand Hounds, based in Minnetonka, took the poor pup into their care. They discovered that he also worms, hernia, and ear mites. After a few months of treatment and care, Cooper was finally ready for adoption. They needed someone that would give Cooper the special attention and love that he needs.
This is where Elly Keegan, and his husband Andy, came into the picture. It didn’t matter to them that Cooper would have extra needs; they were captivated by his character. They even called him the happiest dog alive.
The Keegans were extremely happy as well to have Cooper in their lives. But they still had to go through a lot because of his condition. The dog had to undergo surgery because he had trouble relieving by himself. He also couldn’t go for long walks or spend a lot of time on hard surfaces.
There was also a time when he fell and suffered a severe fracture in five different spots in his neck. They had to give him antibiotics as well when he got a bone infection. But despite all this, he remained upbeat and always smiling.
Aside from his loving parents, Cooper also lives with their three other pups. And he spends his days playing with them and living a good life.
Source: Inside Edition via Youtube