Family Adopts and Cherishes Dog Born with Unique Spine Condition, Demonstrating Unconditional Love
Elly Keegan didn’t just rescue a dog, she adopted a walking medical mystery named Cooper, and she fell for him anyway, even when his spine looked nothing like everyone else’s.
Cooper was born with “short spine syndrome,” a rare genetic condition where his vertebrae fuse together and compress his spine, and that was only the start. After rescuers found him in 2017 and brought him to Secondhand Hounds in Minnetonka, his health took another hit when a fall led to a complex neck fracture split into five parts, plus a bone infection.
And somehow, through all of that, Cooper still became the joyful dog who steals the room wherever he goes.
Cooper has been diagnosed with "short spine syndrome," a rare genetic disorder that causes the vertebrae in his spine to fuse together, significantly compressing it.
When Elly stepped in with Secondhand Hounds, it wasn’t a “maybe later” situation, it was, “We’re doing this, no matter what Cooper needs.”
Elly Keegan and her family swiftly emerged as the perfect home for Cooper. Where many would overlook a dog with such an unconventional appearance or, worse yet, consider euthanasia due to his condition,
Elly exhibited an exceptional fondness for dogs with disabilities. She demonstrated an unwavering determination to offer Cooper the care and attention he needed. Elly, in partnership with Secondhand Hounds, understood that Cooper would require ongoing medical care.
Initially, the unique canine faced several health complications. For instance, a fall led to a complex neck fracture that broke into five parts and was further complicated by a bone infection.
Despite these challenges, Elly and her family remained committed to Cooper's care.
He is one of only 30 dogs worldwide to suffer from this syndrome.
In 2017, rescuers found Cooper and transported him to Secondhand Hounds, a rescue organization based in Minnetonka, Minnesota.
Elly Keegan and her family swiftly emerged as the perfect home for Cooper.
Elly, in partnership with Secondhand Hounds, understood that Cooper would require ongoing medical care. Initially, the unique canine faced several health complications.
Then the fall happened, and Cooper went from rare condition to neck fracture drama, with a bone infection thrown into the mix for good measure.
Elly’s love for Cooper also echoes the chaos of a run-in with a porcupine that left a dog covered in quills.
Even after Elly said Cooper was basically born with his “tail on his back,” surgery gave him back some control, especially when it came to bathroom independence.
Now Cooper’s improvement has turned into a social media moment, with Elly noting his growing Facebook fanbase and his habit of soaking up attention wherever he lands.
Despite his challenging circumstances, Cooper's condition has shown marked improvement in various aspects. Elly shares that due to a birth defect, Cooper essentially had his "tail on his back." However, surgical intervention has significantly enhanced his ability to manage his bathroom needs independently.
Elly fondly describes Cooper as the "joyful dog," and she affirms that his presence always brings delight to those around him. Wherever Cooper goes, he invariably draws attention, a spotlight that he genuinely revels in.
As reported by Elly to the Daily Mail, Cooper enjoys a broad fanbase on Facebook. His endearing, affable nature makes him an amiable companion, adding to his popularity.
Cooper didn’t just get a home, he got a front-row seat to life, and everyone else had to keep up.
He “looks like he has no neck,” and Cooper’s forever-home journey is even stranger in this story about a dog with half a spine.
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