Animal House

LOL, just ask us bloggers to get something done, its done!

That's funny. Be careful what you ask for

Karen, email me at Thompson_216@hotmail.com and I can send you some Vivi photos for posters.

Beth I used her show picture is there something else we should be using for pictures?

Gail in CT

After she is found and reunited she needs to wear this tracking collar!
http://www.globalpetfinder.com/

When we find her, we can buy her one of these!

I think the key is still getting flyers, postcards and posters (banners) up in the area, and giving people a way to reach us. the 1-800-LOST DOG number can be used, because Vivi is now in their system as a lost dog.

Are there any residential areas around this park where she might wander to look for food?

I want to put up flyers tonight. How can I get some?

Beth can you let me know what the other pictures are?

Gail in CT

posters, posters, I need posters!!

I have a Chinese translation of the information, if anyone needs that to make more posters or flyers.

don't forget about sniffles and biggie. vivi doesn't want to be caught. i think divide and conquer all 3 is best.

I don't think one of those collars would have done poor Vivi any good as it appears someone took her collar off. If I remember correctly, it was stated that the collar could not have come off by itself; had to have been removed.

I've dreamed of the day we can have GPS for our pets, but I'd ideally like to see something implemented which goes under the skin like the microchip so it can't be removed.

Vivi was sighted at Botannical Gardens on March 22 Thursday. She has been in that area for some time now. Botanical Gardens was not heavy posted, nor were the search efforts in Botanical Gardens or close by. HOW ARE WE THE SEARCHERS SCARING OFF VIVI????
With the millions of cars that drive around ny and the millions of people in ny, how does she feel threatened by us? I am offended by that remark. Alot of people came a LONG way to help out, and now we are chasing her away? I guess I am staying put here. I dont want to be the blame of this.

Expert stress - expert opinion isn't getting Vivi back. I'm for creating the chance happening - she trots through the cemeteries - maybe on one side a little fenced area can be set up with a bag of dog food - she smells it - she'll go to it. She goes through cemeteries - that is pretty good chance to me. Her little portable fence area can be moved around to her lastest haunt until she is caught. Of course it needs to be watched day and night and someone needs to close the gate - I guess that is the hurdle really - finding someone to close the gate. And if we wait on chance, one day that person will just happen to be there and be quick enough and recognize Vivi and close the gate. Voila - she is caught.

I'm so happy to see there's been another sighting, and hopefully it is dear Vivi.

One comment on the searchers not being any different than other people who are walking through the park or wherever:

It's very easy for dogs to pick up on our emotions and body language. People who are NOT searching specifically for Vivi, but are just out and about doing their normal routines, won't have the same level of anxiety/stress as the searchers do.

No matter how calm you may try to be, isn't it possible she picks up the "different" emotions and body language that those searching have?

Just a thought on why searchers may be different than the regular folk out and about in the area, and why searchers might scare her off.

I could be totally wrong; just something to consider.

As always,

Your right Pamela - their breathing is faster - their heart rate is intense - and they are on the hunt.

I bet they even smell differently. But still - it's a very big area.

Irene, you there?

BETH THOMPSON:

PLEASE SEE POST FROM BRIAN ON 'DROUGHT BREAKS'
STREAM FEW MINUTES AGO...RE I800LOSTDOG!!

IRENE WILSON

IF she was scared out of the area she used to be in, I think it was more likely due to the people in the area that knew about her and the reward trying to chase her and grab her. This is the dilemma! It is absolutely, vitally important to get the word out in a place we think she is... but the longer she is in an area and the more people that know about her... when they see Vivi they see 5,000 and instead of calling someone they want to try and "capture" her... so she is chased, grabbed at, etc.
I sure don't have an answer to that problem... I don't think there is one... kinda a catch 22 sort of thing.

What is going on with this 800 number? It sounds like a total nightmare. Anyone spotting Vivi will call that 800 number and nobody will be notified for a long time?

Are the owners aware of the 800 number being activated?

Irene, you feel like take a ride? My husband won't let me go unless someone comes with me.

I don't think its fear that is making her move - its got to be food - the pickings are better - more space - probably she can see father and better - a sight hound. A sight hound cannot utilitze her best instinct in a closed in area that is not open. In an open area she can get a good shot - like the hunter she is. I think we need to start thinking like a Whippet.

Stop thinking like a person. Who doesn't want to be caught - fearful. Vivi is a hunter by nature even by training. She is hunting is the wide open areas. And she can utilize her speed too - see better, notice danger, make a fast retreat.

Excuse the typos - I know how to spell really I do - its my fingers that are behind.

Kathleen...Sorry, not tonight. Want to stay out of the area...at least till I see what everyone decides to do. In any case, Kathleen, I would not go into that area at night...no way!

Even if I went, you are going to wind up walking around by yourself...parking is a distance from the park area...too far for me at one stretch.

Be careful out there...

Irene

On another note: as a Whippet - you're little, need to be in high ground to look out across the land - to sight the prey or the danger. Also, to duck down where it is safe and wait till it is queit. Remember, you're a Whippet - not a person. You are low to the ground and can move like the wind. Now where is the best vantage point for a Whippet. That is what I'd be thinking - and sorry to sound like a know-it-all. But pretend you are little Vivi the survivor - not Vivi the show girl afraid in the woods. Then, and just then you might have a chance at locating her.

Message from Bo via email:

I understand that you have generously offered to donate funds remaining from what was collected to bring in Laura Totis to put up a billboard with Vivi’s picture! That’s extremely generous. We were in fact thinking along those terms earlier on but decided not to pursue this option, since if anything it would attract even more “dog chasers” — and those are the kind we least of all want to encourage. There is concern that all the recent search activity may be one reason Vivi has not let herself be seen for several days now. We all agree that we should listen to what Laura and the other expers have said all along, recommening us to “lie low.” Vivi can’t be caught untill she’s willing to be caught, and that means that hunting for her is counter-productive.

Waiting is a very tough thing to do, but it is necessary if we ever want to get Vivi back. The problem, of course, is that we want whoever catches Vivi in their back yard to know who she is, but I don’t thing a billboard is the way to go!

Again, many thanks for your great generosity. We do appreciate your help very much. Any donations sent to “Bobbie & the Strays” in NY will also benefit the search for Vivi.

As I said yesterday (I think) -- I AM DONE WITH THE 1-800 THING. If you want to set it up, be my guest.

I'm really confused over the don't want people chasing her - how can a few well intentioned volunteers or bloggers be any worse than the reward posters offering the $5,000. I guess the powers that be want the hands off approach - So no traps or anything. God bless little Vivi her quick wits will keep her alive.

One final note - Vivi moved because she likes the park better - it suits her. Not because of anything else - regardless of the expert opinions. And don't yell at me for this - how dare I contradict the expert. It's the simpliest answer that suits the Whippet lifestyle of hunting.

Brian,
I'm wondering if it might not be a better idea to just let the locals know about Vivi incase she ends up in someone's yard... but not to let the press know of her exact location? I fear that would bring out the Bounty hunters/dog chasers to the park looking for her.
You know much better than I and we all trust you... it was just a thought.

It's just discouraging - the simplest answer is usually the explanation - the is ____ razor law - Ochams or something like that - if explanations are too convulted - they are usually wrong. Vivi wants food and to hunt - or first and primal instinct.

Her moving West is because of the terrain. Nothing else.

Cynthia, Your right, she has been on the move for weeks now. She is only trying to survive the best she can.

Glad to see the e-mail from Bo. He is a very down to earth, knowledgable guy!
It IS hard for everyone to lie low and wait, but it is Vivi's wish and we should honor that wish.

Happy hunting Vivi, I look forward to seeing you in the showring again one day as a veteran....with many tales to tell!!

Thank you Kim. It's no one's fault - not the reward - not the pressure nothing. It's her - she's to blame - she's a Whippet!

I still think they key is to continue plastering the area with flyers and giving people postcards with information. We just need to make sure the person that she ends up with knows who she is and who to contact.

It is a shame that people have to say what THEY think is the cause of no sightings, or Vivi's travelling so far, yet that may not have been out there seeing the environment that those of us who have.
The volunteers that are on the look-out for Vivi are not your average joe shmoe that can't take a logical order..."do not chase vivi."
These are very dedicated, animal loving, and caring folks who have been taking time out of their days, out of their family time, animal time, etc. The weather has been challenging with the cold winds, yet we were all out there. We all had pink flags to let each other know we were all in the "vivi clan". Not once did we see anyone going around calling out her name or doing something outrageous enough to scare Vivi off into dangerous grounds.
Please...those of you who have not been there, and even those who have...do not assume Vivi is on the run because of volunteers....we are not out there in bright white chemical disaster uniforms like in the movie E.T. We were all dressed casual, all roaming the parks, streets, cemeteries, with walkie talkies, cell phones, and binoculars.
Animals pick up on intentions, and all of our intentions were in one direction....to help her rejoin her family.
Vivi is on the move, perhaps trying to find her way HOME to Jill and Rick. Did anyone ever think of that? If I were an animal in her situation, I would be doing the same thing, moving non stop because it would get me home quicker....

I guess putting out flyers and stuff way ahead of her too... becasue who knows how long she'll stay put where she is now... little bugger! This seems like such a game of luck with ever being able to catch her, it worrys me.

I think she's moving because that's what sighthounds that are on their own do.

Loreen, very well put... the volunteers are the most knowledgeable people to be out looking for her. It's all the volunteers that have been dealing with the anxiety and frustrations first hand. Thank you all for your hard work, tireless efforts, and dedication with trying to find Vivi! She is a lucky girl having you all trying to help her.

could someone please tell me how far is from this sighting to the cemetary

I didn't go. Spoke with Rosa, she was speaking with the guy who saw Vive. She said the park is very very very big. A permit is needed in order to drive your car thru the park, so that is what she is going to do tomorrow. Rosa told me not to come because there would not be much for me to do until tomorrow when they could see the park in the daylight and get the car permit. So.... That is where we stand right now....

Tina and Rosa are two of the most dedicated people I know. It seems to me that they are giving up their own lives, in order to help Vive and her owners find her. Who ever does get the reward should give it to them, gas alone is costing them a fortune.

When you say a prayer for Vive tonight people, say one for Tina and Rosa also...

you guys are the best if I ever get lost, I want you looking out for me. Its a privilege to find such wonderful people. I feel Vivi and Jil were done a horribe misjustice and we are trying to right the wrong.

Maybe we could spend some of our funds with helping Tina and Rosa with stuff like gas money. God Bless them!

If the theory about the searchers scaring off Vivi is true then maybe we should have a huge search very soon to scare her out of that bad neighborhood! We could change the posters to read, "If you see this dog, CHASE HER!!".

Laurie - got you message. Been in meetings all day. This is excellent news. Maybe we need to go back to NY?
Maggie, Michelle and Trevor

Is the 1800-LOST-DOG activated and in use? Last I heard it was but just skimming the posts I'm not sure. I have been away for 2 hours and it's one of those times when 2 hours means something. I put it on my computer and made posters using it. It looks good that way, very clear and memorable as opposed to 3 separate numbers. However, I will gladly do what I am told and print them again. I just want to do what I am supposed to do.

There has just got to be a better way - than hands off everyone - and post fliers with a big reward and expect the average Joe to be dog smart and clever in a capture. One could wait months if not years for that.

Karen - you may want to read Brian's 6:04 post on 1800lostdogs on "the drought beaks thread"

Someone asked for a Spanish translation. This was posted by Jackie yesterday:

SPANISH TRANSLATION If anyone wants to use this on the posters they are making, I had my daughter, a HS Spanish teacher, translate it, since the previous posters had incorrect grammar/gender on them. To make it easier, I have the Spanish sentence above the English sentence:

$5.000 de recompensa
$5000 Reward

Lebrel hembra llamada 'Vivi' - parece un galgo pequeño
Female Whippet named Vivi - looks like a small greyhound

La última vez fue vista en esta área
Last seen in this area

No la persiga...llame al (#)
Please do not chase her, call:

(917) 647-4848
(917) 626-1374
(516) 776-0923

Posted by: Jackie | March 26, 2006 at 03:12 PM

I think some of you have gone off the deep end. Can we get grounded a bit in reality with realistic and practical ideas.

As some of you know, I'm going through a lot of personal trauma dealing with my dog's health and the fact that we may be looking at having to put him to sleep, but we'll be visiting a holistic vet next week before making final decisions.

I've tried to reply to all the questions relating to Ashley and Sniffles. If I missed your email, please send again.

To those who have written me emails in support of Murphy, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I've not replied to any yet as I've been so depressed, but they really meant a lot to me, and I will reply as I'm able.

Please EVERYONE, try to keep things in perspective, maybe take a step backward before posting in the heat of anger ... some very valid suggestions have been made, but they get lost in the insanity and negativity here.

Let's please go back to supporting each other and just ignore if someone is posting that annoys you. No one should feel they HAVE to respond to anyone that upsets them. If you disagree, it doesn't mean the other person is WRONG; we all should respect each other a bit more because we ALL ARE HERE BECAUSE OF VIVI, BECAUSE WE LOVE ANIMALS AND WE CARE.

Let's care a bit more about each other. Just my thoughts at the moment.

As always,

Pamela: what kind of Auto immune disease does your dog have?

Just a thought - Are you still stuffing flyers/postcards in mailboxes? If so, maybe a way to avoid bounty hunters and people who might chase her would be to use postcards that don't mention the reward, or ar at least not the amount, and just say something like, "If this dog enters your yard, please shut the gate, do not chase her" or whatever, and call this number, etc. Obviously you still honor the $5K reward, but keeping it low key like that shifts it from having people out looking for her to people keeping an eye out for her - a big difference.

Someone maybe should double-check that Spanish translation states exactly what you want it to say because it doesn't identify Vivi as a dog.

I realize it does say she looks like a Greyhound, but just want to be sure everyone understands it doesn't specifically state she's a dog. Not sure if everyone who might read that would know what Whippets or Greyhounds are. Lot of people aren't as aware as we are of these breeds, and wouldn't have a clue.

If that's not a problem, just forget I wrote this as I could be way off base on what you want to convey; just thought you should be aware.

The Chinese posters are already made. Both in educated and street Chinese. They are in my computer. The areas Vivi is heading are out of the Chinese area.

Kim, we've been told it's Lupus. He has torn anterior cruciate ligaments in both hind legs, and arthritis throughout his spine, plus an ongoing problem with one shoulder (has had steriod shots in it which helped, but now BOTH shoulders).

He's on Mobic and Oxycontin at the moment. We're planning to try something new next week. Going to a holistic vet who uses BICOM Resonance Therapy as well as some other alternative medicine.

He had a better day today than yesterday which is why we've decided to try some holistic treatments before giving up. Just don't want him suffering.

My latest whippet Duke, had Auto Immune Hemolytic Anemia. This was casued by him receiving his yearly booster shot DHLPP. It was the hardest thing I ever had to deal with in my whippets. I pray to him all the time to help with Vivi being safe.

God, Tender Creator, Hold Vivi, Sniffles, and Biggie, in your arms tonight and let them sleep safely and well. (If it is your will let their dog parents hold them tomorrow night-- but we know it will be soon.)Bless the searchers who so loyally do Your work on earth-- let them know you are pleased with their efforts. Once again, Author of All Creation, write a happy ending to these stories. Amen
'Night everyone the day job starts at 7:15. Diane, I sent you an e-mail with a sample of a poster I will have made up and send to you if it's correct.
Hey, Everyone, you are Amazing! Get some rest...
I also don't know if I've ever told Gale how much her psychic and healing visions boost the group!
Cynthia just posted that she might leave the blog (on the drought breaks). Join me in asking her to stay.

Pamela I support you totally on your 9:26 post. Actually I've always enjoyed your post, very level headed. That's one reason why I can't read these things it seems we drift away from the focus. I believe this is not good for our Vivi. It shatters and crumbles where are hearts really are.

You and your doggie are in my prayer book I pray for Spirit to heal your dog, he is so loved by you ,what a blessing. Something good will come from all of this . Be positive, it all starts with where our hearts and mind are

Gods Speed
Siri

Pamela, I am assuming (uh oh!) that when people see the picture, they'll know it is a dog, just like the posters written in English? :) I thought we were suppose to keep it as brief as possible, as was requested.

Also, for those who want to add the line:

Call ANYTIME
the translation is:
Llame en cualquier momento

With regard to Pamela's ill dog, have you tried acupuncture yet? It works miracles over time...one of my dachshunds had weekly treatments with a bad back at age 6 and she lived to be 15. The acupuncture and hot baths along with physical therapy I did worked...but it took many weeks.

Now I have a greyhound, a retired show whippet, and a whippet/Jack Russell mix. I think about Vivi everyday and can't imagine what her owners and breeder have gone through. How lucky can she be to have wonderful searchers?

One think abou vivi is she is a survivor, Jil,s fiance told one of the searchers that vivi is usually out in the day and they have seen her hunt her own food like squirrels and stuff and lunch time she eats with the mexicans who work there and they feed her, and at the end of the day Jil calls her and she comes running in, so they know her survival skills are good and they say in no way is she a pampered pooch, also I saw the note someone may have sniffles and is walking him on a short leash and is unhappy breaks my heart if it is him> We all need to donate to her so she can at least take the day off and see if she can see this man walking the dog to make sure it is not Sniffles, as she doesn't have the funds to lose time and she put her security up for a reward. I am sending her a check to help her alnog with some posters.

I have had about three people e-mail requesting a copy of the English/Spanish poster I made up in Microsoft Word using Jackie's nice translation (thanks Jackie). Vivi's picture is on there. Be sure and add this CALL ANYTIME phrase if you feel you should. It is not on there.

I have sent a copy to everyone that has requested it so far. Judi is a printer and offered to print of many copies and send to you guys in New York. Thanks Judi.

Dina also asked for it. Thanks Dina.

Good luck. Hope this helps find Vivi. I put my personal love for animals in it.

Since Ashley volunteers at Animal care and control I wonder if someone there can go out in the area where someone walking this dog could maybe get a sight of him. I will e-mail her.

What about her ability to see? Didn't the man who fed her bread in the cemetery say that her eyes were all filled with pus? Any veterinarians out there? How would this infection affect her ability to see and to safely cross busy streets? I am so worried about her.

Correction on the pussy eyes he said they were puffy looking, like big eyes not pussy, misunderstanding on his english, as people spoke to him, so her eyes are fine as the girl who saw her the other night also said she looked fine so that's a good thing.

They also gave us the address of the hospital which is on call in case she is caught, It is in manhatten and she is to be taken there once in the proper hands.

Pamela, I did not know dogs get Lupus. I have SLE myself.

I will say an extra prayer for him.

Jackie -- apologies; didn't mean to offend. My brain is about fried from worry over Murphy's health and whether we'll have to put him to sleep. Plus, my continual worrying over Vivi, Sniffles, Biggie and Dante. My brain is on overload.

Sheri, thanks for the suggestion of accupuncture; it's definitely something we'll be discussing. The holistic vet we're taking Murphy to does accupuncture as well as several other therapies. My understanding is she'll review his medical records, do a full exam and consultation and then make recommendations. The BICOM therapy is just one that was suggested by our current vets though they don't offer it, but the holistic vet does.

Hey guys! I think I was in the "air" when the information was posted about a recent siting. Is it true?

Also, as far as the phone numbers go, I'm assuming we can still keep the local searchers' numbers on the posters, they are just asking us not to contact them "just to chat"? Please correct me if I am wrong because I don't want to make up a bunch of posters and have them be incorrect. Man, see what I miss when I am away?

How is everyone holding up? Are we still being nice to each other (I hope)?

This area that Vivi (WiWi) was spotted in, what is the cultural background? Should I be focusing on Spanish? Chinese? Help out this naive suburbanite in MN!

Wow! I go away for a few hours and Vivi gets spotted, yippee!!

At first I was a little bit disappointed at all the expert and messenger bashing that I was reading, then you all renewed my faith by banding together to get the next batch of flyers produced and distributed. Vivi supporters ROCK!!

Take care all you Vivi lovers, hug and kiss your pups and keep the faith that this girl comes in from the cold soon. I’m off to rub some hound bellies.

JUDI IN JERSEY..I sent you the information check your email. I just got home from work that's why I didn't answer you right away.

Gail in CT

We seem to be all over the blog. Whats going on with the 1-800 number sounds like it's all screwed up? Maybe we can change it to 1-900- Vivi does NY. lol

Gail in

Thanks, SharonG! Murphy and I both appreciate the prayers.

Lupus was a surprise to me as well ... had no idea; just figured it was simple arthritis, as did the vets until it started getting weird and they did more testing. We've now been told he has polyarthritis. His lameness shifts from leg to leg and his symptoms vary all over the place.

I know from past years being in the park when they have their summer festivals it was all spanish, and I have the flyers with the spanish so I will be posting tomorrow after work over there and anywhere that needs to be done like side blocks. I still have my neon ones too.

Siri, just saw your post, and it truly touched my heart. Thank you so much!

I especially love your words:

"it seems we drift away from the focus. I believe this is not good for our Vivi. It shatters and crumbles where are hearts really are." THAT SAYS IT ALL SO PERFECTLY!

Murphy and I appreciate your prayers; we continue to remain hopeful the holistic vet will be able to find the right treatment so he will be able to remain with us awhile longer, but without suffering.

As always,

My friend said that Vivi is in a good mood tonight. She's had a very good day. She's rather pleased with herself - I don't know why - but she just is.

Maybe Vivi is happy with herself for finding a good dinner and feeling nice and full. I'm going to hope so. I cannot bear to think of her hungry!

I am having trouble accessing my Juno e-mail. If anyone else needs the poster, please e-mail me at:

kat_stephenson@bellsouth.net

I am not sure if Juno has the server down or what. If anyone could try http://www.juno.com and see if it works for them, I would sure appreciate it. Thanks.

Pamela, that sounds just like the human version. You never know what is going to hurt tomorrow and so often you get a fever and feel like the flu bug hit you. And when you have a good day, cherish it.

Ask the vet about sunlight. It is a no-no in humans. As is stress, but I went deaf when they said that word. We all have stress. I simply learned to blow it off.

VIVI is FEELING OUR LOVE, and guided by the light we're all sending to her. Let's get her this time.

May sound crazy, but DOGS LOVE HORSE SHIT (poop) they love the smell, and if we can get some fresh horse poop, plop it near the area where she was seen today...WITH A SPRUCED UP SAFETY TRAP, a bowl of fresh water and some yummy food...she could be in the arms of JIL & RICK by mid week!

Vivi has horses at her romp in California...the weather is getting warmer LIKE CALIFORNIA, so get the scoop, scoop the poop, and plop it in a QUIET, SAFE AREA, with the other bait. It's just gotta happen.

More fliers are on the way, thanks to a local printer who will DONATE and MAIL OFF fliers in a day or so.

GOD BLESS VIVI, and all the other missing beloved doggies, may the convergence of all this DIVINE light, with human compassion safely guide ALL OF YOU HOME to the arms of your mommies and daddies.

Sharon G, Hi !!

I sent you an e-mail tonight.
Take care I 'll chat with you later.

I'm signing off/

Siri

Oh before I go, I agree with Judi in NJ I hope someone in NY can looks into this. Judi is very connected

Good Night All God Bless You All

Siri