#37: Airport Access
HAWS’ transport program began with the desire to assist other shelters in need – especially those in southern states with severe overcrowding and high euthanasia rates. Initially these transports were done as road trips – our empty rescue van(s) would drive half way and meet another shelter’s full rescue van(s). Animals would be safely unloaded and reloaded, and our staff would come back to HAWS with about a dozen new dog and/or cat friends.
When we were asked to partner with larger, national groups, our transport program changed dramatically. We still do the occasional road trip, or welcome a van that comes directly to us at our shelter. But, now we also are honored to participate in lifesaving transport flights, made even easier by the fact that HAWS is located right across the street from a major regional airport, Waukesha County’s Crites Field!
There is nothing like watching a caravan of vehicles drive from HAWS’ parking lot straight onto the tarmac. Our partners at Stein Aviation now welcome our team to their hangar on a monthly basis, and know most of us by name if not just by face. Being able to drive right up to a waiting plane, unload the crates and carry them directly to open and waiting vans adds a level of safety, efficiency – and joy – that can’t be matched.
Let’s face it, not every transport day is sunny and 65 degrees – we’ve unloaded in snow, pelting rain, high winds and freezing cold temperatures. The animals don’t seem to mind, though – they look out the cargo door of the plane and know: WE’RE SAVED!
The humans and pets agree, it’s a great way to save a life!