One-year-old husky in Green Bay beats odds, recovers from traumatic injuries

Stella the husky survived a 30-foot fall and pellet gun wounds, now recovering at Wisconsin Humane Society

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:20pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph of a playful husky puppy in a grassy field, with warm, hazy pools of light and color creating a dreamlike, atmospheric scene that captures the resilience and spirit of the animal.Stella, a resilient one-year-old husky, is on the road to recovery after surviving a traumatic fall and injuries that defied the odds.Green Bay Today

A one-year-old husky named Stella is recovering at the Wisconsin Humane Society's Green Bay campus after surviving a 30-foot fall from an I-41 overpass and serious internal injuries, including air in her chest cavity, lung damage, and metal fragments believed to be from a pellet gun. Despite the traumatic circumstances, Stella did not suffer any broken bones, which veterinarians say is highly unusual. The Humane Society has covered the extensive medical costs for Stella's treatment, which has included CT scans, X-rays, and open-chest surgery.

Why it matters

Stella's remarkable recovery highlights the resilience of animals and the importance of organizations like the Wisconsin Humane Society that provide care and find new homes for pets in need. Her story also raises awareness about the dangers huskies can face when they escape enclosures, a common issue for the breed known for its ability to get out.

The details

Stella was initially taken to a local emergency veterinary clinic, where staff discovered the extent of her injuries, including air in her chest cavity and damage to her lungs. Veterinarians also found metal fragments in her chest, believed to be from a pellet gun. Despite the 30-foot fall, Stella did not suffer any broken bones, which officials say is highly unusual. The Wisconsin Humane Society then took over Stella's care, covering the costs of her extensive treatment, which has included CT scans, X-rays, and open-chest surgery to remove damaged lung tissue and the metal fragments.

  • Stella was found with serious injuries following the fall from the I-41 overpass near Shawano Avenue.
  • Stella was initially taken to a local emergency veterinary clinic.
  • Stella was then transferred to the Wisconsin Humane Society's Green Bay campus, where she is continuing to recover.

The players

Stella

A one-year-old husky who survived a 30-foot fall from an I-41 overpass and serious internal injuries, including air in her chest cavity, lung damage, and metal fragments believed to be from a pellet gun.

Wisconsin Humane Society

An animal welfare organization that has taken over Stella's care, covering the costs of her extensive medical treatment, which has included CT scans, X-rays, and open-chest surgery.

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What they’re saying

“She was stable enough that we could transfer her to the Wisconsin Humane Society Green Bay campus, where she is now. She's still recovering and she's doing amazing.”

— Corey Viars, Media Specialist

What’s next

The Wisconsin Humane Society says Stella is continuing to recover at their Green Bay campus, and they are accepting donations from the public to help cover her medical expenses.

The takeaway

Stella's remarkable recovery from her traumatic injuries is a testament to the resilience of animals and the important work of organizations like the Wisconsin Humane Society that provide lifesaving care and find new homes for pets in need. Her story also highlights the dangers huskies can face when they escape enclosures, underscoring the need for responsible pet ownership and awareness of this breed's tendencies.