Meet Quasimodo, the dog with a short spine but big heart
Rescue dog Quasimodo is taking the Internet by storm with a big heart and inspiring story. Credit: Facebook / Quasimodo
A rescue dog is gaining fans online with his inspiring story.
Quasimodo, a purebred German shepherd, is living with short spine syndrome. Named after the "Hunchback of Notre Dame" character, Quasimodo is one of only 14 dogs in the world known to have this condition.
The lovable pup was taken in by Secondhand Hounds, a nonprofit dog rescue in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Sara Anderson, the shelter's large-breed foster coordinator, said she was contacted to take in "Quasi" because of her love of special-needs dogs.
"His personality is amazing," Anderson told ABC News. "He is one of the sweetest, most loving dogs, once he trusts you. He has a great 'spunk' about him."
Quasi is unable to turn his head, but otherwise his condition doesn't affect his day to day activities. "He gets around just fine and knows exactly how to snuggle to fit into a lap," Anderson said.
Quasi even has his own Facebook page -- “Quasi the Great” -- with 65,000 fans and counting. The fan page was created to help people learn about his condition and bring awareness to dogs with special needs. His adoption journey is documented on Facebook through pictures and video posts of visits to the vet and playing outside.
After the page was created, Quasimodo seems to have won the hearts of thousands: Secondhand Hounds has been flooded with requests to adopt him. The rescue group said the plan is to first get Quasi healthy.
Those interested in adopting Quasi or one of the shelter’s 200 dogs available for adoption should visit the Secondhand Hounds' website.
