20 January 2024 , 12:56
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A six-legged dog found dumped in a supermarket car park has undergone surgery to remove her two extra limbs.
Ariel, who was discovered outside a branch of B&M in Pembrokeshire in September last year, was able to have the life-changing operation after £15,000 was raised by strangers across the world.
The 11-week-old spaniel puppy touched the hearts of thousands after tragically being abandoned by her owner, and initially it was feared she would have to have one of her four 'normal' limbs amputated also.However, thanks to the kindness of her rescuers, surgeons were able to save all of the dog's working legs.
Named after Disney's Little Mermaid character, Ariel was also found to only have one working kidney (LANGFORD VETS)Mikey Lawlor, founder and manager of Greenacres Rescue near Haverfordwest, which took Ariel in, said the animal was discovered alone, skinny and in a state of distress.
Speaking to the BBC, he said: "The vet who initially assessed Ariel noted that, in addition to her two surplus back legs, she also had an additional vulva.
Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him
The 11-week-old spaniel puppy touched the hearts of thousands (Greenacres rescue/Daily Record)"And, due to having two hip joints on one side, Ariel's pelvis never formed properly. As a result her normal back right leg had virtually no muscle tone, so there was a possibility that might have had to come off too. Thankfully that wasn't the case though as it's shown signs of having strengthened a lot in recent months."
Named after Disney's Little Mermaid character, Ariel was also found to only have one working kidney which made the operation riskier than anticipated.
She was named Ariel after her rescuers found her back legs to be partially fused and resembling a mermaid's tail (GREENACRES RESCUE)She was named Ariel after her rescuers found her back legs to be partially fused and resembling a mermaid's tail.
Ariel was operated on at Langford Vets Small Animal Referral Hospital in Somerset on Thursday, and the next day she was already up eating and drinking, Mr Lawlor said.
Ariel was operated on at Langford Vets Small Animal Referral Hospital in Somerset (Greenacres Rescue)Once recovered, it is hoped Ariel will be discharged to return home to her foster family in west Wales. After weeks of physiotherapy and recovery, the hunt will be on to find the adorable dog her a forever home.
Mr Lawlor added: "The response we've had to Ariel's story so far, including calls and emails from as far away as New York and Australia, has been incredible - so I've no doubt she'll be snapped up. I just can't say enough of a thank you to everyone who's contributed to helping her."