When 11-month-old Whiskey, a Lab-mix rescue dog, was brought to Pieper Memorial Veterinary Center in Connecticut with multiple fractures after surviving a fatal plane crash, his future was uncertain. But thanks to the generosity and innovation of Arthrex Vet Systems, Whiskey’s story became one of remarkable recovery and hope.
Whiskey had suffered a fractured femur in one leg and a compound fracture in another leg after the crash, which claimed the life of volunteer pilot Seuk Kim and another puppy. The injuries were complex and required advanced orthopedic intervention. That’s when Arthrex Vet Sales Associate Nikki Wilson received a call from the veterinary team and quickly mobilized support.
“This puppy had a long road ahead and was using a wheelchair device at that time for extra support,” Nikki said.
She reached out to Arthrex Vet Systems Senior Product Manager Tony Gawaldo, who approved donating the OrthoLine™ distal femur osteotomy system—plates and screws designed to stabilize Whiskey’s leg and give him a chance at a normal life.
“This is such an incredible story of survival and of animal lovers coming together to save this dog’s life,” Tony said. “We were honored to contribute our technology to help Whiskey heal and thrive.”
Whiskey’s journey began in Georgia, where he was rescued from an abusive situation and placed in a kill shelter. Volunteer pilot Seuk Kim, working with Pilots N Paws, flew Whiskey and two other puppies toward safety—but the plane tragically crashed in the Catskills. Whiskey and a miniature schnauzer mix named Pluto survived, but Whiskey was badly injured and stranded in freezing conditions for hours before being rescued.
At Pieper Memorial, Operating Room Manager Cyndy Ross met Whiskey and instantly felt a connection.
“I saw this little puppy squirming on the ER table during an ultrasound,” she said. “When he looked up at me, we locked eyes. I didn’t know his story yet, but I knew he was special.”
After five surgeries and months of rehabilitation, Whiskey is now recovering in his forever home with Cyndy. He’s learning to walk again, wagging his tail and embracing life as a beloved family pet.
“We call him the warrior pup,” Cyndy said. “He is so happy. People can’t believe his spirit. I absolutely love this puppy. We were meant to be together.”
In memory of pilot Seuk Kim, friends and family have founded a new nonprofit rescue group called Seuk’s Army, continuing his legacy of saving animals in need.
Whiskey’s story is a powerful reminder of how compassion, innovation and collaboration can transform lives. At Arthrex, we’re proud to support veterinary professionals and the animals they care for as part of our mission of Helping Surgeons Treat Their Patients Better® and, in turn, Helping Veterinarians Treat Their Patients Better™.
