Giving birth can be a confusing and frightening experience, not only for the dog but also for the owner. However, it becomes worse when it happens at the most unexpected time and place. That is what happened to this 2-year-old-Labrador named Eleanor Rigby—she went into labor while waiting for her flight.
Diane Vanatter, Eleanor’s handler, knew that the dog’s due date was coming up, yet she thought that they would make it home in time. They were only sitting around, waiting for their flight to Philadelphia at the Tampa International Airport. Then, suddenly, she noticed her pet looking unwell and later realized that the pregnant dog was already going into labor.
When Elli went into labor, Vanatter wasn’t on her own in helping the poor dog. Fortunately, volunteers from the Tampa Fire Rescue were also there, ready to give her a hand during the delivery. Other bystanders couldn’t help but look and check what the commotion was all about.
A nurse from the crowd also offered help during the dog’s delivery. She was able to deliver five of the puppies before boarding an outbound flight. A paramedic named Lieutenant Natalie Brown from Tampa Fire Rescue then took over to assist in the delivery.
By the time Brown and her partner reached the site, two puppies had already been born. She immediately took her obstetrics and gynecology kit out to check on Elli. She could have moved them to a quieter place if it weren’t for Vanatter’s concern for the pups.
Elli eventually delivered eight puppies successfully. Seven of them were males, and only one was a female. The father of the little pups, Golden Nugget, was more than thrilled to see them.
Without the kind nurse and the Tampa Fire Rescue volunteers, Elli’s delivery couldn’t have been a success. It was all thanks to them for arriving right on time to assist the distressed family. Moreover, the experience was also a lesson learned for Vanatter, and that is always to expect the unexpected.
Source The Animal Rescue Site via Rumble
