Hello supporters, There was an unfortunate incident in Richmond this week. Mr. Mack, a service dog walking with his owner around Belle Isle, suffered a heat stroke. Despite intervention from the Richmond SPCA, Mr. Mack passed away. Ironically, I just filmed a segment with Dr. Courtney Bowers at the Richmond SPCA on June 29 about the dangers of dogs in harsh weather. Of the recent situation with Mr. Mack, Dr. Bowers commented: "The humidity is a big factor. Dogs don't sweat like us, but [with the humidity] that evaporative cooling can't happen when they're breathing in." The humidity and heat can cause dogs to suffer a heat stroke. Dr. Bowers explained some of the signs to look out for, including your dog panting excessively, their tongues turning bright red, their bodies radiating heat, and their attitude becoming listless or non-responsive. "You need to cool them gradually. Give them lukewarm to cool water, not ice water as you can cool them too quickly and the body responds by trying to elevate the temperature. So, you'd be fighting a losing battle," said Dr. Bowers. You can read Mr. Mack's full story on NBC12's website here: http://www.nbc12.com/story/35806145/service-dog-suffers-heat-stroke-spca-warns-of-similar-cases On July 11, I will be back at the Richmond SPCA to film a segment with Matthew Gray, Virginia State Director for the Humane Society of the United States.