Cooper, an American foxhound, is no ordinary dog. He is one of the few dogs in the world who lives with a rare condition called short spine syndrome. This genetic disorder causes severe compression and fusion of the vertebrae, likely due to inbreeding.
In 2017, a 2-month-old puppy was discovered abandoned in Halifax, Virginia. Animal control took the puppy in, and he ended up at Secondhand Hounds, a shelter in Minnesota.
Elly and Andy Keegan generously offered to foster Cooper, even though he faced mobility challenges. Together, they worked tirelessly to improve his quality of life.
When Cooper first arrived at the Keegan’s home, he suffered a fall that resulted in several fractures in his neck. Despite this setback, Cooper’s spirit remained unbroken. He also dealt with a bone infection only a few months later.
Cooper underwent surgery that helped him with his bathroom needs, making him more self-sufficient and low-maintenance.
After caring for Cooper for six months, the Keegans made the difficult decision to put him up for adoption. Elly was convinced that applications would pour in for the “happiest dog” she had ever known.
However, to her dismay, no one expressed interest in adopting Cooper. But then, a ray of hope appeared. “I think I broke down every other hour,” said Elly. “I couldn’t imagine just handing him over and saying, ‘Ok, now be Cooper’s family.’” And so, the Keegans made the life-changing decision to adopt Cooper themselves.
Though Cooper initially faced challenges and continues to encounter small obstacles, he lives his life to the fullest and brings immense joy to his forever home. As Elly put it, “With our other rescues, there was no getting-to-know you period. It was a family from the beginning.”
Cooper’s story is especially significant because many other dogs with similar conditions are unfortunately euthanized. Elly expressed her sadness over this fact, saying, “They have so much living to do, and Cooper is a real example of that. He now leads a happy, normal life and has become a beloved member of our family.”
If you want to follow Cooper’s adventures, you can connect with him on his Facebook page. And if you can’t resist sharing the heartwarming tale of this incredible pup who is “short on spine, big on love,” be sure to pass on this article to your friends.
