This Special Dog Was Born With An Unusually Short Spine But She Knows She's Capable Of Anything
From the moment Anna Marie Giannini laid her eyes on Tilly, she knew there was something special about this Tibetan Spaniel puppy. Tilly had short spine syndrome.
Anna stumbled upon an ad online about a litter of puppies being given away, and one of them was a bit different from the others. The owners told her that they couldn't find a home for the special one and that he would have to be euthanized.
But Giannini didn't want to hear another word. It was love at first sight. When she first held Tilly, she just couldn't understand why someone wouldn't adore this magnificent pup.
Tilly:
When Giannini first held little Tilly, she was dirty and fluffy, and could even fit inside her hand. “She fit perfectly inside my hand, and as we drove home from where I picked her up, she lay in my lap and looked up at me with her big brown eyes. I knew she needed me, and I needed her,” Giannini said.
Giannini promised Tilly that she would always feel wanted and loved.
As time went on, Tilly's short spine became more noticeable. However, she didn't let it keep her from living the same life as her dog friends.
Fortunately, Tilly hasn't had any health-related issues or complications because of the syndrome. Giannini believes Tilly will have a long, happy, and healthy life.
It's easy for Giannini to forget that Tilly is any different.
This little dog is almost completely independent and only needs a bit of help when climbing furniture with her special stairs.
Additionally, because of her spine, Tilly can't scratch or chew herself. But her mom always finds time in her day to give little Tilly all the scratches she needs.
Tilly likes to climb into bed with her owner, resting her head on the pillow like a tiny human. She is very attached and can't stand being away from Giannini.
Tilly is always touching her and has to be around. Even if Giannini is cooking or doing homework, Tilly will find a way to be close to her without being a bother.
“Every hour or so that we’re home, she'll randomly come up to me and give me kisses, and then go back to lying down,” Giannini said.
Even though Tilly doesn't care that she's different, this special little dog gets a lot of attention on the street from both humans and other dogs.
Other dogs are always interested in her and tend to be more gentle with little Tilly. Of course, Tilly knows she can do anything and is always ready to play with dogs of all sizes.
Taking care of Tilly has been an incredible learning experience for Giannini.
Tilly is a daily reminder that we should never take life for granted. Adopting Tilly was a leap into the unknown, and Giannini is forever thankful that she got to be the one who takes care of her.
“She constantly reminds me that being different is a special thing,” Giannini said.
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