Ariel, a cocker spaniel born with six legs, captured global media attention last October when she was found abandoned in a parking lot at just 11 weeks old.
Her life took a positive turn when Emma-Mary Webster and Ollie Bird, who run Blue Horizons Surf Club in Pembrokeshire, a program that teaches people with disabilities how to surf, chose to adopt her.
The six-legged ‘mermaid’ dog has now found a loving home with the couple who teach surfing to individuals with disabilities.
The couple’s cherished 16-year-old dog, Pippin, who enjoyed swimming and climbing rocks, recently passed away, leaving a significant void in their lives. Struggling with their loss, they decided to adopt another dog and reached out to Greenacres Rescue at Ebbs Acres Farm in Pembrokeshire.
Ollie Bird explained, “We were heartbroken and felt like we might never get another dog. But the emptiness left by Pippin was so great that we knew we needed to try to fill it. We applied to Greenacres Rescue, and shortly after, a volunteer contacted us about a potential match.”
At that time, the couple was unaware of Ariel’s unique story.
“When Ariel came for a home visit, she adapted immediately and made herself at home. We had no idea we were welcoming a dog with such a notable background,” Ollie added.
As Ollie took Ariel for walks along the coast, many people recognized her and requested selfies. Ariel seemed to enjoy the attention.
“Ariel loves the spotlight and thrives on the beach, playing in the water,” Ollie said.
Ariel quickly became a beloved member of the Blue Horizons Surf Club, which offers adaptive surf lessons and boat trips for individuals with various physical and mental disabilities. “Ariel is always enthusiastic about participating in the lessons. She’s a hit with everyone we take out on the waves and never stops wanting to play,” Ollie noted.
Ariel, who was born with several birth defects, including two extra legs and two vulvas, was found abandoned in a supermarket parking lot.
Ariel received her name from the Disney character in *The Little Mermaid* due to her partially fused extra back legs, which resembled a mermaid’s tail.
Born with several congenital defects, Ariel’s story quickly garnered international attention, with people from around the world, including New York and Australia, reaching out to express their support. This outpouring of compassion led to raising about £15,000 for a life-changing surgery at Langford Vets Small Animal Referral Hospital in Somerset.
“Ariel’s case was complex, requiring coordinated care from our orthopaedics, soft tissue surgery, anaesthesia, and radiology teams,” said Vicki Black, the hospital director. “We are thrilled that such a wonderful dog has recovered well from her surgery.”
Vicki Black also expressed appreciation for Ariel’s supporters and the collaboration with Greenacres Rescue.
The surgery was successful, and Ariel is now enjoying her new life by the sea, where the cliffs meet the beaches. “Aside from a small amount of nerve damage in one of her back legs, you’d never know she had any issues,” Ollie Bird noted.
Kahlil Gibran once said, “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention,” and Emma-Mary and Ollie from Pembrokeshire are a true testament to this.
For over 25 years, the couple has dedicated themselves to helping people with disabilities experience the joy of surfing. Now, thanks to their generosity and commitment, Ariel has the opportunity to enjoy her own special moments by the sea.
