In December 2015, dog rescuers found an unusual German Shepherd stray who was running the streets of Kentucky.
It took them five days to capture the elusive dog. The German Shepherd looked very different from other dogs.
He carries the diagnosis of short-spine syndrome, an extremely rare disorder that only affects fifteen dogs worldwide.
Despite his rare condition, Quasimodo, or Quasi for short, is full of life. In 2016, he arrived in Eden Prairie, Minnesota to visit Secondhand Hounds .
Rachel Mairose, the owner of the center said Quasi exhibited fear and shyness when he first arrived.
Now she says he is especially playful around the other dogs, and even goofy at times.
Due to his disorder, this dog doesn’t have much of a neck. Quasi has a difficult time eating normally.
Rachel says he uses an elevated food bowl, or someone holds his bowl up for him so that he can eat comfortably.
This makes him much happier and he now enjoys eating.
Rachel started a Facebook page for the German Shepherd, and it quickly went viral.
Rachel says she has been surprised how fast he has gained followers, and that it’s clear he is adored.
Here is a video of Quasi:
Quasimodo is missing a few vertebrae in his back.
The rest of his vertebrae are compressed, causing him to look the way he does.
He takes pain medication now, and Doctors are unclear how much more help he might need in the future.
A team has sent his blood to a University in California, in hopes of learning more about short-spine syndrome.
Rachel Mairose founded Secondhand Hounds in 2009.
Since it’s been in operation, her center has saved close to ten-thousand animals.
Quasi is currently lives at Secondhand Hounds.
Rachel and her family have grown very close to the adorable German Shepherd.
They have received thousands of applicants inquiring into adopting Quasi.
Rachel and her family aren’t in any rush to re-home Quasi.
They want to make sure they find the perfect fit for him.
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