WAUKESHA, Wis. — The three adults and 53 dogs on board of a twin-engine plane are doing well after an emergency landing at the Western Lakes Golf Club in Pewaukee on Tuesday. 

What You Need To Know

  • The dogs were coming from New Orleans to find their forever home in Wisconsin

  • All of the animals were triaged by staff veterinarians and only a few had minor injuries and the animals are doing fantastic

  • Some dogs were transported to other shelters, but 21 are at HAWS

Maggie Tate-Techtmann with the Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha County said it was a planned transport. The dogs were coming from New Orleans to find their forever home in Wisconsin. 

“We already had vans at the airport, crates,” said Tate-Techtmann. “So it was a matter of rerouting and pivoting to western lakes instead of the airport.” 

She said all of the animals were triaged by staff veterinarians and only a few had minor injuries and the animals are doing fantastic. Some dogs were transported to other shelters, but 21 are at HAWS and are known as the Western Lakes Loves. 

“It felt really appropriate to recognize our friends at Western Lakes who stepped in to make sure they were safe,” said Tate-Techtmann.

She said the shelter received a donation from Stella and Chewy’s to cover the adoption fees for the 21 dogs. Johanna Schmanski with HAWS said it’s important to be prepared a before adopting.

“We appreciate the support,” said Schmanski. “We hope people are putting research into getting a new pet and they’re thoroughly prepared before they go and seek out any animal.” 

HAWS has received several donations from the community and even internationally after the unexpected plane landing. 

“We have an incredible community that knows how to live humane and is really interested in caring for these dogs,” said Tate-Techtmann.