HOUSTON — We have big news about that adorable golden retriever found in a shipping container that we first told you about last week. Connie is pregnant!
U.S. Coast Guard inspectors found Connie trapped in the container at Port Houston. They were doing inspections when they heard barking and scratching coming from one of the containers.
Editor's note: The above video originally aired on Feb. 1.
"I know she must have been scared in there, the crying and the barking we heard, but as soon as we opened it, she just turned into this loving, happy puppy," 1st Class Marine Science Technician Lucas Loe told us.
They determined Connie had been in the container without food or water for at least eight days so she was very relieved to be rescued.
"Pure joy, because you could see it on her face that she was so happy to see us and see a human being that was ready to help her," 2nd Class Marine Science Technician Ryan McMahon said.
The guys from U.S. Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston turned Connie over to the Pasadena Animal Shelter and they promised to find a rescue that would take her in.
But the sweet pup's happy tale -- or tail -- didn't end there.
Connie the container dog's new home
The rescue that agreed to take Connie turned out to be in the Washington, D.C. metro area. On Tuesday, Connie's new Coast Guard buddies gave her a big sendoff at Hooks Airport.
Then she was flown "first class" by pilots Karan Kapoor and Seuk Kim with Pilots and Paws. She even rode shotgun for a while.
"She did amazing and arrived with her tail wagging ready for some treats!" Forever Changed Animal Rescue said.
The rescue group said their veterinarian gave Connie a thorough examination, including bloodwork, X-rays and an ultrasound. That's when they discovered she was pregnant.
"The fetuses have strong heartbeats and were bouncing around, so while her pregnancy is guarded due to her being without food and water for eight days or more, we are hopeful given what we could see," they posted on Facebook.
Connie will stay with the Forever Changed veterinarian through her pregnancy so they can keep an eye on her and her puppies.
Coast Guard inspectors honored for rescuing Connie
Meanwhile, the Coast Guard team that saved Connie is being honored by PETA. McMahon, Loe, Petty Officer 3rd Class Bryan Wainscott and Petty Officer 3rd Class Jose Reyes will receive a Compassionate Action Award.
"This lucky dog would likely have died scared, starved, and alone if it were not for the quick action and compassion of these U.S. Coast Guard members,” PETA President Ingrid Newkirk said. “PETA hopes these rescuers’ bravery will inspire people everywhere to always come to the aid of animals in need.”
While Coast Guard units rescue people regularly, it's doubtful they'll ever forget the friendly pooch that -- apparently -- has nine lives.
"Just the chances of finding her in tens of thousands of containers on this terminal are 1,000,000 to 1," McMahon told us.
The Coast Guard said the container was filled with cars from a junkyard and they suspect the dog may have been in one of the vehicles.
“We know with all this, she’s going to go to a good home where they will love her and take care of her," McMahon said.