There aren’t many dogs in the world like Cooper.The American foxhound was born on a “no-collar” puppy farm and was never expected to thrive. Several of her vertebrae were compressed and fused together while she was in the womb.Now two years old, Cooper’s rare condition doesn’t stop him, even if it means he has to turn his entire body to look behind him.Cooper was rescued in 2017 when animal control officers in Halifax, Virginia, found him near a puppy mill. Just two months old at the time, he was taken to Secondhand Hounds, based in Minnetonka.The officers who rescued Cooper believe he may have been abandoned due to his rare condition. He has trouble walking for long periods of time, and with his lower end located at a distance from his back, he finds it difficult to defecate. When SecondhandHounds picked up Cooper, they knew his job was cut out for them.Cooper was treated for ear mites, worms and a hernia. he also needed surgery to be able to poop properly. To make matters worse, the first house Cooper was placed in didn’t work out. As difficult as it was for the dog, he couldn’t help but chase the family cats.Fortunately, his next option worked.Elly and Andy Keegan, parents to dogs Skylar, 13, Tuva, 4, and Waylon, 3, turned out to be perfect for Cooper.“I am lucky to have the support of Secondhand Hounds and the right environment for a dog with special needs,” Elly said. “That does not mean that we do not have incidents. A few months after he arrived, he fell and broke his neck in five places.”Cooper’s spine has been kept infection-free with a regular course of antibiotics. He can go to the bathroom alone and enjoys his freedom to the fullest. She’s also a bit of a celebrity on social media, even if she doesn’t realize it.“It’s difficult because he can’t take long walks and he can’t spend a lot of time on hard surfaces,” Elly said. “It has to be on soft ground like grass or carpet.“But he is still the happiest dog.”Cooper’s condition may have been caused by inbreeding, and when he was deemed unfit for sale, he was abandoned. However, he is nothing less than perfect for his new family and for many others who have heard his story.“Cooper is an example that dogs with disabilities have a lot of love to give and make great pets,” said Teri Woolard, owner surrender coordinator at Secondhand Hounds. “We are very happy to have been part of their journey.”Like Cooper, this Great Dane also beat the odds.Cooper is a very special dog and is very protective of his forever family. See how amazing this “small in the spine, big in the love” pup really is in the video below!