There once was a time when I thought my dog, Cuda, was the only dog of her kind. She has short spine syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes vertebra in the spine to be compressed -- giving dogs an unusual, scrunched-up look. I recently introduced you to her and the other dogs who are thriving and living happy lives despite the condition.
I'm excited to present to you yet another beautiful dog living with short spine syndrome. His name is Quasimodo and he is also a rescue.
Quasi was found as a stray in Kentucky
Quasi learns about the Minnesota snow
Quasimodo ended up at Secondhand Hounds, a rescue in Minnesota that believes that all dogs, including those with special needs, deserve the chance to live in happy homes. I spoke with Rachel Mairose, executive director of Secondhand Hounds, about their new arrival.
Secondhand Hounds works closely with a shelter in Kentucky and was contacted by a shelter volunteer there about an odd little dog whose looks set him apart, Mairose said. The volunteer originally thought his condition was due to growing up in a crate. That's a common misconception about dogs with short spine syndrome -- but they are born this way.
He was found as a stray with a severely embedded collar, which means a too-small collar was left on his neck so long his skin grew around it. Mairose said she didn't hesitate when they asked if Secondhand Hounds was interested in pulling him.
Aptly named Quasimodo for his appearance, the dog was transported to his temporary foster mom by a group of volunteers. He is estimated to be around 4 years old and appears to be a purebred German shepherd. Like the other short spine dogs, he is much smaller than his breed standard.
His veterinary examination showed that he had an issue not uncommon in short spine dogs: His tail is corkscrewed and interferes with his bodily functions. It will be surgically corrected shortly, Mairose said. Quasi also has an issue with his penis and very special surgery to correct that has also been ordered.
As research has shown, short spine syndrome may very likely caused by inbreeding and is often accompanied by issues other than the shortened spine. These issues don't slow Quasi down or cause him any pain. His neck is still sensitive from the injury caused by the embedded collar, and he is being treated for that as well.
Quasi being examined thoroughly in the vet's office
Quasi from the inside out
You can't miss the distinct short spine syndrome stature
Like the other short spine dogs, he may be short in stature, but he is tall in his wonderful temperament.
Mairose said he is a "love bug." He is extremely affectionate and cuddly and adores other dogs. He plays and enjoys attention just like any other dog.
Janey, Quasi's transport driver, gets some love
His first introduction to cats proved to be scary for him. He ran away! .He is not yet ready for adoption but Rachel said there is already a lot of interest in him. I'm not surprised. It is impossible not to fall in love with these special little dogs. Funnily enough, there are now three short spine dogs with the name Quasi.
I was first contacted about him by Sara Marie Anderson, Secondhand Hound's large breed coordinator. She read about the other short spine dogs and knew, based on his appearance, that he belonged to the same family. Anderson is Quasi's adoption coordinator, so look for more information about his availability soon.
Secondhand Hounds relies on donations, so if you're interested in donating towards his surgery or helping them rescue more special dogs, you can do so so through GiveMN.org or via PayPal
Article first published on The Dodo
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.