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.
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Valerie Catrow
Valerie Catrow is editor of RVAFamily, mother to a mop-topped first grader, and always really excited to go to bed.
Notice: Comments that are not conducive to an interesting and thoughtful conversation may be removed at the editor’s discretion.
Sadly, I think at least some of the rancor is left over from the vigorous debate over the SPCA’s no-kill policy.
Regardless, I am sorry for Ms. Starr and her family for their loss.
Animal issues seem to really stoke passions in Richmond, I mean even more so than have seen elsewhere. And it seems to be reoccurring-
http://www.oregonhill.net/2009/08/10/dog-days-of-summer/
My initial feeling was — “what would Ms. Starr publicly say if this happened to me or you??” She is such a strong, vocal advocate for animals that if it were me I think she would have me locked up and on the SPCA cannot adopt list. But their is a real tragedy here. This tradegy is different from the dog fighting story, different from the “I thought my dog would be okay” story. Ms. Starr had no idea the dog was in her car. . and for me that’s the difference. It was a human error, an accident – that can happen to anyone.
Agree with Eric. Accidents do happen, which is why I forgive her (assuming the facts here are correct), but why I also expect a little more leeway from SPCA and PETA in similar situations. I do fully believe Starr would have attempted to destroy you or me in the same situation.
The Washington Post had an article a few months ago about forgetting children in the car. It’s a compelling read. Basically, it confirms that this could happen to anyone.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/27/AR2009022701549.html
Because of this article my husband and I have began to keep items for work in the backseat so that we’d have to open the door to see the carseat.