A service dog has unexpectedly given birth to puppies in an airport terminal in Florida.
Ellie, a two-year-old Labrador, was with her owner, Diane Van Atter, at Tampa International Airport when she went into suspected early labour.
The pair were due to travel to Philadelphia, but missed their flight due to the delivery, which was performed in front of passengers at gate F80.
All done! #AirportPuppies @FlyTPA @CityofTampa pic.twitter.com/NIoXr0HCZW
— Tampa Fire Rescue (@TampaFireRescue) May 25, 2018
Ellie, whose name is short for Eleanor Rigby, was not alone at the birth.
As well as Tampa Fire Rescue officers and Tampa paramedics helping out, the father of the puppies, Nugget, was also supporting her.
The proud papa, “Nugget” waits for his last baby 👶 #AirportPuppies pic.twitter.com/3qcG6gcBlj
— Tampa Fire Rescue (@TampaFireRescue) May 25, 2018
Tampa Fire Rescue recorded the birth of the seven male and one female puppies on Twitter, sharing pictures and a video.
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
#Ellie is the proud mother of 6 boys so far…The delivery crew including @TPAPolice @flytpa awaits number 7. Will it be a girl? #AirportPuppies pic.twitter.com/Wla9iHjGEJ
— Tampa Fire Rescue (@TampaFireRescue) May 25, 2018
According to US news outlets, the family returned to their accommodation to rest and will travel when the puppies are ready.
