A six-legged dog who was abandoned outside a shop is settling into her new home.
Ariel, named after Disney’s Little Mermaid, was left outside a B&M store in Pembrokeshire last September.
She was only 11 weeks old at the time and was taken in by local centre Greenacres Rescue in Haverfordwest.
As well as six legs, the cocker spaniel was also born with two vulvas and only one kidney.
Ariel’s new owner, Ollie Bird, runs an adaptive surf school in West Wales.
The 40-year-old, who lives in Freshwater West, told Sky News he and his family were “probably the only people in Wales” who had not heard about Ariel’s story when they adopted her.
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Ariel’s arrival came at a time when the family were mourning the loss of their dog.
“We had a 16-year-old dog that we found 13 years ago wandering down Freshwater West beach, our local beach. And, unfortunately, he just suddenly passed away overnight,” Mr Bird said.
“For a whole 48 hours, we thought we’re not going to get another dog because it’s so upsetting. And then we realised that our home felt empty without one and we applied to Greenacres for a dog.”
Greenacres then got back in touch with the family and they were introduced to Ariel.
“We obviously found out about her whole story. We were absolutely overjoyed to welcome her into our family,” he added.
Mr Bird said Ariel had “settled in well” to her new home.
“She joins us everywhere we go. She actually can walk very well,” he said.
“She does need little breaks now and again, but if we were to go on a walk, I could put her in a bag or I give her lots of stops.
“She’s swimming in the sea, she’s been paddle boarding, surfing, and is just great with kids and families. She’s a very gentle soul, she likes sitting and watching.”
‘Really grateful’
More than £15,000 was raised in donations for Ariel after the news of her abandonment first broke.
Ariel’s new family have thanked everyone for their support to the pooch.
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“We’re just really grateful to anyone who made a phone call to find out how the operation’s gone,” Mr Bird added.
“I think it was something like 20,000 phone calls they said when she was having her operation, from around the world, and people donated their money.
“We just can’t thank those people enough, because without that we just wouldn’t have the amazing dog who’s part of our lives now.”
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But Mr Bird is keen to stress this is not a “happy ending” for Ariel.
“For us, it’s a happy beginning.”
