Meet Cooper, an American Foxhound with a rare condition known as short spine syndrome. This condition causes his body to be shorter than that of a typical dog. Despite the challenges he faces, Cooper’s cheerful personality and resilience have won the hearts of many online. His loving owners, Elly and Andy Keegan, proudly share how Cooper’s joyful spirit continues to shine brightly.
Cooper was abandoned as a puppy by breeders who chose not to keep him due to his condition.
In the summer of 2017, animal control officers discovered a two-month-old puppy named Cooper near a suspected puppy mill in Halifax, Virginia. Cooper, who was abandoned likely due to his birth defect, was taken in by The Bond Between Shelter. He received treatment for ear mites, worms, and a hernia.
Eventually, Cooper was adopted by Elly Keegan and her husband Andy, who already had three dogs at the time. Despite his mobility issues and difficulty walking on hard surfaces, Cooper is described by Keegan as an exceptionally happy dog. His condition, which is a result of inbreeding, highlights the unfortunate reality that he was discarded by breeders when he was deemed unprofitable.
Elly expressed her sadness about the fate of many dogs with Cooper’s condition, noting that they are often euthanized. “It’s heartbreaking because they have so much life to live. Cooper is a testament to that; he now leads a happy, fulfilling life and is an important part of our family,” she shared.
She went on to explain the details of Cooper’s condition: “Cooper’s condition causes his spine to twist and fuse in two places—his neck and his rear. It appears as though he has no neck, and to look behind him, he has to turn his entire body.”
Elly also mentioned that Cooper had issues with his rear end being matted, which affected his ability to go to the bathroom properly and caused him discomfort. Despite the challenges, Cooper is deeply loved and cared for in his new home.
Although The Bond Between is known for helping special needs dogs, Elly and Andy Keegan have faced their own challenges with Cooper. Shortly after adopting him, Cooper experienced a severe fall that resulted in five fractures in his neck. He was also diagnosed with osteomyelitis, a bone infection that was particularly concerning due to his compromised spine. Fortunately, with timely antibiotic treatment, the infection was brought under control.
Cooper’s condition has improved significantly since then. He underwent surgery that has made it easier for him to relieve himself, reducing the need for frequent assistance. Now, he requires less care and is able to manage more independently.
Cooper was evaluated as a potential participant in a study on short-spined dogs conducted by Purdue University in Indiana.
Due to his condition, Cooper cannot handle long walks or spend much time on hard surfaces. He moves most comfortably on soft ground like grass or carpet. Despite these challenges, Keegan shares that Cooper remains remarkably cheerful and enjoys the attention he receives. He has garnered a significant following on Facebook, where his story resonates with many.
Cooper’s journey highlights the importance of compassionate care for pets with special needs.
The Bond Between is dedicated to rescuing and caring for vulnerable dogs and cats, focusing on adoption, rehabilitation, and hospice care. Since their founding in 2009, they have rescued over 29,000 animals and helped them find loving homes.
Teri Woolard, the coordinator at The Bond Between, advocates for adopting special needs animals. She explains, “Cooper’s story shows that dogs with disabilities have immense love to offer and can make wonderful pets. We’re proud to have been part of his journey.”
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