CEO of Richmond SPCA’s dog dies after being left in a hot car

Last week, Robin Starr drove to work with her 16-year-old, deaf and blind dog Louie in the backseat. Unbeknownst to her, her husband had put Louie there while the SPCA CEO was getting ready for work, as Starr often took the dog to the office with her. But that day, she didn’t realize Louie was […]

Last week, Robin Starr drove to work with her 16-year-old, deaf and blind dog Louie in the backseat. Unbeknownst to her, her husband had put Louie there while the SPCA CEO was getting ready for work, as Starr often took the dog to the office with her. But that day, she didn’t realize Louie was even in the car when she arrived at work.

She returned to the car several hours later (when temperatures had reached over 90 degrees) to find Louie in the backseat. After being taken inside to receive emergency medical attention, Louie died later that night.

Yes, we are well aware of the irony of this story. But the SPCA makes a good point in their blog post responding to this

Everyone at the Richmond SPCA shares the deepest sympathy for the Starr family. If this can happen to a woman who has dedicated her professional life to saving animal lives, this can happen to anyone, and that is why it is so important for this tragedy to serve as a learning moment.

  • error

    Report an error

Valerie Catrow

Valerie Catrow is editor of RVAFamily, mother to a mop-topped first grader, and always really excited to go to bed.

There are 4 reader comments. Read them.