One half of Australia’s beloved social-media duo Peggy and Molly has endured a frightening health scare, leaving hundreds of thousands of fans holding their breath.
Peggy, the gentle Staffordshire Bull Terrier whose unlikely friendship with Molly the magpie captured hearts around the world, underwent urgent surgery on Friday after vets discovered a cancerous lump near her ribs. Her owners, Gold Coast couple Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen, said it was “definitely something we need to act on quickly”.
The pair first rescued Molly in 2020, when the young magpie fell from a nest and bonded instantly with Peggy. Their extraordinary friendship – later joined by puppy Ruby – grew into a story of love and loyalty that enchanted almost a million Instagram followers.
“It still doesn’t feel real,” the couple shared ahead of Peggy’s operation. “Peggy is the calm, nurturing soul in our little family … the gentle heart who nurtured Molly like her own and has taught us so much about kindness, acceptance, patience and unconditional love.”
The diagnosis comes after a difficult year in which the family fought to keep Molly, who authorities once tried to seize before the decision was overturned. Through it all, Peggy remained the dependable “old soul” comforting not only her family, but countless followers online.
“Now it’s our turn to wrap her up in that same love and send her all the strength she needs,” they wrote. “We’re hopeful … she’s tougher than she looks and has so much more sweetness left to give.”
On Friday, fans flooded the page with messages of support as Peggy went into surgery – and later, relief washed over the community when the couple announced vets had successfully removed the cancer.
“We’re so proud of our brave girl,” they posted. “Our sweet girl is on the couch, snoring softly and on her way to healing.”
Peggy and Molly became household names in March 2024 during a public battle over the magpie’s permit. In February 2025, the Queensland government ruled Molly could remain with the family – a victory for their millions-strong fanbase.
And now, with a cartoon series based on their magical bond in development, supporters are hoping this latest chapter becomes just another story of srength for the friendship that stole Australia’s heart.
Images: Instagram
