Once famous across social media for her touching friendship with a magpie, Peggy the Staffy is now facing the biggest challenge of her life: a cɑ:ncer diagnosis and a critical surgery ahead

“It still doesn’t feel real.”

Peggy the staffy, the Gold Coast dog who captured hearts across Australia with her unlikely friendship with Molly the magpie, has been diagnosed with cancer.

Last week, owners Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen shared the devastating news that Peggy needed urgent surgery to remove “an aggressive little cancer on her left side near her ribs.”

Viral dog Peggy diagnosed with cancer

The tumour was only the size of a 10-cent coin, but required immediate action.

“It still doesn’t feel real. Peggy is the calm, nurturing soul in our little family. The girl who became famous without ever trying, simply by being herself,” the couple wrote on Instagram.

“She’s the gentle heart who nurtured Molly like her own and is the best mum to Ruby. She opened her world (and all of ours) to that unlikely, magical friendship with a brave little magpie.”

Surgery successful, cancer removed

On Friday, Peggy underwent surgery, and the operation was a success.

“Her surgery went beautifully, and the vets were able to remove all the cancer,” Wells and Mortensen shared.

“They told us she was the best patient — that’s because they got to experience a little Peggy magic today.”

The couple thanked their vet team and asked supporters to keep Peggy in their thoughts as she recovers.

The Peggy and Molly story

Peggy and Molly’s friendship went viral in 2024, when videos of the Staffordshire and the rescued magpie playing together captured the internet’s attention.

But the story took a turn when authorities revealed Wells and Mortensen didn’t have the required permit to keep Molly. The magpie was surrendered, separating the unlikely duo for 43 days.

After widespread public support and campaigning, Molly and Peggy were reunited. And in February 2025, the Queensland government confirmed Molly could stay permanently.

Environment Minister Andrew Powell said Molly is considered “a wild bird,” meaning no permit is required.

Now that Peggy is recovering from surgery, the family is focusing on her health and hoping for a full recovery.