The Australian social media world held its breath this week as Peggy, one half of the beloved animal duo Peggy and Molly, faced a serious health crisis. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier underwent urgent surgery after a veterinarian discovered a cancerous lump near her ribs.
An Urgent Health Battle
On Friday, Peggy's owners, Gold Coast couple Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen, shared the frightening news with their 995,000 Instagram followers. A vet had identified the cancerous growth, emphasising it was "definitely something we need to act on quickly." The couple rushed their beloved pet into surgery the same day.
In an emotional post on November 20, the couple described Peggy as the family's "calm, nurturing soul" and an "old soul" who had comforted countless people through tough times. "She's the gentle heart who nurtured Molly like her own," they wrote, referencing the famous magpie she befriended.
A Viral Friendship Facing Challenges
Peggy and Molly shot to fame in 2020 thanks to their extraordinary cross-species friendship. Wells and Mortensen rescued the magpie, who quickly became part of the family, forming a close bond with Peggy and later with their puppy, Ruby.
This health scare comes after a turbulent period for the family. Last year, authorities attempted to seize Molly the magpie, a decision that was later overturned. In February 2025, the Queensland government finally confirmed Molly could stay with the family, with Environment Minister Andrew Powell describing her as "a wild bird" and stating no permit was required.
Successful Surgery and Recovery
Followers flooded social media with support, sending hundreds of messages wishing Peggy a smooth procedure and fast recovery. The couple provided a hopeful update after the surgery, confirming the vet had successfully removed the cancer.
"We're so proud of our brave girl and endlessly grateful to our incredible vet team for taking such good care of her," the couple posted. "Our sweet girl is on the couch, snoring softly and on her way to healing."
The family's story continues to capture hearts, with a cartoon based on Peggy and Molly's friendship currently in development.
