“We couldn't be happier,” say the couple who adopted Ariel, the puppy born with six legs who is now enjoying a full, healthy life playing on Pembrokeshire’s beaches.
Found abandoned in Pembroke Dock last September, the beautiful cocker spaniel was taken in by Greenacres Animal Rescue, Haverfordwest. Support from followers was overwhelming, raising around £15,000 that funded her operation in January.
In April, Ariel, named after Walt Disney’s Little Mermaid, was adopted by a couple who teach people, including those with disabilities, how to surf.
Emma-Mary Webster and Ollie Bird, who run the Blue Horizons Surf Club, were heartbroken after losing their dog of 16 years, Pippin. Eventually they contacted Greenacres to see if the charity had any dogs up for adoption, and a volunteer suggested Ariel as the perfect candidate.
Helped by the dedication of foster mum June, Ariel’s journey included appearances on radio, TV, and newspapers, but this couple had no idea that they were in the presence of a celebrity when Ariel was brought on a home visit and settled right in.
Ariel loves beach life, splashing in the water and taking part in the daily activities at the surf club that grew out of a post-covid wish to bring healing and happiness after hard times.
Blue Horizons is a non for profit CIC that runs community projects and surf clubs including for people with additional needs and/or disabilities. Ariel loves taking part in those. She has made a remarkable recovery and never tires of playing.
“You should see how excited she gets whenever we get out her leash, not to mention the way she runs around on the sand,” Ollie told BBC News reporter Nathan Bevan.
“We couldn't be happier,” Emma-Mary told the Tenby Observer. “Not only because we are overjoyed with welcoming Ariel into our lives but also because GreenAcres have been so vital in helping us through the whole process. They are an amazing charity that work incredibly hard to help find loving homes for all animals and with their continued support we know we can help give Ariel the life she deserves.”
