When Richmond’s legendary Black Dog passed away more than a week ago, animal lovers throughout the community made gifts in his memory to the Richmond SPCA. They included thoughtful notes about why they loved this almost-mythical dog; they described instances when they saw him out and about in the Cary Street corridor of the city; they wrote that he was an inspiration to them and to their families. Many of our supporters asked that we create a fund to honor his memory and pay tribute to his life. We gladly agreed and are grateful for the contributions which help guarantee life to other orphaned pets in our community.

After all, it’s the compassion of the community that allows the Richmond SPCA to be such a force for companion animals. We provide programs and services that save the lives of homeless pets, but it’s the community at large that has helped establish Richmond as one of the safest cities in the nation for homeless pets. Even though Black Dog did not have a traditional home, he had an entire neighborhood that protected and cared about him. It’s not what we want for most dogs, but the fact is that Black Dog was far from typical, giving him the legend status that inspired so many to make tribute after his death.

Though we at the Richmond SPCA were saddened to hear of Black Dog’s passing, creating a memorial fund did not occur to our staff right away. The suggestions came in the days following the news that Black Dog had been struck by a car and killed. People looking for a way to make a meaningful tribute to the king of strays naturally turned to the local organization that works diligently to ensure that pets in our community do not lose their lives for lack of a home. We responded to those inquiries by designating that donations in his memory would provide spay and neuter surgeries for formerly stray dogs.

In addition to those who have sent gifts to the Black Dog Memorial fund, we have been impressed with other creative efforts to honor his memory. On July 14, Meg Hargrave let us know that kids in her neighborhood had set up a bake sale and lemonade stand with plans to donate proceeds to help homeless animals. Local artist Mary Davenport Williams of Gibson Lane Studio was inspired to create a silhouette image of Black Dog. She contacted the Richmond SPCA to inquire if her artwork could be used to benefit the memorial fund. 30 percent of proceeds from purchases of the print from the Gibson Lane Studio Web site benefit the Black Dog Fund. Ms. Williams also authorized the use of the silhouette on a t-shirt that is being sold through our Lora Robins Gift Shop.

We will continue to be fierce defenders and protectors of our community’s companion animals.  The lives of those who will never know a traditional home are no less precious.