When you gaze at his face, you might believe he’s just like any other dog… any other American Foxhound.
However, Cooper’s profile pictures reveal a different story. A straight-on close-up doesn’t even start to illustrate what transpired with this canine.
Cooper didn’t experience an accident or anything of that nature.
Cooper was born with a unique condition known as short spine syndrome.
And, he couldn’t be more remarkable!
Even when everyone shunned him and abandoned him on the streets, Cooper remained pawsitive, wishing to discover a caring family.
Miracles do occur, as Cooper ultimately achieved a joyful conclusion.
Cooper’s Early Existence
From the very start, individuals regarded Cooper as that peculiar dog without a neck. He resembled a character that came straight from a cartoon.
But, Cooper was still a canine with a cheerful disposition just like any other.
He was unaware of his uniqueness. He never viewed his deformity as something grim or dreadful.
He had already accepted himself as he was, and it was now time for humans to embrace him with all his distinctions.
As a small pup of merely 2 months, Cooper was forsaken near Halifax, Virginia. The Animal Control discovered him and provided a shelter in Minnesota, at Secondhand Hounds.
Before long, Cooper was placed in a foster environment as Elly and Andy Keegan recognized the promise in this extraordinary pup.
Upon Cooper’s arrival at the Keegan residence, something dreadful occurred. The unfortunate pup fell and fractured his neck in multiple locations. Considering he already possessed a non-existent neck, one can only fathom how difficult the fall must have been.
A few months later, a bone infection affected Cooper, but even that didn’t dampen his vibrant spirit.
Cooper recovered quite rapidly. With a bit of surgical assistance, he was now capable of using the bathroom independently without significant challenges. His foster mother would comment that he was quite low-maintenance, similar to most dogs.
Cooper’s Furever Family
Half a year with the Keegans flew by swiftly. Cooper was transforming into a delightful dog, entirely oblivious to his handicap and eager to tackle every challenge.
It was time for Cooper to finally receive his furever home. This was the moment the Keegans dreaded the most.
“I couldn’t envision just passing him over and saying, ‘Alright, now be Cooper’s family.’”, Elly expressed.
So, the Keegans followed their hearts: they took the step to officially adopt Cooper!
Since Cooper had no applications apart from one possible adopter, the adoption procedure was quite straightforward, allowing him to join the Keegan family.
It was the correct and best choice for Cooper, as his mom and dad had known him since his early days. They stood by him during difficult times, aiding him in overcoming all obstacles.
“Many dogs experiencing conditions like Cooper’s are put down, which brings me so much sorrow,” she told Fox News. “They possess so much living to do, and Cooper exemplifies that. He enjoys a happy, normal little life now, and is a cherished part of our family,” Elly shared.
There are only a few dogs like Cooper around the globe. As per one study, approximately 30 dogs with short spine syndrome are currently recognized. The condition is restrictive, but these canines still lead a normal and joyful life.
Certainly, engaging in certain types of games like other dogs isn’t exactly feasible due to their hunch and shortened neck, yet alternatives exist. The quality of life for these dogs is nearly as good as any other canine. |1|
Cooper, renowned as the world’s most famous short-spined dog, has his own Facebook page where you can track his escapades. You’ll witness the lovely, affectionate life Cooper shares with the Keegans. He transformed from a rejected pup into a treasured family member against all odds.
Sources: |1| Hans-Jorgen Hansen. (1968). Historical Evidence of an Unusual Deformity in Dogs (“Short-Spine Dog”). DOI