Jimothy the Raccoon Shines New Spotlight on Minnesota's Short-Spined Dogs Quasi and Cooper

Jimothy isn't alone. Short spine syndrome impacts these dogs and cats

Short spine syndrome is a rare congenital condition in which an animal's vertebrate doesn't develop into bone during fetal development.

‘Jimothy’ the raccoon has short spine syndrome – but this condition can affect dogs, too

If you’ve been anywhere near the internet in recent days, you will likely have seen the viral footage of “Jimothy”: an unusually round raccoon in Seattle

Jimothy the raccoon shines new spotlight on Minnesota's short-spined dogs Quasi and Cooper

A raccoon named Jimothy is turning heads online for his unusual look, and his story is shining a light on two Minnesota dogs with the same rare condition.

Jimothy the raccoon survived against the odds, a testament to sophisticated brains and devoted mothers

As a neuroscientist who studies raccoon and rats, I see the viral story of Jimothy the raccoon as a compelling tale of an animal overcoming disability and surviving in the wild. Jimothy, the unique-looking raccoon living in Seattle, became an internet celebrity over the course of a week in July 2026, thanks to a viral Instagram post that has amassed millions of views and thousands of comments cheering for the proverbial underdog. Jimothy has eve…