A personal family tragedy

A member of the Richmond SPCA family has been struck with a personal tragedy in recent days. While this matter is deeply personal, it has gained attention of local media; therefore, we would like to share directly with our supporters what has been a source of enormous grief for our CEO Robin Starr and her family.

Last Wednesday, the Starr family lost a dear companion in their 16-year-old dog Louie. Sometimes Louie accompanied Robin to the office on days their home was being cleaned. The morning of August 19, just before Robin left for work, her husband Ed placed Louie inside the rear of her station wagon with the intention of letting her know Louie was there. However, Ed forgot to tell Robin that Louie was in the car. Because Louie – being a docile senior pet – rode silently, lying contently in the back of the station wagon, Robin was unaware of his presence when she arrived at work.

It was not until Robin returned to her car at lunchtime that she saw Louie. At that time he was alive but in heat stroke. She rushed him inside where the Richmond SPCA veterinary team diligently worked to stabilize him before he was transported to Veterinary Emergency Center for more extensive care. At the family’s direction, the VEC team made every possible effort to save Louie, but late that night, he died.

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. 

Louie could not have had a family love him more. We would prefer that the Starrs be allowed to grieve privately, but, since the local news media has not made that possible, we wanted to make you aware of what occurred. We have every confidence that your hearts will go out to the Starrs just as ours do. She has the full support of the staff and board of directors of the Richmond SPCA.

Comments

[DJ]

Robin,

I'm very sorry to learn of the loss of your Louie. It was an accident and it could have happened to anyone. Don't let the few who would form a lynch mob dissuade you from staying at the SPCA.

[Linda]

There but for the Grace of God go I. We've all made mistakes, most not as tragic as this but mistakes still the same. Through the years I've lost many pets, so I know the grief that Robin is feeling. She has lost a member of her family and the circumstances make it harder to bear. I feel that because she has suffered this terrible tragedy, she will work even harder to make sure something like this never happens again to any person, dog or cat. Robin should remain with the SPCA, my thought and prayers are with her and her husband.

[Tony Reed]

I have mixed feelings about this, but ultimately feel it's a mistake which will haunt Robin for the rest of her life. She doesn't really need comments from strangers berating her and questioning her love for animals.

And as the blog entry noted, it does indeed make for a wonderful learning opportunity.

I sincerely hope Robin will forgive herself (as animal lovers, any of us that might happen to would feel tremendous guilt and grief) and hope her dog's death prevents many other deaths.

[johnnie perillo]

dear Robin Starr, our laws , here in brazil , dont consider any penalty to the mother that cause tragedy to her sons . only because to the mother , she has sufferred the worst penalty of all . we are human , so keep protecting others animals , we exist in the planet with this mission , dont stop never . be strong .

[Nick Lawhead]

The loss of a family member is never easy and I am sorry for your loss.

Given the circumstances, I believe this tragic requires unprecendented action from Mrs. Starr. As a role model in the community for animal protection and the leader of an organization that boosts a proud record of protecting all precious life, I believe that Mrs. Starr and the Richmond SPCA should be held to a high standard - perhaps higher than others that have been in similar situations.

Of course I understand that this was an accident, which makes the situation all the more tragic. However, I also feel that we should not lose touch with the consequences of this accident.

To recognize the body of Mrs. Starr's work, and honor the law which she held so many others to, she must face the same consequences as other in her situation for justice to be served.

This situation is both terribly saddening and hopelessly aggravating because it is so preventable. Mistakes happen, and I understand that, but a mistake like this carries consequences.

I wish Mrs. Starr and her family the best.

[Julie]

Hmm - so many bloggers want to hold Robin to a "higher standard." The only thing that could have prevented this tragedy is clairvoyance, a high standard indeed. Her husband did not tell her the dog was in the car. Unless she was psychic, how could she have known? So sad that so many who claim to care about animals are the most exuberant when they can attack others. If I was picking a team that would make a difference for animals, I would select those from this blog who show compassion and empathy, not those whose sanctimonious superiority is so self-assured. A warm heart has no limits and does not need to ration kindness to animals or people. Robin - I am so sorry for your loss of Louie, and even more sorry that you are not allowed to grieve in peace.

[Candace Hart]

Upon first reading the story on MSN, I was outraged that someone of Robins caliber could let this happen. Then after reading what really happen, my heart ached for the pain her and her family must be going through. Mistakes do happen, its just so unfortunate that her beloved companion paid the ultimate price for it.

[Dougie Kipps]

My heart and thoughts goes out to the Starrs over this terrible accident.
Robin
Your leadership I hope that despite the attention that this tragedy has caused does not deter you from continuing a lifetime of hard work and dedication.
Some of the NAYSAYERS out there need to look in the mirror and see if they ever had Accidents for the Animals in their care.
People out there have this Perception also that The Richmond SPCA only except Perfect Adoptable Animals. Now I know that is not an true fact because I have seen many of the Animals at the Richmond SPCA and know how some of them can be and all the work that is done to prepare them to be Adoptable.
I also know how many fine services that is provided to the local Community by the Richmond SPCA that is often at either No Cost or Low Cost.
Yes a terrible mistake was made here and no is denying that.
As an Volunteer at the Richmond SPCA, I totally Support the Richmond SPCA, the Board of Directors, and Robin and her family.

[Sharon Hall]

I can not begin to tell you how my heart goes out to Robin Starr and her family for the tragic death of their dear Louie. As human beings we are capable of great compassion and deeds as Robin has shown to our community in her unfailing devotion to animals. And as humans we are all fallible. The Starr family tragedy is something we can all relate to. We should show the Starrs the same compassion Robin has in her life endeavors on behalf of our most vulnerable creatures.

[John Ogle]

My heart goes out to Robin and Ed. The loss of Louie is, for them, a true tragedy. Some local media should be ashamed of the way they are sensationalizing this story. Thousands of animals are alive today because of Robin's efforts to establish what is the finest SPCA facility in the country. To suggest that she should be "investigated" or fired is absurd and cruel as is making what happened the subject of a poll.Those who make such thoughtless statements are clearly ignorant of the work she does and should take the time to understand that before they condemn her. Rescued animals need her and she doesn't deserve what is being directed at her. No one is more heartbroken that she is and she she has my prayers and support.

[Kristine]

Do those of you who are laying blame search through your car every morning before driving off? Of course you don't. And comparing it to the Vick case? Please. Year after year after year, kids drown in pools or poison themselves with household chemicals. Cats get hit by cars. Dogs choke on tennis balls. Learn the difference between an accident and a tragic mistake before spewing your nonsense -- Our justice system sees the difference quite clearly.

[Tracey L. Crews]

How sad a day this must be for Robin and the entire Robin Starr Community. My heart goes out to you. How horrific an ordeal. There are going to be people who are outraged and say things that should not be said. The fact is it was an accident, they do in fact happen, every single day. If they were in your shoes, they would understand. I am sure you are filled with guilt and a sea of "what ifs" are crashing in your mind Robin. They would be mine. Keep going stronger than ever, the animals need you still and you now need them more than ever.

You are in my prayers and I know Louie is going to love the Rainbow Bridge...my girls will make sure of it.

RIP sweet Louie. You were as lucky to have Robin and she to have you.

With Love & Sympathy,
Tracey L. Crews

[Pat]

To the Starr Family,
I am so sorry for your lost. I can only imagine the pain you are going through. You are all in my prayers. Robin, please continue being the spokesperson for our four legged friends. You have helped so many of them and brought so much joy to the lives of those who have adopted pets from the SPCA. You have my total support. If we were all perfect accidents would never happen.

[Louie]

Some of the calls for retribution are howl-able. Apparently it flies right over the heads of some of you humans that, but for my Mom’s position as head of an organization dedicated to animals, the humans who wrote the stuff so aptly used for paper-training wouldn't have written a single word about my death. And I might not have been able to see or hear when I was among you, but my nose is as keen as ever (BTW, it isn’t always the dog who needs a bath, if you know what I’m saying) and I can smell a load a mile away, so don't write that you sympathize with my Mom in one sentence and call for her to lose her job in the next -- not unless you're going to submit to being fired the next time you suffer a personal failing. Contrary to one human’s hyperbole (impressive vocabulary for an old dog, ain’t it!), this “disaster” will not impact the "entire animal rights movement for years to come." With the human attention span being what it is, I could say, “Michael Jackson,” and many of you would quickly forget about me and start wondering about MJ again (when what you really should be wondering is, How’d that dog learn to talk?). Here’s the truth: MY family’s personal tragedy will be a very painful memory to MY family for years to come. That’s not enough pain for you? Then all I can say is I hope you don’t treat your animals like you'd like to treat humans. The real tragedy is that unfortunately (and, yes, ironically) I can’t be there to help them through this difficult time. (For some reason, stroking me eased their pain at times like this and I happily obliged –- hope they find a suitable replacement soon.) No, they weren’t perfect and I thank the Big Guy they weren’t, because if they were then like many of you humans they might not have had much use for a dog like me -- a blind and deaf supercentenarian (Google it). But they didn’t reject me in favor of some “perfect” puppy -- and judging from some of your comments I wonder how many of you would be so generous. Hell (yes, Mom and Dad, I was a curser), if only perfect humans were allowed to be owned by animals, your euphemistic “shelters” would be fuller than they already are and you would have even more of us animals killed -- er, sorry -- “put to sleep” than you already do. So do you really care about us animals? Then instead of writing poorly penned diatribes trying to make my family’s lives worse because you don’t think they feel bad enough, do what my Mom did and dedicate your life to all animals. Can’t do that? Then take in a stray dog or cat (and remember to get them spayed or neutered, especially them cats). Too much commitment? Then get out some of that green paper stuff you humans love so much and help my Mom or your local humane society take care of us. Then go hide under the bed and hope the paper-training people don’t show up on your doorstep the next time you’ve been a “bad doggy.” (Remember, there are no bad dogs – only carpets too ugly not to be peed on.) We animals love you humans despite your innumerable failings -– you could try to do the same. What is it you like to say, judge not lest ruff, ruff, ruff. And for those of you who say you would NEVER let such a thing happen....I hope your self-righteousness doesn't bite you on the ass one day.
P.S. Mom, Dad -- Don’t worry, I’m at peace. And you should see me roll over and play dead now! Come on, don’t get all sullen on me! OK, too soon, but part of what I loved about you two kids (I’m 112 -– you’re kids!) was that thing you did called laughing -– didn’t understand it but realized that’s what humans do to show you enjoy something, seeing how -- tragically and freakishly -- you were all born without tails. I hope to hear more of it, the laughing, soon. At least try wiggling your butts back and forth. You know you were the best family a dog could ask for. I know –- I asked, put it “out there in the universe” all Zen-like, and there you were. Coincidence? Yeah, right! Now, Dad, roll over and let Mom scratch your tummy -- it’ll make you both feel better. At the very least it’ll give me a good tail wag!

[M.A.]

Ms. Starr, I know you must miss Louie enormously. I have to believe that one day we will see our furry friends again at the Rainbow Bridge. Richmond is very fortunate to have you as part of our community with your dedication to the welfare of animals.

To the Board at the SPCA, I am so pleased that you fully support Ms. Starr. I can't imagine where we would be without her. I plan on donating some money to the SPCA to show my support.

[Paul Wilson]

Dear Ms. Starr,

I am very sorry to hear of this tragedy. Please accept my most sincere condolences.

Of course, there are supporters of Michael Vick now pretending that they believe this tragic accident is similar to Vick's deliberate, serial torture killings. Please remember the type of people who support Michael Vick and give them no more thought than they deserve.

I hope that you will recover from this tragedy to continue the fine work that you do with this fine organization.

Yours respectfully,

Paul Wilson

[Andrew Schultz]

I fully stand behind and unwaveringly support Mrs. Starr.

If it weren't for the tireless efforts of people like her, I wouldn't be the proud guardian of a beautiful mixed breed dog I adopted several years ago from the city animal shelter. For those who are unaware, at one time, thousands upon thousands of animals were being euthanized. Now, primarily due to the work of Robin Starr, this is a NO KILL city.

My heart goes out to the Starr family for their loss. Mrs. Starr, keep up your amazing work.

Andrew S.

Church Hill, VA

[Henry Westin]

God bless the Starrs and my sympathy for a pet's death. What a gut-wrenching experience. Everybody: support the Starrs and SPCA's noble mission. Any vindictive people, back off.

May I share: always check a car interior before locking up. We unload groceries, and before slamming shut the hatchback, we make sure no cat has slipped inside, INCLUDING under the seat. We block that area with towels, etc. b/c sure enough, a cat had crawled under that seat once. The grace of God must have prompted me to feel UNDER the seat as well.

Also, check that no pet leaps inside your refrigerator door, clothes dryer, anything else that shuts.

henry_westin@hotmail.com

[Marysue Hall]

Robin:
I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family at this time.
It is well known what a loving and caring person you are and you have certainly achieved magnificent success with our local SPCA.
Accidents occur and often cannot be controlled. This is life.
The media is far to quick to jump on innocent victims and make an example out of those whose story may incite anger and hatred. This is what sells their trash.
I know that your efforts have and will continue to be appreciated by most who have had the pleasure of visiting your facility and who have watched the loving families adopt the pets and give them fresh starts.
As a lifelong Richmond resident I would like to say simply, thank you.
Marysue Hall

[Teresa Brown]

My heart goes out to Mrs. Starr and her family on the loss of their beloved pet. Mrs. Starr has done so many wonderful things for animals and she has been their "voice" in the community. I hope this tragedy doesn't deter her from her mission to save animals. This was a accident and anyone who says different must have their own personal misguided reasons. To Mrs. Starr and her family, may you find comfort in the happy memories you have of your dear pet and family member. Take care Mrs. Starr and hold your head high for all that you have accomplished and done for the welfare of all animals!

[Jen Peek]

My deepest sympathies. I'm hoping that all of us will expand in our ability for compassion...terrible tragedies like this happen to good people with the best of intentions. People, all people, make mistakes, sometimes with devastating consequences. May we learn to forgive ourselves and each other.

[Gary Price]

My heart goes out to you.

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1171780318]

You know what? Mean people (you know who you are) really DO suck.

[rookss]

"Kristine: Do those of you who are laying blame search through your car every morning before driving off? Of course you don't."

Is a dog arbitrarily placed in the back of our car for us to discover? Probably not.

But for anyone who does use this random method of pet transportation, they are to blame.

[Lisa Williamson]

To the amazing person who channeled the long post from the point of view of Louie... thanks for putting this all in perspective. Wow.