6-Legged ‘Mermaid’ Dog Finds a New Home with Surf Instructors for People with Disabilities
Ariel, a one-of-a-kind dog born with six legs, attracted global attention last October when she was found abandoned in a parking lot at just 11 weeks old.
Emma-Mary Webster and Ollie Bird, surf instructors at Blue Horizons Surf Club in Pembrokeshire who work with people with disabilities, decided to adopt Ariel. The couple had recently lost their 16-year-old dog, Pippin, and were looking to fill the gap he had left in their lives.
More Info: Blue Horizons CIC
#1
#2
“We were heartbroken and thought we’d never get another dog, but Pippin left such a big hole in our lives that we realized we needed to try,” said Ollie. They contacted Greenacres Rescue, and soon a volunteer suggested Ariel as a great match for them.
At first, Emma-Mary and Ollie didn’t know Ariel’s background. “She came for a home visit and made herself at home right away. We had no idea we had a celebrity in our midst,” Ollie said.
#3
#4
#5
When Ollie took Ariel for walks along the coast, many people recognized her and asked for selfies. Ariel loved the attention and enjoyed the beach life.
“Ariel adores the attention and loves splashing around in the water,” Ollie said.
Ariel quickly became a star at Blue Horizons Surf Club, which provides surf lessons and boat trips for people with various physical and mental disabilities.
“Ariel loves being part of the lessons. She’s always a hit with everyone we take out on the waves and never stops wanting to play,” Ollie said, adding that Ariel gets excited whenever she sees her leash.
#6
#7
Ariel got her name from Disney’s Little Mermaid character because her partially fused extra back legs looked like a mermaid’s tail.
Her story touched people around the world, leading to donations from places like New York and Australia. About £15,000 was raised for a life-changing surgery at Langford Vets Small Animal Referral Hospital in Somerset.
“Ariel was a complex case that needed several specialist teams working together. We’re pleased she’s recovered well,” said Vicki Black, the hospital director.
#8
#9
Thanks to the successful surgery, Ariel is now enjoying a new chance at life by the sea.
“Other than a small bit of nerve damage in one of her back legs, she seems perfectly fine,” Ollie said.
Emma-Mary and Ollie have been helping people with disabilities catch waves for over 25 years. Now, thanks to them, Ariel is also riding the wave of a lifetime.
