The dog named Ariel, after Disney’s Little Mermaid, was found outside a supermarket store in Pembrokeshire, Wales last year. Ariel was only 11 weeks old at the time and was taken in by a local rescue centre.

Ollie Bird, from Freshwater West is Ariel’s new owner and her arrival came at a time when he and his family were mourning the loss of their own 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.”

The family were introduced to Ariel by the rescue centre and when they found out about her story, were keen to welcome her into their lives.

Ollie said Ariel has “settled in well” and “she joins us everywhere we go. She actually can walk very well. 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 is swimming in the sea, she’s been paddleboarding, surfing, and is just great with kids and families. She’s a very gentle soul, she likes sitting and watching.”

After the news of Ariel’s abandonment first broke, more than £15,000 was raised in donations from around the world and allowed the pooch to have her extra limbs removed.

This incredible story began last September and Ariel’s resilience and spirit has truly captured the hearts of people worldwide, including media coverage in Australia. Ariel has been on a remarkable journey and has become something of a celebrity, with TV, radio and newspaper appearances.

Ollie is keen to stress this is not a “happy ending” for Ariel. “For us, it’s a happy beginning.”