- Ariel has taken to her new life like a duck - or rather a Spaniel - to water
- She was adopted by Emma-Mary Webster, 50, and Ollie Bird, 40, in April
- The puppy was born with two extra back legs, fused together to resemble a tail
A formerly six-legged puppy, who was abandoned in a supermarket car park, is enjoying life at the seaside after finding her forever home.
Ariel the spaniel has found her new home in Pembroke, South Wales, after being adopted by Emma-Mary Webster, 50, and Ollie Bird, 40 - a couple who teach surfing disabled people.
The pooch was born last year with two extra limbs on her back which were partially fused together to resemble a mermaid's tail - hence the name given to her by Fenton Vets staff inspired by The Little Mermaid.
Her new owners, who have two children, lost their labrador/German shorthaired pointer cross of 13 years, Pippin, in March and applied to their local rescue centre to see if they had any dogs up for adoption.
Months later and Ariel is a 'hit' with people taken for surfing lessons by the couple, who told the BBC: 'You should see how excited she gets whenever we get out her leash, not to mention the way she runs around on the sand.'
Ariel made headlines at 11 weeks old when she was abandoned at a B&M car park in the Pembrokeshire town last October.
She was found stranded and distressed by the council's dog warden last autumn and was taken to Greenacres Rescue near Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, who found her a foster family before appealing for donations to fund transformational surgery.
With £15,000 raised, Ariel had the extra limbs removed and the appeal was also met by hundreds of people wanting to adopt the puppy.
Following her operation in January, she was finally adopted in April with the rescue centre posting: 'We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Ariel has been officially adopted.
'This incredible story began back in September 2023 when a young, six-legged pup was discovered abandoned in a car park.
'Ariel's resilience and spirit captured the attention of people worldwide, with media coverage reaching as far as Australia.
'Since her discovery, Ariel has been on a remarkable journey, filled with numerous vet visits, scans, surgeries, specialist referrals, physiotherapy sessions, and media appearances on radio, TV, and newspapers.
'The outpouring of support from our followers has been overwhelming, and today, we are delighted to announce that Ariel has been officially adopted.
'We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who played a part in transforming this once discarded pup into a beloved pet.
'A special thank you goes to June, Ariel's foster mother, whose dedication, care, and energy have been instrumental in Ariel's incredible transformation. Thank you for joining us on this inspiring journey of love and hope.'
While Ollie and Emma-Mary 'felt like we'd never get another dog' after the heartbreak of losing Pippin, the 'huge' hole he left in their lives was too much to ignore.
Ariel was taken to see the couple on a home visit after their application to Greenacres Rescue and instantly seemed at ease.
'Neither of us were at all aware we had a celebrity in our midst,' Emma-Mary said.
They are now routinely asked for selfies with the dog while they take her for walks.
The couple launched surfing club Blue Horizons after Covid-19 restrictions were lifted, with an emphasis on inclusivity.
As well as their adapted lessons, they also run boat trips for people of all ages and abilities - including cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and dementia.