On May 25, 2018, Eleanor “Ellie” Rigby, a 2-year old yellow lab service dog, suddenly gave birth to eight puppies in the main terminal of Tampa International Airport.

Ellie serves Diane Vanatter and her daughter, who is unnamed. The two were embarking on a trip from Tampa to Philadelphia when their service dog went into labor. Diane, Ellie’s owner, acknowledged that Ellie was pregnant, however she did not know how far along she was in the pregnancy.

The puppies’ father, who is also a yellow lab service dog, named Golden Nugget, was present during the time of labor. Ellie delivered 7 boys and 1 girl in four hours, while bystanders and travelers alike watched in awe.

People crowded around the spectacle, took pictures and recorded the event. Some travelers missed their flights, claiming that the event was “too beautiful” to miss.

A nurse nearby was able to help deliver 5 puppies before having to board her flight. Aircraft Rescue Firefighters (ARFF) arrived soon after and delivered the remaining two.

“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,” Lieutenant Natalie Brown, a first responder at the fire station reported.

Two of the respondents part of the Tampa Fire Rescue medical team, Larry Glanton and Natalie Brown, also aided during labor. They tweeted out a series of tweets for the duration of the labor including, “Seven boys, one girl. Time to rest, #Ellie #Airport Puppies @FlyTPA @TPAPolice @CityofTampa,” that was attached with a picture of Ellie and her eight offspring.

Tampa International Airport also tweeted, “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,” with an attached photo of the scene.

The unexpected birth caused Diane and her daughter to miss their flight. They now plan to drive all the way to Philadelphia, according to the Miami Herald.