Hunchback Hound Quasimodo Believes Himself To Be Casanova — Steals Viewers' Hearts

Sep 18, 2020

An eight-year-old German shepherd named Quasimodo with a rare spinal condition has captured the hearts of many people all over the world.

Quasimodo is a hunchback from the famous Victor Hugo novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. In the book, the character is kind-hearted and falls in love with the beautiful Esmerelda, saving her life from an angry mob. The character has been so iconic that there have been numerous film adaptations featuring him. This includes an animated Disney film where the character was voiced by Tom Hulce.

Thanks to a video that has gone viral, it may be time for a new Quasimodo to rule.

In Victor Hugo's novel, Quasimodo has a difficult start to his life. Because of his hunchback and other deformities, he is shunned by people who should love him. Many feel that he is a monster and he is relegated to the bell tower, constantly alone. For Quasimodo, the German shepherd, life also began in a tough manner.

According to his 'About' page on Facebook, he was found as a stray in Kentucky. Because of his rough existence and lack of trust, it took five days for people to be able to catch him. When he was finally caught, the extensive nature of his issues became known.

When he was taken in, it was discovered that Quasimodo suffered from a rare genetic condition called Short Spine Syndrome. Essentially, this meant that the dog was missing four vertebrae in his back.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for the condition, and it can't be surgically corrected. The pooch can't turn his head from side-to-side, but he has very few other physical limitations.

Luckily, this pup is not in any pain because of the Short Spine Syndrome. He is currently living at Secondhand Hounds, an animal shelter in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Because of his condition, he was given the name Quasimodo and became a celebrity almost overnight.

Unlike the hunchback from the novels, this Quasimodo is the subject of much adoration. To date, Secondhand Hounds has had over 1,200 offers to adopt this unique dog, according to Daily Mail. While his condition certainly gives him a different look, those who care for him at the animal shelter say it is more than just his looks getting him the attention.

Apparently, Quasimodo is quite the goofball and has the ability to get many people to fall in love with him very quickly. He is also quite fond of the lady dogs. Some folks at Secondhand Hounds have taken to saying that he wants to be "Casanova," and not "Quasimodo." Apparently, this dog wants all the love, whether it comes from canine or human.

It didn't take long for Quasimodo to attain a huge social media presence. This dog's Facebook page already has over 352,000 likes. There are lots of folks out there who want to know the latest happenings going on with this inspirational pooch.

Secondhand Hounds is quick to point out that his name is not meant to poke fun or be derogatory. Instead, they point to the kindness and resilience that both the literary character and the dog share, TIME wrote.

Reading this story makes you feel like, no matter what obstacles are put in our way, it is important that we just keep plowing on and do our best to overcome. It is nice to see that, despite our challenges, we don't have to quit. You can learn a lot from a dog.

The story of Quasimodo the dog is heartwarming and inspirational. What kind of feelings did you have when you read the story and saw the video? Show this to the people in your life who are dog lovers and those who may need some inspiration. Let us know what you think about this adorable and awe-inspiring pooch.