A Texas family have shared a fascinating series of photos showing how thier dog was there every step of the way as his owner gave birth.
Brooke Ellington, 35, delivered her new baby girl in a water birth at home and their one-and-a-half year old Corgi Ranger was there every step of the way.
Photographer Kristin Water was hired to capture the birth of Brooke’s third child on June 29 at home in Midland, Texas, and was captivated by how close their canine companion got to the action.
Brooke, who also has two sons, said: ‘Even though Ranger was extra attentive during my pregnancy with Berkeley, it still came as a surprise to see how close he was to me during my labor.
‘The moment she was born, he jumped up on the birth pool and I introduced him to his little sister.’
One-and-a half-year-old Corgi Ranger peers over the edge of the pool as Brooke Ellington, 35, gives birth to a daughter in Midland, Texas, USA. Brooke says the dog was ‘extra attentive’ during her pregnancy and wanted to be close to her during birth
Ranger joins in an intimate family moment during the birth by licking Brooke on the face. She said:’Even though Ranger was extra attentive during my pregnancy with Berkeley, it still came as a surprise to see how close he was to me during my labor.
Photographer Kristin Water described how Ranger refused to leave his owner’s side during the birth. She said: ‘Ranger was there for the entire time Brooke was giving birth. He labored with her in the bedroom either by her side or under the bed when she was on the floor. He was so curious and excited, he was sweet and was never in anyone’s way.’
Magical moment: Brooke said Ranger was extra fascinated to meet the newest member of the family. She said: ‘The moment she was born, he jumped up on the birth pool and I introduced him to his little sister.’
Ranger is curious and excited as he watches the baby being weighed after the water birth. Brooke, who also shares two sons, Boone, 5, and Boyd, 3, with her husband of seven years, Steven. She is a full-time mom and home schooler, and part time doula, a birthing companion for other women.
Four months after the birth, the affectionate Corgi is mesmerized by his new baby buddy and remains by her side at all times, often providing kisses in the form of dog licks.
The mom-of-three said: ‘Even though Ranger was extra attentive during my pregnancy with Berkeley, it still came as a surprise to see how close he was to me during my labor.
‘He’s always been my little buddy and now he’s Berkeley’s.
‘He follows her everywhere and keeps his eyes on her.
‘The moment she was born, he jumped up on the birth pool and I introduced him to his little sister.’
The corgi followed the birth closely and still follows baby Berkeley to this day like she’s his own. Photographer Kristin added: ‘He followed her everywhere she went and still does to this day – she is his baby.’
Ranger and the baby look at each other in the mirror as they remain inseparable after her birth
The photographer said during childbirth Ranger ‘seemed like he knew Berkeley was a new little baby and needed her space’
Boone, 5, holds his new sibling as Ranger refuses to leave her side
Ranger, who is one-and-a-half, sitting with his new family member, four-month-old Berkeley Ellington
Brooke, who also shares two sons, Boone, 5, and Boyd, 3, with her husband of seven years, Steven, is a full-time mom and home schooler, and part time doula, a birthing companion for other women.
Photographer Kristen said: ‘Ranger was there for the entire time Brooke was giving birth.
‘He labored with her in the bedroom either by her side or under the bed when she was on the floor.
‘He was so curious and excited, he was sweet and was never in anyone’s way.
‘It seemed like he knew Berkeley was a new little baby and needed her space.
‘He followed her everywhere she went and still does to this day – she is his baby.
‘When Brooke first saw the gallery of photographs, she was so shocked because she was unaware he was there the entire time.
‘She loves Ranger so much and I’m just so glad I could document how special he is.
‘I pay more attention to the small things that I photograph now that I ignored before.
‘You never know what can be special to some people that they haven’t noticed themselves yet.’