Cooper stands out among the canine population due to his unique origins. This American foxhound was born on a pet farm without a neck and was not expected to survive. He faced challenges from birth, with some of his vertebrae being compressed and fused together before he was even born.
Despite being two years old now, Cooper is not letting his unique condition limit him in any way. He doesn’t mind showing his entire body to look behind himself when needed. In 2017, Cooper was rescued by animal control officers in Halifax, Virginia, near a puppy mill when he was just two months old. He was then brought to Secondhand Hounds, based in Minnetonka, where he has been ever since.
The officers who rescued Cooper suspected that he may have been abandoned due to his unique condition. He struggles with mobility issues and has difficulty defecating because of his unusual placement of his back end. When SecondhandHounds took Cooper in, they understood the challenging road ahead of them. Cooper received treatment for various health issues like ear mites, worms, and a hernia, and he required surgery to improve his bowel movements. Unfortunately, his first placement did not work out as he couldn’t resist chasing the family’s cats. Luckily, his next placement was a better fit.
Elly and Andy Keegan, proud dog parents to Skylar, Tuva, and Waylon, have found a perfect match in Cooper, a dog with special needs. Thanks to the support of Secondhand Hounds and the loving environment provided by the Keegans, Cooper has been able to thrive, despite facing some challenges along the way. Despite a fall and a serious injury to his neck, Cooper has been receiving the necessary treatment and care to keep him healthy and happy. Despite his struggles, Cooper has become a social media sensation, even if he’s unaware of his online fame.
“It’s tough because he can’t go on long walks and spends most of his time on soft surfaces like grass or carpet,” Elly explained. “But despite all that, he’s still the happiest dog around.”
Cooper’s challenges may have stemmed from inbreeding, leading to his abandonment when he was deemed unsuitable for sale. However, he has found a loving new family who cherish him, and his story has touched the hearts of many.
“Cooper shows that dogs with disabilities have so much love to give and can be amazing pets,” Teri Woolard, owner surrender coordinator at Secondhand Hounds, commented. “We’re thrilled to have been a part of his incredible journey.”
Just like Cooper, this Great Dane has also defied the odds and proven that resilience knows no bounds.
Meet Cooper, a unique and special dog who is incredibly loyal to his forever family. Watch the video below to see just how amazing this “small in size, big in love” pup truly is!
10 Common Dog Health Problems
While some health issues may be breed-specific, such as respiratory issues in flat-faced dogs, there are several other common health problems that can affect any dog. Here are 10 typical health conditions to watch out for in your furry best friend:
Skin Problems
If your dog is constantly itching, it may be a sign of a skin condition. Look out for rashes, redness, dry skin, lumps, bumps, sores, dandruff, and hair loss as well.
Ear Diseases
Around 20% of dogs suffer from ear diseases, especially those with floppy ears like cocker spaniels and basset hounds. Watch for symptoms like wax buildup, discharge, pain, itchiness, redness, swelling, and crusting in the ears.
Urinary Tract Infections
Known as UTI, this condition can cause discomfort while urinating. Signs include increased water intake, more frequent urination, passing small amounts of urine, loss of bladder control, blood in urine, or a strong odor.
Vomiting
There are many reasons why your dog may vomit. If vomiting persists or is accompanied by other symptoms like diarrhea or lethargy, seek veterinary help as it could indicate serious health issues like poisoning or blockage.
Diarrhea
This symptom can occur alone or with vomiting and can lead to dehydration if recurring. Monitor your dog’s condition and seek help if diarrhea persists.
Parasites
Internal or external parasites can cause discomfort in your pet. Symptoms vary based on the type of parasite, location, and severity of infestation.
Dental Problems
Just like humans, dogs can develop dental diseases due to plaque buildup. Watch for signs like difficulty eating, bleeding gums or teeth, loose teeth, and bad breath.
Obesity
Approximately 30% of dogs are considered overweight due to factors like age, genetics, lack of exercise, and overfeeding.
Arthritis
Joint issues like arthritis can impact your dog’s mobility. Look out for signs like limping, licking or chewing on joints, and behavioral changes.
Poisoning
Symptoms of poisoning can range from vomiting to seizures or coma, depending on the toxin. Common toxic substances include human foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and caffeine, as well as medications, household cleaners, pesticides, and certain plants.