From the instant Anna Marie Giannini encountered Tilly, she realized the Tibetan Spaniel puppy was distinct from the rest. There was something extraordinary about her. Anna Marie spotted an online advertisement indicating a litter of puppies was being offered for adoption, but one of them was peculiar.
This did not deter the young woman from choosing Tilly. Being different does not imply being bad. Uniqueness is commendable.
“Upon my arrival, they informed me that one of the puppies was malformed, and they were unable to find her a family, which could result in euthanasia,” Giannini stated. “I had already become infatuated with her and envisioned our upcoming year together in my mind before he even finished uttering that dreadful remark.”
So, what was amiss with Tilly?
Tilly was born with short spine syndrome. This rare condition impacts her vertebrae and exerts pressure on them, causing Tilly to appear as though she lacks a neck and has a short back.
Giannini was unconcerned about the condition. All worries vanished when she held Tilly in her embrace. To her, Tilly was already immensely valuable!
“When I acquired her, she was this filthy little fluff ball,” Giannini recounted. “She fit perfectly in my hand, and as we drove home from where I collected her, she rested in my lap and gazed up at me with her large brown eyes, and I realized she needed me, and I required her.”
As Tilly began to mature, her short spine became increasingly evident. However, that did not mean she was excluded. She remained friends with all the dogs at the park. She resembled them, just a tad different.
“She was born with a syndrome, and just like humans born with similar conditions, her body has adapted, and she is thriving,” Giannini mentioned. “She has experienced no health concerns or complications due to her short spine, and [we] anticipate she will lead a long, healthy life.”
Anna Marie does not frequently notice the short spine. Tilly is as much a dog as the next one on the street. The only time Tilly requires assistance is when climbing on and off furniture, but she has special stairs for that purpose.
In contrast to other dogs, Tilly is unable to scratch her back and nibble her itches, so her mommy delights in providing her with daily scratches and massages. They both relish it!
And Tilly ensures her mom knows she values everything she does for her.
@tillythefriendlyloaf Tilly sits wherever Tilly fits #tillybean
“She sleeps in bed with me like a little person, resting her head on the pillow and tucking her legs underneath the blanket,” Giannini stated. “She always needs to be close to me, in contact with me. When I’m preparing meals, she stands right between my legs. When I’m studying, she lies right next to me with her paws on me.”
“Every hour or so that we’re home, she’ll randomly approach me and shower me with kisses before returning to her spot,” she added. “It’s like clockwork. It’s as if she requires kisses to operate!”
Tilly’s distinctive appearance does attract attention on the street. Both dogs and people display surprise when encountering Tilly for the first time.
“Other dogs are typically curious about her and tend to be more gentle around her,” Giannini observed. “Tilly, however, does not mind and understands she is capable of anything. She is undoubtedly determined and eager to play with any dog, regardless of size.”
Giannini has gained immense insights from Tilly, and we too can learn significantly from this remarkable pup!
“Tilly consistently reminds me that I should cherish each new day,” Giannini expressed. “Due to the uncertainties when I first brought her home and her being so unique and affectionate, I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to provide her with a good life and to enjoy all this time together.”
“She continually reminds me that being different is a wonderful thing,” she concluded.