Islanders' Rick DiPietro Visits Joey at Animal Hospital

New York Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro and his wife Cassie dropped by West Islip's Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island on Thursday to visit Joey, the pitbull puppy that was found from a car inside of a bag near the Pilgrim State Medical Center two weeks ago with a broken neck and signs of other abuse. 

“This was something that hit home for us and we just wanted to bring awareness to the fact that sometimes animals get hurt,” said DiPietro, rubbing Joey's ears. "They were able to find Joey and get him back and he’s doing well.”

DiPietro, a noted dog-lover, said he was heartbroken when had heard about what had happened to the puppy and had pushed to find a way to come drop by and visit him.

Joey, whose back and neck were still in a blue, Superman-style cast following multiple procedures, was active and happy, wagging his tail as the goalie fed him from a large bag of doggie treats. He attempted to push himself up several times with everyone in the room and licked everyone who petted him.

After his visit, DiPietro dropped off Joey his first real collar and chain – decked out with Islanders' logos – and a doggie jersey he can wear when he's fully mobile.

"Maybe he can come out to the Coliseum and be our mascot," said DiPietro with a smile.

Doctors said the road to recovery is still long for the roughly three-month-old pup, but that he was making great strides so far. When Joey arrived in West Islip two weeks ago, the puppy could barely move from all of its injuries, but has maintained a happy disposition since receiving treatment.

"it's good to see he's getting good care," said DiPietro. He and his wife have been involved with the North Shore Animal League for several years and had adopted two dogs from there; one of which Rick fondly remembered after it had passed away earlier this year.

"There are stories like this every day, but not everybody hears about them," said Cassie. "The dogs actually get better, and it’s unbelievable how they bounce back from situations like this and can trust people again."