A stunted dog with a rare condition is looking for a home. Quasimodo, a purebred German shepherd with short spine syndrome, is gaining fans online with his story.
The pup was taken in by Secondhand Hounds, an animal shelter in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Sara Anderson, the large breed foster coordinator for the shelter, said she was contacted to take Quasi because of her love of special needs dogs.
Named after the “Hunchback of Notre Dame” character, Quasi is one of only 13 known dogs in the world with short spine syndrome, according to Secondhand Hounds.
“Born different but never knowing any other way, he seeks to please the people who have shown him kind hands and warm hearts,” Anderson said.
According to the shelter’s Facebook page, the shelter staff originally thought he had lived his life in a kennel, but the 3-year-old pup was later diagnosed with short spine syndrome, which is a genetic condition. Quasi is unable to turn his head, but otherwise his condition doesn’t affect his day-to-day activities.
Anderson said, “He gets around just fine and knows exactly how to snuggle to fit into a lap.”
His fan page on Facebook, “Quasi The Great” was created on Thursday to help people learn about his condition and bring awareness to dogs with special needs. His adoption journey is being documented on his page through pictures and video posts of his visits to the vet and playing outside.
“He may not be as pretty as many dogs on the outside, but his heart and soul shine through and make him one of God’s most beautiful creatures,” Anderson said.
Those interested in adopting Quasi should visit the Secondhand Hounds website.
