A pint-sized dog with the same rare condition that made the “mutant raccoon” Jimothy an online sensation is now winning hearts across social media, as fascination with unusually built animals continues to surge.
Tilly, a 7-year-old Tibetan spaniel born with short spine syndrome, was adopted in 2019 by Anna Marie Gianni, who stepped in after learning the sweet-natured pup could be euthanized if no home was found.
“…[T]hey told me one of the puppies was deformed and they could not find her a home, which could lead to euthanization,” Gianni told The Dodo in 2021.
“I had already fallen in love with her and planned out our next year together in my head before he was even done saying that awful statement,” she said.
Since then, Tilly has become a familiar face online, with Gianni sharing her day-to-day adventures across TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. The accounts feature everything from playful puppy meetups to the small but endearing challenges of getting her distinctive body perfectly situated for a cuddle.
“She was born with a syndrome, and just like humans born with a syndrome, her body has learned to adapt and she is thriving,” Gianni told the outlet.
Now, Tilly is enjoying a fresh wave of attention thanks to the viral rise of Jimothy, whose unusual appearance has sparked widespread curiosity about animals with similar conditions.
Clips of the charming spaniel trying to reach a stationary treat and happily bobbing around in a birthday hat have recently spread across X, introducing even more viewers to the resilient dog’s irresistible personality.
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Gianni said she finally understands the internet’s obsession with her own love-loaf.
“I am feeling all the feels you all feel when you see Tilly for the first time with these Jimmothy [sic] videos,” she wrote in an Instagram story post Friday.
Unlike Seattle’s favorite mutant — who experts said is doomed to live a short life — Tilly has not had any chronic health problems because of her drastically abbreviated backbone.
“She has had no health issues or complications because of her short spine, and [we] expect her to live a long, healthy life,” Gianni told Dodo.
Short spine syndrome affects nearly zero percent of animals — but those that have it can experience congenital issues like organ compression and joint problems, according to Brian Collins of the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine.
The mutation could also make it more difficult for Jimothy to climb trees and avoid predators.
“But we’ll certainly cheer him on and hope for the best,” said Collins.
Collins further said dogs with short spine syndrome that have reliable caretakers have better outcomes than animals in the wild.
Tibetan spaniels normally grow to be about 10 inches long, weigh up to 15 pounds, and have an average lifespan between 12 and 15 years, according to the American Kennel Club.
