EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. - He's one of only 14 dogs like him in the world -- and since landing in Minnesota last week, he's become quite the internet sensation.
Lovingly named Quasimodo (and referred to as Quasi the Great), the 4-year-old German Shepherd is living with short spine syndrome -- a rare spine condition that gives him a curved back or a hunchback, if you will.
"Born different but never knowing any other way, he seeks to please the people who have shown him kind hands and warm hearts," his caretakers wrote on his Facebook page.
Quasi came to the local animal rescue Secondhand Hounds on Jan. 28, after being found as a stray and cared for by a shelter in Kentucky. On Monday, Quasi was neutered and underwent surgery to help get him back to health. Sara Anderson, injury and illness manager for Secondhand Hounds, said Quasi did great and is on his way to a full recovery.
"We had a bit of a bleeding scare (Monday) night but he's doing much better now," she said, via email.
Quasi will continue to see a specialist for his other medical concerns. Secondhand Hounds says he has a collar wound on his neck and is missing a couple of vertebra in his back, but that's not causing him any pain. They say his back cannot be surgically repaired but the specialist will determine whether or not he'll need additional surgeries for other health issues.
Despite his shortened spine, he is able to walk and run, just like any other dog.
Anderson says even though they've become inundated with requests to adopt Quasi, he's not ready quite yet.
"The response for adoption has been very high," she said. "Lots of people love this boy. At this point, we're not sure when he will be available for adoption. Our main focus is on getting him healthy right now."
For more information or to follow Quasi's progress, check out his Facebook page.
