This rescue dog is Richmond's newest celebrity
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Co-owner Abbey Collins tells Axios that Mel loves lamb chop stuffies, his grandma who lives across the hall, lightning bugs and snow zoomies. He hates helicopters. Photo: Abbey Collins
The city's latest four-legged celebrity is a goofy, hound mix named Mel.
Why it matters: Richmonders voted the 1-year-old Church Hill resident as this year's 804 Day dog, an annual Style Weekly contest that has crowned the city's unofficial canine ambassador since 2024.
Catch up quick: Mel (short for Marshmallow) is a transplant, and arrived at local rescue Beagles & Bentleys after he and his litter were abandoned in North Carolina.
Fun fact: Soon after bringing him home, co-owner Abbey Collins and her husband took him on a dog-themed tour, she told Axios.
- Stops included the iron dog statue in Hollywood Cemetery, the Church Hill arson dog memorial, Spotty Dog Ice Cream Co. and the Forest Hill dog mural.
What they're saying: "There's like two mayors in Church Hill," Collins told Style Weekly. "Danny Avula and Mel."
What we're watching: If Mel pops up in Avula's office like last year's 804 dog — Marshmallow Pancake Hopper — did.