TAMPA – Pregnant women are often restricted from travelling by air after 36 weeks of pregnancy. But Eleanor “Elle” Rigby, who was scheduled to fly from Tampa to Philadelphia, clearly didn’t get the memo.
The two-year-old golden retriever, a service dog who was travelling with her owner, Diane Van Atter, unexpectedly went into labour shortly before boarding their flight at Tampa International Airport last Friday. Aircraft Rescue Firefighters (ARFF) were called to the scene to assist.
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
It must’ve been Elle’s lucky day because a nurse just happened to be in the crowd as well. The nurse was able to help deliver five of her pups before having to catch her flight.
All in all, the entire ordeal lasted approximately four hours.
When all eight babies (seven males and one females) were delivered, the puppies’ father, a yellow lab named Golden Nugget who was also at the airport, was seen excitedly jumping around.
All done! #AirportPuppies @FlyTPA @CityofTampa pic.twitter.com/NIoXr0HCZW
— Tampa Fire Rescue (@TampaFireRescue) May 25, 2018
No word as to whether he handed out cigars, too.
Elle, who was obviously pooped after giving birth, can be seen in videos resting on the terminal floor while her newborns hungrily nursed.
According to an airport spokesperson who spoke with Fox 35, Van Atter was aware that Elle was pregnant but did not realize how far along she was. The Miami Herald reports that after missing their flight Van Atter and her daughter now plan to drive to Philadelphia – a journey of approximately 1,000 miles – with Elle, Golden Nugget and all eight of the adorable newborns.
The proud papa, “Nugget” waits for his last baby ???? #AirportPuppies pic.twitter.com/3qcG6gcBlj
— Tampa Fire Rescue (@TampaFireRescue) May 25, 2018
