Outpouring of support truly appreciated

We are grateful for the wonderful support for Robin Starr and her family and for the Richmond SPCA. We are also comforted and uplifted by kind words from people locally and afar who have both supported and benefited from our lifesaving programs and services - programs that would not exist without the leadership of our CEO Robin Starr.  

There are too many letters to include here, but what follows are some of the wonderful messages we’ve received that represent beautifully the kindness shown by many.  

The Humane Society of the United States extends its sincere condolences to Richmond SPCA President Robin Starr and her family over the tragic accident that led to the loss of their beloved dog, Louie. The fact that this type of accident can happen to a person who has dedicated her professional life to animal protection, and who has been a national leader and renowned innovator in the animal welfare field, demonstrates that it can happen to anyone. We hope that the public awareness surrounding this tragic accident will be a learning experience for members of the community, and that all pet lovers will remember to take precautions in extreme temperatures. Summer care tips for you and your pets are available on our web site at humanesociety.org, and we know the Richmond SPCA has information available on the topic as well. Robin is one of the animal welfare movement’s most outstanding leaders and executives, and this incident in no way reflects on her ability or commitment to animal protection. It is a terrible and unfortunate accident, and I know she is grieving over this incident. Wayne Pacelle, President & CEO, Humane Society of the United States 

I would like to express my deep condolences to the Starr family. Few in the state of Virginia have done as much for animals as Robin Starr. That this accident could happen to one who loves animals as she does makes it doubly tragic. I am so sorry. I wish the Starr family the best as they heal from this sadness. Betsy, Richmond, VA 

Tamsen Kingry, the SPCA's chief operating officer, said this morning that "the SPCA board of directors does not waver in its support" of Robin Starr. As a contributor, a pet adopter, and supporter of the Richmond SPCA I just want to offer my condolences to Robin and indicate my full support for her. Jamie, Richmond, VA 

Please accept my family's deepest and most sincere sympathy for the passing of your companion, Louie. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Sometimes God doesn't reveal what that reason is, but that's really not important. What is important is that you were blessed with 16 years of love and friendship from one of God's most beautiful creations. Thank you for your tireless efforts in protecting and caring for the many animals that you and the wonderful people at the Richmond SPCA have sheltered, nurtured, and given a second chance.  You have made the world a better place. God Bless you. John, Midlothian, VA 

Our love and support go out to the Starr Family. I know of their personal dedication to “every life is precious.”  This has to be a most painful experience for them. I hope they can take comfort in the fact that they have made an enormous contribution to the well being of thousands of animals and to the humans who love them. No one can doubt their devotion to Louie over the years and their sorrow at his passing. It is unfortunate that this could happen to anyone. Ginny, Chesterfield, VA

Please convey to Robin my deepest sympathy to her and her family at this time of their unfortunate tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with them. She does a grand job at the SPCA and I for one give her my most heartfelt support! Geraldine, Richmond, VA 

Dear Robin, I deeply mourn with you, your family and friends over the passing of your beloved Louie. You and I have never met, but I have been applauding your wonderful efforts on behalf of animals, from my heart, for years. I am sure that your devastating loss will help bring more light on this important aspect of animal welfare. We all know that you have no right to feel this type of grief and through it, only good, is meant to come. I thank God for your devotion and actions that help to make this world a better place. Please keep up your amazing work. Thank you so much. Phebe, Powhatan, VA

Robin star has done so much for our community and saved the lives of so many innocent animals. I hope that the media and the people of Richmond will support her and her family through this enormous tragedy and recognize her contribution and dedication to the humane treatment of animals. Shame on the media and God bless Robin Starr. Catherine, Richmond, VA 

Dear Robin, I can imagine the grief you must be experiencing but please keep in mind the wonderful things you have accomplished since you became involved with the Richmond SPCA. Please never forget the positives. The news media has become juvenile in their reporting as indicated in the current political environment so those of us with credibility take local and national news reporting for what it is - poor! Keep up your excellent work. Those that provide the support you need are behind you. Donna, Manakin Sabot, VA 

Please convey my sympathies to the Starr family. This would be all too easy to have happen. My heart goes out to the family, and I am sorry that the media is not respecting what should be a time to grieve privately. Natalie, Richmond, VA

Comments

[Debbie Clark]

Dear Robin,
As a personal and professional friend for over 25 years, my heart goes out to you and your family and the Richmond SPCA. I have been a fan and supporter of the SPCA since your predecessor Margret Williams (who did a great service to our community as well), but I have seen the bar raised under your leadership and your community support over the years, and this tradegy should no way tarnish the reputation of the SPCA and all that you have given back to the community and the animals. Thank you for continuing to lead this organization by educating our community and finding new financial avenues to provide programs for the unfortunate animals and their owners during these difficult economic times. I know you sacrificed both personally and professionally for this organization, and all my SPCA pets and my family thank you and your family, Debbie (Hanover Friend)

[Ann Richmond, VA]

"Rub other peoples mistakes out, not in". What happened to the Starr's dog was tragic. This is obviously a mistake that should be forgiven and forgotten. Do not let this incident take away the numerous ways Robin has helped animals. It would be a sad, sad day for the animals of Richmond if Robin stepped down. I hope that she does not bow to the critisicm.

[Leona Sheddan]

Richmond SPCA President Robin Starr has been an integral part of the animal welfare movement in this country. Because of her leadership, support and innovative initiatives, many positive changes have come to the community as a whole. Robin’s guidance was crucial to the Jacksonville Humane Society’s transition to a no-kill animal welfare and education organization. We are grateful for her support and offer ours in her time of need. Humane education is crucial to the protection of our animals, and we trust that Robin would like us all to learn from this horrible accident. We offer our sincerest condolences to Robin and her family.

Leona Sheddan, Executive Director
Jacksonville Humane Society
Jacksonville, Florida

[Sharon]

This was a horrible tragedy. Ms. Starr should in no way be pilloried because of it. It's so sad she lost a beloved pet. The only positive might be that such a terrible incident provides us all an opportuity to learn a bit more compassion for others who might do something similar. We all lose focus, or are forced into situations we did not make. Her husband is quite a gentleman in taking the responsibility for this. I wish all pet owners and non pet owners would learn from his example of "manning up". Kudos to both the Starrs.

[Mary Wilson]

My heart sank when I heard about your recent tragedy. It was the same feeling I got whenever I heard a similar story in the past. I now shudder at the uproar that continues from people who can't realize that this came as a result of a terrible sequence of events.

From earliest memory, I have been an amateur animal rehabilitator and I have provided an occasional foster home for dogs over the years. I still remember the animal adoption agencies moving in at the last minute to rescue animals whose time was almost up. (two such dogs still live with me). Because of your efforts, those days are nearing an end and your organization has helped to foster greater responsibility from those who choose to adopt a pet. I just wanted to take the time to let you know of my continued support for the causes you have worked so hard to establish. This, too, shall pass..... please keep up the good work!

[Stacey]

I would like to know what all the critics of Robin Starr are doing for animals? Especially the special needs and senior dogs like Louie.

Comparing Robin Starr to Michael Vick is something I can't even wrap my head around...so critics feel Robin should step down as CEO, but Michael Vick still gets to play football?

[Denise Zapf]

We are so sorry to hear what happened. This is a tragedy, but the sad news is that trajedy happens to humans and animals every day. We support Robin Starr and her family and pray for their comfort in this time of trial.

[Linda]

I am very sorry this tragic accident happened. It shows us that it could happen to anyone, even someone like Robin who loves all animals. It's funny how we love to point the finger at someone who we think is doing wrong, but yet we don't want others to judge us when we do wrong. This is an teachable moment and a time for love and forgiveness, not judgment. Bless you Robin and all the good work you do.

[john page]

This was a tradgic accident. All it proves is Ms. Star is human. She has given so much to the welfare of animals, without her work many animals would still be on the street in hopeless states. I volunteered at the shelter here in Richmond for a year and it is a wonderful facility. I never met her but she has to be a wonderful person to give so much to the neglected segment of our society and my heart breaks for her and her family for this tradgedy they have been through. I am praying for them and wish them God's peace. For anyone to compare her situation with Micheal Vick is ludicrous and cruel.

[Lisa Williamson]

I am grateful beyond words for the work that Ms. Starr has done for animals, but unfortunately, I think she has lost all credibility in criticizing pet owners whose animals die due to their owners' neglect.

How many people, when confronted with their animals´untimely deaths, will now say "It was an accident" or "Someone else was at fault"? What a shame.