When Anna Marie Giannini first met Tilly, she instantly knew the little Tibetan spaniel puppy was one of a kind. Responding to an ad about a litter of puppies needing homes, Giannini wasn’t deterred when she learned that one pup was “different.”
In fact, it only made her love Tilly more.
“When I arrived, they told me one of the puppies was deformed and might be euthanized if no one adopted her,” Giannini told The Dodo. “Before they even finished that awful sentence, I had already fallen for her and was imagining our future together.”
Tilly was born with short spine syndrome — a rare condition that causes compressed vertebrae, making her appear to have no neck and a shortened back.
When Giannini held Tilly for the first time, she couldn’t understand how anyone could think she was anything but perfect.
“She was just this little, dirty fluff ball who fit right in my hand,” Giannini said. “On the drive home, she curled up in my lap and stared up at me with those big brown eyes — I knew she needed me as much as I needed her.”
Giannini promised that Tilly would never feel unwanted again.
As Tilly grew, her unique physique became more noticeable. But it hasn’t slowed her down one bit.
“She’s adapted beautifully,” Giannini said. “Her body has learned how to move, play, and thrive. She’s had no health issues related to her spine and should live a long, healthy life.”
Aside from needing a set of special stairs to climb furniture and an occasional helping hand for scratching or grooming, Tilly does everything other dogs do — with just as much energy and joy.
“She sleeps next to me like a little person, head on the pillow and legs tucked under the blanket,” Giannini said. “She always needs to be touching me — between my legs while I cook, by my side when I study. She’s my constant shadow.”
And Tilly has her own way of showing her love.
“Every hour or so, she'll walk over just to give me a few kisses before settling back down. It's like she needs those little love breaks to keep going!” Giannini said.
While Tilly doesn’t realize she's different, her appearance definitely catches attention from strangers and other dogs — who seem to approach her with extra gentleness.
“Tilly doesn’t let it faze her,” Giannini said. “She’s determined to play with any dog, no matter their size.”
For Giannini, life with Tilly has been filled with gratitude and perspective.
“She reminds me daily to be thankful for each moment,” Giannini said. “Getting to be the one who loves her, who gives her the life she deserves, is the greatest gift. She teaches me every day that being different is something to be celebrated.”
To follow Tilly’s adventures, you can find her on TikTok and Instagram.
