A six-legged dog who was abandoned outside a shop is settling into her new home.

Ariel, named after Disney’s Little Mermaid, was left outside a B&M store in Pembrokeshire last September.

She was only 11 weeks old at the time and was taken in by local centre Greenacres Rescue in Haverfordwest.

As well as six legs, the cocker spaniel was also born with two vulvas and only one kidney.

Ariel’s new owner, Ollie Bird, runs an adaptive surf school in West Wales.

The 40-year-old, who lives in Freshwater West, told Sky News he and his family were “probably the only people in Wales” who had not heard about Ariel’s story when they adopted her.

‘Home felt empty’

Ronaldo the 6ft ‘male’ snake gives birth to 14 babies in rare ‘virgin birth’

Great Dane named world’s tallest dog – but is ‘terrified’ of family’s vacuum

Thirteen guinea pigs abandoned in basket down Cardiff lane

Ariel’s arrival came at a time when the family were mourning the loss of their dog.

“We had a 16-year-old dog that we found 13 years ago wandering down Freshwater West beach, our local beach. And, unfortunately, he just suddenly passed away overnight,” Mr Bird said.

“For a whole 48 hours, we thought we’re not going to get another dog because it’s so upsetting. And then we realised that our home felt empty without one and we applied to Greenacres for a dog.”

Greenacres then got back in touch with the family and they were introduced to Ariel.

“We obviously found out about her whole story. We were absolutely overjoyed to welcome her into our family,” he added.

Mr Bird said Ariel had “settled in well” to her new home.

“She joins us everywhere we go. She actually can walk very well,” he said.

“She does need little breaks now and again, but if we were to go on a walk, I could put her in a bag or I give her lots of stops.

“She’s swimming in the sea, she’s been paddle boarding, surfing, and is just great with kids and families. She’s a very gentle soul, she likes sitting and watching.”

‘Really grateful’

More than £15,000 was raised in donations for Ariel after the news of her abandonment first broke.

Ariel’s new family have thanked everyone for their support to the pooch.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

“We’re just really grateful to anyone who made a phone call to find out how the operation’s gone,” Mr Bird added.

“I think it was something like 20,000 phone calls they said when she was having her operation, from around the world, and people donated their money.

“We just can’t thank those people enough, because without that we just wouldn’t have the amazing dog who’s part of our lives now.”

Read more from Sky News:
Murder probe after two people found dead in house
Jay Slater’s mother says family want to withdraw GoFundMe money

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

But Mr Bird is keen to stress this is not a “happy ending” for Ariel.

“For us, it’s a happy beginning.”

Related posts:

Appeal after ‘gentle soul’ road safety officer Allan is ‘kidnapped’ Cockatoos work out how to open bin lids by watching others do the trick This busker was singing one of John Legend’s hits. Little did she know that he was in the audience Florida man arrested after stealing a crossbow by stuffing it down his trousers Woman sells home she’s lived in for 102 years – which her family bought for £200 Jack Daniel’s and dog toy firm go head to head in US Supreme Court over poop pun product Clown ‘stalking streets and leaving residents terrified’ dares police to catch them ‘Pennywise’ clown ‘stalking’ streets of village leaves games for residents to solve Ex-tiler who bought pool table with lottery winnings secures European medal Woman ‘chats’ to dead mother using AI – with ‘spooky’ results Berry heavy: Whopping blueberry smashes world record Stingray with ‘virgin pregnancy’ has ‘rare disease’