Diana is thrilled to have a new life.

This past Wednesday, CBJ Coach John Tortorella and radio host Anthony Rothman of 97.1 The Fan, kicked off another season of their “Hockey and Hounds” broadcast by discussing the amazing journey of an abandoned dog from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The story illustrates perfectly the power of people working together to provide hope and help.

Aimee Broussard of Baton Rouge, LA found a starving, skinny, female pit bull beside a dumpster in August.  The dog’s teeth were broken and when she went to the bathroom, Aimee only saw mud. Aimee took the suffering animal to her local vet and named her “Diana”. The vet confirmed that Diana had probably broken her teeth when she bit her chain to free herself, and indeed, she had been eating dirt when there was nothing else to eat.  Aimee had Diana examined  and spayed by the veterinarian and boarded her for a few days while she searched for a suitable place for her.

The Rescue Road Trip Truck

When no appropriate rescue or shelter could take Diana, Aimee reached out to a friend of the Tortorella’s, Darlene Healy, in the hope that someone could help. John and Christine Tortorella learned of Diana’s plight and were determined to help her further. They contacted some of the rescues and shelters they knew and were thrilled when their Bear’s Angels Partner, the SPCA of Westchester, offered to take Diana. The SPCA is a no-kill, animal-care organization located in Briarcliff Manor, NY. With the help of the Tortorella Foundation, the SPCA provides additional training and TLC to dogs like Diana who require more attention and love on the road to adoption through their The Way Home Program.

Aimee Broussard and the truck driver who took Diana on her long journey.

Aimee secured a rescue transportation group – Rescue Road Trips located in Zainesville, OH who could take Diana on the long journey to New York from Baton Rouge.  When the rescue truck arrived in Brewster, NY,  Christine and friends John and Eve Ianuzzi  were waiting to take Diana to the SPCA.  Once there, Diana was met with good food, a warm bed and loving arms. “Princess Diana” is a staff and volunteer favorite. She is enrolled in The Way Home  and is a great pupil.

The Tortorella Foundation is grateful for all the loving hands who helped Diana along her journey and is especially proud to support the SPCA of Westchester’s The Way Home Program.

Safe and sound at the SPCA of Westchester.