Service dog gives birth to eight puppies at Tampa airport in "magical" moment
It's no doubt a vacation to remember!
Eleanor Rigby -- known affectionately as Ellie by her owners -- unexpectedly gave birth before boarding her flight to Philly at the Tampa Airport. The two-year-old Labrador retriever welcomed eight puppies, one girl and seven boys right at the gate, alongside puppy daddy Nugget. Both Nugget and Ellie are service dogs.
Her owner Diane Van Atter knew the pup was expecting, but didn't realize how close Ellie was to giving birth. But when the time came, spectators, including a nurse, jumped into action to help. They were quickly joined by staff from the Tampa Fire Rescue. Lt. Natalie Brown was one of the first to respond to the situation, calling the moment "magical."
An air traveler’s service dog is delivering puppies now @FlyTPA We’re a full-service department! pic.twitter.com/4xlPixtcFn
— Tampa Fire Rescue (@TampaFireRescue) May 25, 2018
Update from @FlyTPA: 5 new puppies. Waiting on a couple more! #AirportPuppiespic.twitter.com/DVkOLWVYw8
— Tampa Fire Rescue (@TampaFireRescue) May 25, 2018
She explained to TODAY: "I got my (obstetrics and gynecology) kit. I wanted to move the dog to a quieter area, but the owner was concerned about moving her so I said, 'No problem.' It was an incredible moment." Travelers were so moved that many of them were ready to miss their flights as to witness the moment.
Photos of the incredible story were shared to Twitter by the Tampa Fire Rescue. "We’re a full-service department!" they joked.
Mom’s name is Ellie, short for Eleanor Rigby. Two year old yellow lab pic.twitter.com/dzPCn8mdoN
— Tampa Fire Rescue (@TampaFireRescue) May 25, 2018
The proud papa, “Nugget” waits for his last baby 👶 #AirportPuppiespic.twitter.com/3qcG6gcBlj
— Tampa Fire Rescue (@TampaFireRescue) May 25, 2018
All done! #AirportPuppies@FlyTPA@CityofTampapic.twitter.com/NIoXr0HCZW
— Tampa Fire Rescue (@TampaFireRescue) May 25, 2018
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