Heartbreaking Health Update for Famous Dog Peggy
The owners of Australia's most unlikely animal duo have shared a devastating health update concerning their beloved Staffordshire Terrier, Peggy. This news comes just nine months after the couple, Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen, successfully concluded a legal saga against the Queensland Government to keep Peggy and her magpie companion, Molly, together.
The couple, who reside on the Gold Coast, first discovered Molly as a fledgling on the ground at a local dog park four years ago. The magpie was quickly integrated into their family, forming an inseparable bond with their dogs, Peggy and Ruby. Videos of their extraordinary friendship captured hearts globally, making them viral sensations on social media.
A Sudden and Aggressive Diagnosis
The couple's world was recently shaken when they found a worrying area on Peggy's left side, near her ribs. A veterinary diagnosis confirmed their fears: Peggy had developed an aggressive form of cancer. Despite the tumour being initially only the size of a 10-cent coin, the situation demanded immediate action.
On November 20, Peggy underwent surgery to remove the cancerous growth. In an emotional online post to their followers, Wells and Mortensen shared that the procedure was a success. "Her surgery went beautifully, and the vets were able to remove all the cancer," they wrote, adding that Peggy was described as "the best patient" by the veterinary team.
On the Road to Recovery
Post-surgery, Peggy was described as "a little wobbly and very sleepy from the sedation" but is now firmly on the mend. The couple reported that after some adjustments to her pain medication, she is "slowly becoming herself again" and is recovering incredibly well at home.
They expressed that the entire ordeal "still doesn't feel real," paying tribute to Peggy's gentle nature. "She’s the gentle heart who nurtured Molly like her own and is the best MUM to Ruby," the couple shared. "She opened her world to the unlikely, magical friendship with a brave little magpie."
This health scare follows a period of intense stress for the family earlier in the year. In March 2024, Molly the magpie was removed from their home by authorities because the couple lacked a permit to care for native wildlife. However, following a significant public outcry, the bird was returned six weeks later. The Queensland Government formally confirmed in February that Molly could remain with the family for good.
