Remembering Diane Keaton, Animal Lover

With Diane Keaton’s passing last week we remember her film career – Annie Hall, the Godfather movies, Reds – but let’s tip our caps to her other passion, “a lifetime of dedication to the cause of animal welfare,” as the Helen Woodward Animal Center writes in a tribute.

Keaton’s connection to the center in Rancho Santa Fe, California began in 2001 when she served as Celebrity Spokesperson for its annual “Home 4 the Holidays” pet adoption campaign.  Following years of support for the program and for animal welfare, the actress joined the center’s board of directors – a role she played for 20 years, up to her death on October 11.

“In her fight for a better quality of life for animals,” the center writes, “she helped pass legislation changes such as the Big Cat Public Safety Act (making it illegal to own wildcats as pets) and the passing of more stringent safety regulations for animals working in the entertainment industry, as well as stronger protections for wildlife and farm animals.  She was also deeply committed to pet adoption and lived a vegetarian lifestyle.”

In 2012, art and life coincided when Keaton starred in Darling Companion, based on a true story of a couple and their rescue dog named Freeway. While promoting the film, Keaton appeared on “Ellen” and “The Tonight Show” to plug the animal center. She was accompanied by rescue puppies on her Jay Leno appearance, finding forever homes for all of them.

In 2016, Keaton herself rescued a frightened dog on the freeway.  She brought the shepherd mix to the center, which eventually found it a loving home. The story is now part of the center’s lore.

“It’s impossible to count the number of lives that Diane has saved,” says Helen Woodward Animal Center CEO Mike Arms. “She was the real deal.”

Photo credit: Helen Woodward Animal Center