Meet Cooper, the spirited American foxhound who has captured hearts across the internet with his unique condition called short spine syndrome.
This rare condition leaves him with a body half the length of a typical dog, but it certainly hasn’t dimmed his bright spirit.
His loving owners, Elly and Andy Keegan, share his joyful journey with the world, showing that Cooper is the epitome of happiness.
Cooper’s story begins on a somber note. Abandoned as a pup when breeders realized he wouldn’t be profitable, Cooper’s future seemed bleak. But fate had other plans.
In the summer of 2017, animal control officers discovered a tiny puppy near a suspected puppy farm in Halifax, Virginia.
This two-month-old pup, later named Cooper, was found with a birth defect and left to fend for himself. The Bond Between, a shelter dedicated to special needs animals, stepped in to provide him with the care he desperately needed, treating him for ear mites, worms, and a hernia.
Soon enough, Cooper found his forever home with Elly and Andy, joining their already bustling household of three dogs.
© Cooper – Short On Spine, Big On Love / Facebook
Despite his challenges—Cooper struggles with mobility and can’t walk on hard surfaces—his infectious happiness shines through.
Keegan describes him as the happiest dog, saying, “His condition stems from inbreeding, and it’s heartbreaking to think he was discarded when the breeders realized he wouldn’t bring them profit.”
Elly also sheds light on the harsh reality many dogs with this condition face. “Many are euthanized, which is incredibly sad.
They have so much living to do, and Cooper is a real example of that. He has a happy, normal little life now and is a key member of our family.”
© Cooper – Short On Spine, Big On Love / Facebook
Explaining Cooper’s rare condition, Elly shares, “Cooper’s spine is screwed and corkscrewed, fused in two places: his neck and rear.
He looks like he has no neck and has to turn his whole body to look behind him. His butt is on his back, and it was matted, causing him issues with going to the bathroom.”
Despite the love and care Cooper receives, he faces health challenges. Shortly after his adoption, he fell and fractured his neck in five places.
He was also diagnosed with osteomyelitis, a dangerous bone infection, especially concerning given his compromised spine. Thankfully, with antibiotics, they managed to get it under control.
© Cooper – Short On Spine, Big On Love / Facebook
Cooper’s condition has since improved significantly. A surgery made it easier for him to relieve himself, reducing his need for assistance. Now, he’s quite low-maintenance and can manage on his own.
Cooper even became a candidate for a study on short-spined dogs at Purdue University in Indiana.
While he can’t go on long walks or spend much time on hard surfaces, he thrives on soft ground like grass or carpet.
“Despite everything, he’s the happiest dog. Wherever he goes, he draws attention and loves it. He has a lot of fans on Facebook,” Keegan proudly shares.
Cooper’s journey underscores the importance of caring for our furry companions, no matter their challenges.
© Cooper – Short On Spine, Big On Love / Facebook
The Bond Between, known for rescuing vulnerable dogs and cats, has dedicated itself to the animals’ well-being through adoption, rehabilitation, and hospice care since 2009.
They’ve rescued over 29,000 dogs and cats, helping them find loving forever homes.
© Cooper – Short On Spine, Big On Love / Facebook
Teri Woolard, coordinator at The Bond Between, advocates for the adoption of special needs animals.
“Cooper is an example that dogs with disabilities have a lot of love to give and make great pets. We’re so happy to have been a part of his journey.”
Cooper’s story is a testament to resilience, love, and the extraordinary spirit of animals, reminding us that every pet, regardless of their condition, deserves a chance at a happy life.
