Over the weekend a labrador service dog named Eleanor Rigby, fondly referred to as Ellie, gave birth at Tampa International Airport.
Ruff day for this mama at Gate F80! With the help of ARFF paramedics, service dog Eleanor Rigby just delivered 8 pups -7 males, 1 female. pic.twitter.com/kiijFz0FBq
— Tampa International Airport ✈️ (@FlyTPA) May 25, 2018
Ellie was travelling home with her puppy daddy, Golden Nugget, and their owner, Diane Van Atter. The three were waiting to board a flight to Philadelphia.
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The pregnant labrador wasn’t due for a few more days, but her puppies had other plans. Luckily, paramedics from Tampa Fire Rescue were on site and were able to help Ellie deliver eight beautiful puppies—seven very good girls and one very good boy.
Southern California real estate agent Kristin Hamilton was there to witness the eight little miracles.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjPyF0EF0Yx/?utm_source=ig_embed
Ellie, Golden, and Diane missed their flight home. For the next three hours, travelers in the airport came up to congratulate Ellie and of course to fawn over the cute little pups.
One of the passengers who witnessed the birth noted that Ellie’s man, Golden Nugget, was right by her side. Apparently, the puppy papa seemed almost as nervous as the mother!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjNS-bQlTEX/?utm_source=ig_embed
Congratulations to Ellie and Golden! And happy birthday, puppies!