The Pembrokeshire pooch Ariel who has captured the hearts of people from all over the county and across the world - after being born with multiple defects - is back home and safe after successful surgery.

Beautiful Cocker Spaniel pup Ariel was found abandoned in a Pembroke Dock car park last year, after being born with six legs and various other anomalies.

Rescued and taken in by Greenacres Animal Rescue at Ebbs Acres Farm, Haverfordwest, fundraising was sought so that she could have the surgery required to remove the extra legs, which were fused to her spine, and also some corrective work to her pelvis as well.

Ariel at her home
She had her surgery on Thursday to remove her extra legs, and the procedure went very well, with Ariel taking it all in her stride, before returning to her foster home on Saturday. (Greenacres/Facebook)

Ariel was initially managed by her local vets, Fenton Vets and the SMART clinic before being referred to the ‘Small Animal Referral Hospital Langford Vets University of Bristol’ and in the expert hands of surgeons Aaron Lutchman and Ed Friend.

She had her surgery on Thursday to remove her extra legs, and the procedure went very well, with Ariel taking it all in her stride, before returning to her foster home on Saturday (January 20).

Her additional limbs were removed, and thankfully having the CT images meant the surgeons did not discover anything unexpected, and although it wasn’t a regular amputation it was described as ‘uneventful’.

Ariel
Ariel was born with six legs (Greenacres/Facebook)

Giving an update on Facebook, Greenacres stated this evening: “Our wonderful and special little spaniel has been discharged from Small Animal Referral Hospital Langford Vets University of Bristol and is back in the comforts of her wonderful foster home.

“The procedure went as well and to be expected and now she’s got a few weeks of recovery. The staff at Langford have been wonderful and we could not ask for better service.

Ariel pup
Ariel also needed some corrective work to her pelvis as well. (Greenacres/Facebook)

“Ariel has to now rest for the next 10-14 days to recover and we will post updates over that time.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has been part of Ariel’s story and journey, every message, donation and well wishes have been very much appreciated.

“The public’s generosity has known no bounds in this case, and by supporting our work it ensures that we can ALWAYS be there for cases like Ariel,” they added.

Ariel pictured post-op with surgeons Aaron Lutchman and Ed Friend.
Ariel pictured post-op with surgeons Aaron Lutchman and Ed Friend. (Langford Vets)

You can head to the Greenacres Facebook page to donate to the cause.