When the 11-week-old Spaniel puppy was found abandoned in Pembrokeshire, Wales, the rescue and vet team were surprised to discover she had two additional limbs and two vulvas.
Under the care of Greenacres Rescue, they knew additional tests would be required to determine her future.
An urgent assessment
X-rays revealed that the poor pup's deformity is the result of an extra hip joint and two additional conjoined legs. Her pelvis hasn't formed properly, meaning her back right leg lacks muscle mass.
Named Ariel because of her mermaid-like appearance, the vet team has decided to take things slowly, monitoring the puppy regularly over the next month and letting her settle after her ordeal.
New beginnings
In time, Ariel will require surgery to remove her extra limbs and potentially even her normal back leg. She will also have the additional vulva removed when she's neutered, after which she will need lots of time to rest and recuperate.
For now, she's spending some time settling into her foster home and is just enjoying being a puppy. With lots of support from the public and her team of carers, this special girl is in good hands, and well on her way to finding the happy ending she deserves.
