WPXI's Mike Holden gets puppy love during live report

Some actors will tell you to never work with kids or animals — they steal the show every time.

WPXI reporter Mike Holden found that out Thursday morning while covering a water main break in Pittsburgh’s Beechview neighborhood.

Reporting live from Voelkel Avenue, Holden spotted a resident at his front door. He shouted out a question, asking if his home had water in the basement. The man opened his screen door and answered.

That’s when Drifty came bounding out and beelined it for Holden.

The 6-month-old pup jumped up and down, running all around Holden as he tried to continue the segment.

But Drifty wasn’t about to waste his 15 minutes of fame. He stole the scene, sprinting all around the street, jumping through the water rushing all around him.

PUPPY POWER! Had a little surprise guest star during my live shots on that huge water main break. 6 month old pup “Drifty” couldn’t contain himself. He loves water! Wish I had some treats tho. All I have is gum and Carmex. Sorry, dawg.??? @WPXI ? ? pic.twitter.com/H4VqcJv8xu

— Mike Holden (@WPXIMikeHolden) May 27, 2021

“He’s a sweet dog — live TV, guys,” Holden said live as the dog jumped up and down in utter excitement.

“I wish I had treats,” he told morning anchor Katherine Amenta.

The incident didn’t seem to faze Holden at all.

“I love dogs by nature,” Holden told the Tribune-Review, WPXI’s news partner. “I grew up with dogs.”

But the dog-loving reporter needed to stick to his job.

“I was so focused on continuing to tell the story, but I’m thinking this is hilarious and absurd,” Holden said. “You can tell I’m trying to wrap it up, but I couldn’t ignore the dog.”

While unplanned incidents are part of Holden’s job, “this was pretty unique.”

As for the water main break, unfortunately the dog’s owners were among those whose basements were affected. Crews from Pennsylvania American Water were on the scene Thursday morning working to repair it.