Abandoned as a stray in Kentucky and afflicted with an extremely rare disorder, a four-year-old German Shepherd faced an uncertain future. Making his circumstances all the more difficult was his appearance: because of his disease, this young dog had a hunchback.
His looks might catch people off guard at first, but Quasimodo's foster mom is more than happy to explain that her dog lives a happy, full life despite his condition. Quasi is one of only fifteen dogs in the world who suffer from Short Spine Syndrome, a disorder where a severe shortening of the spine compresses the vertebrae, causing a hunchback to occur.
Despite his limitations, Quasi has been blessed with a loving home in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, with Rachel Mairose, founder of Secondhand Hounds, a nonprofit animal rescue. Not only does Quasi run and play like other dogs, but he has also become a social media star. He now has a Facebook page so his fans can stay up to date on his activities.
Mairose says, "It's crazy how viral it went. I mean, we had no idea. I teased it on our Facebook page [for Secondhand Hounds], and it got a nice amount of 'likes,' but nothing out of control. And then as soon as we made a Facebook page for him [...] he stole everybody's hearts."
When talking about her first weeks with Quasi, Mairose states, "Quasi was really fearful and scared at first. The first day I met him he was so scared and shy that I thought, 'I wonder if this dog really does enjoy life?' As soon as I got him home, I realized how much he really does enjoy life."
Mairose describes Quasi as "goofy, playful" and quite the ladies' man with his canine friends. "I think that anyone who sees him kind of falls in love with him," she declares.
Quasi regularly meets with veterinary specialists to assess his health and his needs as he grows older. He is currently on pain medications to help with his spine and hind legs. Also, Quasi does have to eat his food at a certain height because of how hard it is for him to bend down.
Aside from living a happy life, Quasi also helps to promote Secondhand Hounds, which has helped re-home over 10,000 dogs thus far. Additionally, he is helping scientists and doctors determine what causes Short Spine Syndrome.
Someday, Quasi will find a permanent home, but for now, Mairose is more than content to let him continue to stay with her family. "He's a sweet boy," she says. "It will be hard to let him go. Right now, we're just trying to find out more about his personality so we can make a perfect match for him."
Mairose has already received over 1,200 adoption applications, but she encourages anyone thinking about adopting a dog to go to their local shelter and help a pup in need.
Until he finds his forever home, Quasi will continue living the good life with Mairose in Minnesota. Watch the moving video below about Quasi, and then share his story of courage with your friends and family on Facebook.