Stories and testimonials from Diana’s friends, family, loved ones, and clients.
We all know of Diana’s love for animals and her willingness to help friends. We very unexpectedly found a bat in our house on a Sunday night and panicked a little. We called Diana who was not only gracious offering help, but also made sure we took proper care of the bat! She talked us through catching him in a container and how to check if he was behaving normally. She saved us from overreacting and the bat was safely returned to the wild.
Jen Buccigrossi
I knew Diana was intelligent and extremely quick-witted, but was still blown away by her knowledge and innovation when we met her and George for lunch once.
They were picking up an owl that was a rescue and intended to be an ambassador, so they came to our area. We got a quick peek at the owl and went in for lunch. We were blown away by her knowledge. I had no idea how complicated formula for baby animals could be. I mean, kitten chow was about my extent of baby animal knowledge.
Discussion of what countries have the best and the downsides of others you can get showcased her amazing knowledge. The way she relayed the information to us without making us feel like we were lesser was another of her amazing gifts. It was a fun conversation while we were learning so much.
The real surprise, though, was when she had to step out for a bit. It really proved her dedication and innovation. She was caring for baby squirrels and could not leave them behind. So she rigged up an incubator to keep them safe during the trip, allowing them to come along and be fed as needed safely. She was an innovator, a person who cared for both animals and people, as well as MacGyver and I am blessed to have called her a friend.
Carrie
Diana was a great mentor, veterinarian, educator, and friend to anyone who had the pleasure of meeting her. She always had such a calming presence, not only with the people she surrounded herself with, but with the thousands of animals that were fortunate to have been in her care and passed through the doors of the wildlife hospital.
I have many fond memories of spending late nights at the wildlife hospital with Diana helping to feed all the bats and infants in care, making sure that no individual animal would miss a meal overnight. Diana had the patience of Job and the kindest heart of all. I cannot think of a time when she muttered any unkind words about another person or had any complaints that went much above her normal low, whispering tone of voice. Even when she had barely slept, she somehow found the energy to take care of the needs of the animals and the people around her..there must have been something in the Dr. Pepper that was always by her side.
I will forever be grateful for the friendship I shared with Diana-the late nights, the OWRA conferences where she would sweep all the raffle prizes, the home vet visits, the various social outings (mainly in the winter) when we could drag her away from the next animal feeding, and all the sage advice she left with me to help with the next wildlife patient. I consider myself one of the lucky ones to have been able to call Diana a friend, and I definitely hope to honor her memory in continuing to support wildlife and others in a way that would represent her well.
Kristi K
I volunteered on Tuesdays for a while and enjoyed working with Diana. She was so kind and her Animal Care was fantastic. She taught me so many things. We shared that love of squirrels. I went out in the rain at night to pick up baby squirrels because she said she would take them. She couldn’t go get them because she was caring for too many herself but she took more. I would reach out to her once in a while if I had a question about Animal Care and she was always so willing to help.. I was always so happy to see her and I will miss her so. What a big loss for animals that need help.
Suzanne Steger, OWC Volunteer
Diana was such a wonderful, generous, creative collaborator. I had the pleasure of participating in several GISH scavenger hunts with her and George as well as working together on many fun race costumes for George. Her ideas just sparkled and her creativity and resourcefulness were a gift to us all.
Corinna
I am so sorry to hear of Diana’s passing. She was our family vet and we will miss her. She was one of the kindest people I have ever met in my life. My condolences to those who loved her
Janis Taylor, veterinary client
I volunteered with Diana at her rescue for over 4 years. I have never met a more loving , caring and dedicated person in my life. She loved every one of her rescues as if they were her children and it broke her heart every time one of them passed away. I will remember her the rest of my life for her compassion and kindness.
Janet Sheridan, For All Species Education volunteer
Diana was an incredible source of light, joy, and inspiration for the wildlife community. I met Diana while working at the Ohio Wildlife Center and always looked forward to our interactions, particularly because we both shared a special love for bats. My deepest condolences go out to George and the rest of Diana’s friends and family. May you find peace and continue forward with Diana’s love and compassion for our wildlife friends.
Rachel Handy, OWC colleague and bat advocate
I just found out about Diana through an owc announcement. We have a few of the bats she rehabbed in our barn’s bat colony. Every evening we see them take off to hunt. I will always enjoy the love for all creatures that she had.
Jason Kent
As a Michigan wildlife rehabber, I met Diana several years ago to transfer a Cedar Wax Wing that was unreleasable due to injury. She was willing to admit the bird into her educational songbird program which was such a relief for me. What a loss her passing is to the wildlife rehabilitation in this country. My sincerest condolences are extended to her husband, family, and friends.
Lillian Pandza, wildlife rehabilitator
Diana is an angel. I cherish the loving impact on all beings she touched and the beings she held in her heart without a touch. Her compassion was and will always be unbound in her time here and in the spirit world.
Diana you will always be in my heart. You were a true example of love and caring for all no matter how big or small.
I will miss your heart.
Brenda Bowman
On Sept 28th, a group of wonderful friends, family & colleagues gathered to pay tribute to an extraordinary person, Dr. Diana Huang. I was humbled and honored to have been present.
At this special celebration, we were reminded of her never-failing generosity of time, effort, humor and knowledge and just how inspirational and at times comforting Diana was, when you needed what only she was able to provide for that certain scenario in your life.
Diana’s spirit and influence will live on in all of us.
Why such an earthy angel is gone so soon is hard to reconcile. But maybe one of the best things we can do to honor her, is to ask ourselves at key moments, WWDD? What would Diana do?…Then do just that.
In love and gratitude. Jamie
Jamie McGann
I just found out today with deep sadness that we lost our Veterinarian. She was a Gem. She came to our house to take care of our girls: Emma and Dakota. If it hadn’t been for the fact that Dakota wouldn’t get in our car or out of the car at the vets Dakota would have gone without shots, and necessary medication that she would die without. To say the least we will greatly miss the loving care that Dr. Diana gave our girls.
It was always nice to see Diana and her tech arrive. I always made sure to sedate my girl Dakota for the visit. Dakota had been a rescue and suffered severe emotional issues to the point that she takes Prozac daily to cope. Diana was so patient with her, and talked lovingly to her while listening to her breath and to her heart, and then onto the blood work and shots.
It will be hard to find someone with the compassion and dedication that Diana had to handle my Dakota, Emmie absolutely loved her. She had to be put in another room after her blood work, exam, and shots. It wasn’t because Emmie was made, but because she wanted to be there next to Diana to get extra loving pets.
