30-04-2025
Rescue Dog with Extremely Rare Spine Disorder ‘Runs Like He Owns the World' in Sweet Clip
Dogs with disabilities don't ever seem to notice or mind the ways in which they're "different." If anything, these sweethearts often have big personalities that make everyone they meet fall in love.
Just like a mixed breed dog named Tota. Born with a very rare spine condition that gives him a "funny" walk, Tota is the truest example of loving life despite its challenges.
Deemed "the happiest dog at the sanctuary," Tota doesn't let a single thing get in the way of living his best life. The 4-year-old mixed breed was born in Sri Lanka as a stray.
Luckily, the helping hands at UK-based organization, Animal SOS Sri Lanka (via @animalsossrilanka) because without them, his chances of survival with the rare condition were very low.
"My legs are deformed, I walk in a funny way, I have no neck and some muscle wastage. I was also covered in ticks and had a dangerous blood disease called babesia gibsoni," Tota's bio says on the org's website.
But now he has "beautiful soft beds and toys that I love ripping up" and he has an affinity for "romping in the garden."
The site adds, "despite my size, have the loudest voice at the sanctuary," which shows the kind of determination and resilience this sweet boy has and it's evident he's well taken care of and loving life Saratoga Spine explains, Short Spine Syndrome is a rare genetic condition that only 30 other dogs in the world are said to have, and its when the spine is shorter than normal.
As you can see, Tota looks more compact and truncated than other pups but still a stunner!
You can usually spot dogs with the rare disorder by their lack of neck, shortened vertebrae, a obvious hunch as they move. But don't let the look of it fool you.
Tota, and others like him, can lead full, happy lives with normal life spans and are capable of feeling just as much, of not more joy. They may even be more mobile than those around them after adapting to life with the syndrome!
The sanctuary doesn't only care for Tota. More than 2,500 pups are in their care, looking for their second chances.
Tota has a lot more life to live and I'm sure he's going to breathe in every flower, feel every drop of lemony sunlight, and thank the heavens someone gave him the chance to live.
To see more photos of Tota, or to sponsor him, go to
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