Animal House

does anyone know if you are allowed to right your bike in the park?

there are Bike paths, if not mistaken all over the park

i am envisioning a group of volunteers on their bikes with a line behind them and white trash bag in tow! vivi come out, come out, whever you are!

diane, do you have a bike ;P

now wouldn't that be a hoot to see!

You know the bag idea doesn't sound too bad. I know Bliss is WILD about coursing and I have to be careful when we go that I keep her in the car out of eye and earshot of the machine until the very last minute. Even then she twists and jumps, bites at me and her leash to get loose so she can get that bag!! I can't believe that my little girl can turn into such a hunting machine but that's exactly what happens when we get near the lure, her brain shuts off and all she cares about is the chase.

In a large park like this would it be feasible to set up a coursing machine after a confirmed sighting? I can only assume that Vivi is as wild about the lure as Bliss is and the sound carries quite a bit, you could even have a couple of very enthusiastic (loud) whippets getting things even a little more exciting and enticing. I know drawing Vivi out seems to be an issue and I haven't seen a whippet yet that can resist the "bunny".

Best-
Shawn and Bliss

Hi everyone! Sounds like we've got a pretty good consensus on a few things here:

(1) Let's send some of our funding to Rosa and Tina. They certainly deserve it. I can talk to Lois about that tomorrow.

(2) Keep those posters coming -- that's the one thing we all can help with, and I know the owners do not have any objections.

Also, I'd like to say something to everyone who has been posting or reading this blog for the last six weeks: DON'T GIVE UP ON VIVI OR ON EACH OTHER. Vivi is something we all have in common, even if we disagee on other things. You all are important to me because I know you have made Vivi important in your lives. That means there is something special about you -- that you can care so much about this dog. I feel like you all are my connection to Vivi. I hope you'll all stick with this -- we all need each other.

Shawn I totally support that. Vivi has to be lured out and not necessarily by food. If she's finding food, then she may not come out. But play, games and coursing would interest her. And when she does come out people have to just continue to play and try to contain themselves. Just PLAY, PLAY, PLAY with her and then throw some chicken and play some more until she starts remembering. But we have to contain ourselves and be with her not go after her

Siri-Ca

Thank-you Beth much needed

We've got plenty of money so there is no reason why we can't help out with some of the local searchers' costs. I'll get in touch with Beth and we'll see what we can do.

Lois: Jil suggested contacting Honi to find out how to get Tina and Rosa the $$. Could you email Honi directly? She'll be able to put you in touch with them. Thanks, Laurie

Gail,
Gail,

Yes.. I had them done at Staples because my home printer color cartridge doesn't last long, and I was stuck in court all day. So stopped in, placed the order, and picked up this evening. Not cheap, though. I can run gazillions in B&W at my office if they're needed!

(moved from other thread)

Thanks, Beth. I couldn't agree more.

Somone said Tina and Rosa wouldn't take the money. We could always purchase a credit card for them with a set dollar amount. I really think we need to do something. We sit here and blog, send money and make up flyers in are warm homes and these girls are running their butts off all day every day..and no offense but they aren't spring chickens either. I ache just sitting here :-). We might want to think about Diane and Darlene also. Gas ain't cheap and they're making sure all the flyers are distibuted to the right people, plus running around.
And let's not forget our trusted banker who's not working for commission. I'm not saying we should deplete our rescources but a bone thrown their way would sure help.

Gail in CT

Maria, how fast can you ride your bike - 40 mph I hope because that's probably how fast Vivi can run. Now, I'd be willing to get my Cougar out of the garage and tie a trash bag to the rear bumper - I'll give her a run for her money and they while she's catching her breath the rest of you can grab her.

Pieper, that's what I did, it's better than nothing. The shipping alone for around 600 was an arm and a leg, lol

Gail in CT

Yes... you can ride all throughout FMCP.

WAIT!!! I want to video that for the Funniest Home Videos show, lol.

Gail in CT

Cluck, Cluck here. Who you calling a chicken Tina and Rosa will take money but only enough to cover the cost of their gas and the excess charges over their cell phone contract. They're not out there to make money but to find Vivi and get her back home to Jil. They basically just need to know that everybody appreciates what they're doing.

Diane...I didn't call anybody a chicken...I said "spring chicken" you know..like a youngun..something I'm not, lol.

Gail in CT

To everyone who wants to try and contact the local businesses and schools around college point and whitestone and fax them flyers would be great, I talked to Bonnie while I was in college point posting tonight and she said he is going to put something on the blog, I tell you I thought flushing was bad but college point takes the cake, I spent about 1 1/2 hrs posting in the dark there and i tell youthis place if vivi is there we will never find her, So many factorys along the waters edge there like Pepsi, Cintas uniforms, and tons of big lots, I posted as many blocks as I could around there, this whole area needs to be posted fast, there are so many places to hide we would't see her for weeks. I posted almost every side block where the lady thought she saw her last night at 9pm, I did almost a 10 block radius around there, all streets are one way just about, I tell you I got lost so many times, but just kept posting anyway til I ran out of staples. So if anybody can find out the schools and businesses and fax them the flyers it would help as I cannot do it while I'm trying to cover the blocks. Thank You

LOL diane! i can get up to about 30 mph (dave can get even faster, he has guy muscles, lol), i've done it with lily on the bike path here :D just get all the kiddies off the walkway :D:D:D i was thinking about getting a little bell for my handle bars, and some tassles, too... waddaya think ;P

does the park allow horses? i can bring al down and have him clop around and leave tantalizing horsey "treats" for vivi :D

sorry, i am not really serious, i just thought i would lighten the conversation a bit.

I live in North Carolina and just want to say I go on this website about 20 times a day! Maybe more. You people are fantastic. This story about Vivi has made me a wreck. What a beautiful dog. I know you people will find her.Please tell me where I could send a donation and how I make out the check. Again, you people are the best! God Bless all of you and Vivi too!

Debbie, factories could be a good thing , it would seem . she is kind of cornered there ,if she is there, college point is a peninsula. she would have to back herself out if she is there.

you can mail one to lois baker
Lois Baker
PO Box 211604
Eagan, MN 55121

Please make check payable to "Lois Baker", You can put whatever you
want in the memo.

or to bobbie and the strays
"Bobbi and the Strays"
3392 Bay Front Place
Baldwin, NY 11510

with the check designated "For Vivi." "Bobbi and the Strays" is a non-profit shelter for lost dogs at JFK where a separate account has been set up for the Vivi search. Donations to bobbie and the strays are tax deductible.

I would be happy to fax businesses but I am not clear where that is. Any ideas how I could find fax numbers? If someone is in a position to send me a web site or send me fax numbers I'll fax as many as you want tomorrow. Last time I tried to use Yahoo to find fax numbers and didn't have alot of luck.
That is a pretty distressing report. Then again she keeps surprising us over and over again. What resilience.

Hello , With everyone getting a little gloomy sometimes, here's a story with a happy ending, we'll have ours soon too..

( I hope this works, I've never tried it before)

http://www.startribune.com/462/story/334507.html

Maria, since she's apparently not in the park any more you can leave Al home but bring Lily. Maybe Vivi would like another female Whippet to play with.

Debbie, did you post by BJs and Target. Did not notice the wooded area across form BJs. Only problem with it is that kids ride their dirt bikes in ther but it is a good place for her to hide. I'm hoping she heads back to the cemetery - it's quiet there and there's plenty of food to hunt. I guess you didn't like all the narrow, one way streets in College Point. Be happy you were there at night - during the day with all the trucks you spend your day backing up.

LILLIE:

Thank you, I needed that tonite..hope our little whippet story will also have a happy ending and soon, very soon!

Irene Wilson

Hey Irene, hello, How are you holdin up, gets a bit tense here at times???

Karen, what do you want to fax? I must have missed a post somewhere along the line.

Maria, how are all our other friends you know where doing? Haven't been there in a few days. I'm expecting a call from Gary any day now wondering where I've been.

The Debbie post at 9:24

Thanks Karen.

We have to get Rosa back. Read the blog we just left. I just emailed her and told her to come back.

Lillie:
I'm only hanging out down here cause it's the only planet with CHOCOLATE!!! I'm attacking a brand new bar as we speak!

Irene

Oh Beth, you have said what is in my heart about this group of people and about "our" Vivi. I AGREE WITH EVERY WORD! Even though I've never met a single person here, I feel like I know something about you all. It is interesting how each individual's voice comes through. I can't remember what my life was like BV (before Vivi) or imagine what it will be like AF (after Vivi is reunited with her family), though I do expect that, like Irene, my house will be a bit cleaner, etc. But, when the time comes, I know I will miss the intensity of the conversations here. If wishes could make dreams come true, Vivi would have been home a long, long time ago. I truly admire those who labor so long and hard on the ground in NYC and those who make posters until they could do them in their sleep. Even though we don't know how this story will unfold, at least we know we are in the company of friends. Thank you one and all!

With gratitude and respect,

Teresa

I read the other blog...not sure what's happening here...it's not even a full moon. We can't keep people here that don't want to be here.

Gail in CT

HI gang, It's good to keep the perspective on the fact that we are involved with the hunt for a sight hound. And with that, there may be much frustration and gloomy times when she slips in and out of sight.
I sensed yer being sighted on Sunday but the person did not call. And now again, a person sees her and does not call til morning---but at least she called. It is like being one one numbe short of winning the Lotto, everytime!! But I hope the word continues to go out and Vivi is finally ready to come back in. She sure is living the complete opposite of life in and out of a crate, and on a lead.
All we can do is all wa can do. I will keep psychially searching and holding the energy close to her so she keeps getting sighted, but as our Quinn told me on Sunday, Vivi was on the move and the nose was to the ground. That tells me she is searching, and moving. Just keep incrasing the visualizing of someone, somehow, getting her in a safe place so she can be returned to Jil. We can't get into the karmic issues here, but if Jil and Paul know if any they have with her, it would be good to work through them now. Maybe that is all that is left to do---and for a deeper understanding to be learned.

GAIL:

PLEASE...CAN YOU TELL ME WHEN IT IS GOING TO BE A FULL MOON??? SURE AS HELL, I'M NOT GONNA HANG OUT HERE ON THAT DAY, FOR SURE!

IRENW WILSON

April 13th. I can always tell cause my little sh@t...I mean springer...starts acting goofy. Daylight savings time is this weekend that should help you guys out with the posting.

Gail in CT

Lillie - That pug story is heart-wrenching. What an awesome ending.

The Springer here acts goofy all day every day. I hope he doesn't get even goofier this week.

Irene, I took your advice a few nights ago, sent the hubby out for some chocolate bars. He came back with these new hershey bars with baby MM's inside, they are soooo good, think I've gained a few ounces back!

Thank you Lillie for the wonderful story from the Star Tribune! That has lightened my heart for the moment. To think they brought Buck home for "one last night". Imagine how painful that must have been! Then the kindness of long distance friends changed their life.

I get the most amazing feeling when Lois posts those lists of contributions. I am in awe at the generosity of everyone here. In restores my faith in kindness. There is a bus-stop billboard right outside the library where I work that says "love is for suckers" and I get angry/depressed when I see it. Is this what the world is coming to--if you love something then you are a sucker? We all love Vivi and our own animal companions and each others' animal companions. If that makes me a "sucker" then so be it.

Last rant for the evening...

Teresa

GAIL...DON'T TELL ME THAT APRIL 13TH IS A FRIDAY AND A FULL MOON.....THAT MIGHT BE A HISTORIC DAY ON THIS BLOG...

IRENE WILSON

I don't know abou the factorys the places are big how would you ever find her,

Diane to tell you the truth I didn't see bj's i was down by the water all the dead end roads that lead into them by 115street and some others I tell you by 115th the trucks were still all over there, this place is nuts at 6pm Try stopping on a one way with no room to pass to post flyers I was practically on the curb and there is no parking, so I just pulled into peoples drivways and got out posted and jumped back in my car and did that all the way down the blocks, I have to drive back down the one ways backwards to get out, one dead end came out into like an alley with houses by the water and it was dark, got an eerie feeling vivi could be in there but was a little nervous to walk it the roads were so busted up you would't know it was a road. I block from the water edge by 115th and like 12th.

NO I CHECKED ..IT'S A THURSDAY.

GAIL in CT

Teresa, thank you for the kind words, I'm with you, if I'm a sucker, BRING it on. But!!! I work with the public and yes there are a few rotten eggs, but 99.9percent of us humans are wonderful, forget the no gooders, not worth remembering.

P.S. When the movie is made, Irene should be played by Kathleen Turner, I think she's great.

i tell you the next time I go with someone who knows the area, I wasn't afraid just lost. i'd like to get back to that road that comes out of the dead end, at the end of the one way you make a left into an alley and there is another hidden block behind it, that's where I think vivi would be, so desolate and quiet, I will try to map it to see if anyone else goes there, not far from 119th street .

GAIL:

WHEW!! THANK HEAVEN FOR SMALL FAVORS!

IRENE

Why do guy's have a problem when the blog gets long? Is it because your on dial up? Computer geek I'm not..

Gail:
No, I am on DSL Broadband (Verizon Outlook Express)..it just takes too long to get to the end it kind of feels like the computer is dragging..

Irene

How's the water supply around the area Vivi's in? Can she get to it?

Hey, I'm dial-up and don't have a problem. Geez.

Debbie, BJs is on 20th avenue right off the Whitestone Exprssway but along one side is the Post Office Sorting location and behind that there is a wooded area with high reeds, etc. Did you run into Tina and Rosa in your travels. When I left then at 6 they were headng that way. If memory serves me correctly that's basically and old Italian area, unless it's changed.

The whole place is surrounded by water but it's the salt water I,m sure there must be water I saw cats on garbage, tonight is garbage night and the streets are loaded with it, plenty of eats, so i tried to post by the garbage outside peoples homes in case they put out more they may see her (just an idea)since I saw the cats by it. I found a park trying to get back onto the whitestone expressway, when I got lost right before the bridge you get off the last exit before the bridge and take the side road down there and parsons is down there to the left and it looks like a park or something under the expressway and a dead end so you go either left or right very very desolate area. There are some name street there, If vivi took parsons she would end up right in there, I don't know the name of it. I am signing off, feet need rest being in heels all day is murder on your toes. Bye for now

I was just searching the net and found this, I just copied the top half because I didn't hear about this before.

NEW YORK -- Last week, Flushing was one big dog trap. Roasted chickens had been left out as bait. A greyhound named Hubbard sauntered around Kessima Park, offering companionship. An 83-year-old man strolled with his belt in his hands, ready to lasso if necessary.

Few mysteries have captivated New Yorkers like the case of the champion whippet who, after winning a prize at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, got loose at John F. Kennedy Airport five weeks ago and raced into the city.

I can just see the 83 yr old trying to catch Vivi. Unless he looks like Jack Lalanne :-)

An 83 year old trying to catch Vivi with a belt made me laugh out loud. Maybe a cowboy on a racehorse with a lasso.

I know there's plenty of salt water..just wondering about the fresh since we've had no rain. Breaks my heart to think this dog has to eat out of the garbage but it's better than nothing and they're not fussy I quess.

Diane I don't think I went down 20th , I went past the ny times building and the movie theaters that big one and made a right and came out behind it and then went up to the numer streets like 125th and started there, Who knows I could have been on 2oth but I think I passed it to go further in and start there, 1st time there tonight, but made it and found 119 and 29th somehow, No posting tomorrow for me next night will be Thursday probably, I need to map out my areas beforehand. Oh and no I did;t see tina and rosa wish I did.

That's from the LA Times. The reporter is based here in NY and was at Kissena Park following the GMA crew. There were a bunch of old guys sitting around and when Hub and I left she walked over to them.

Here's something to think about - check out the last 4 numbers of the first phone number on the flyers - if you read them backwards 8484 they spell VIVI. Jil caught that today.

Going to bed. Good night all.

You were by DMV on the Whitestone Expressway service road and the old Flushing Airport that used to be for small and private planes. Nite.

Just thought of something. Debbie did you stop at the police impound - where the cars are. We'll have to get a flyer to the office on duty at the entrance. She could be hiding in there under a car and nobody would be the wiser. I'll have to take a ride around there this weekend. Haven't been in that area for ages. It sound like she just traveled down College Point Blvd right into College Point.

Don't discount the 83 year old -- my dad is 85 and he traps squirrels all the time...

Good night!!

Forgive me for being so lost here, but is Vivi in the area where the dog show is held?

denise will post a request from bonnie through me very soon....instead of me gettin in to detail here...denise will do a better job getting it read...it concerns a new project for college point...we need a new leader that knows the ares....bonnie goes on vacation next week....that girl needs it bad...i will help tina and rosa get some cash....brian

Diane and Debbie -- THANK YOU.

Wanted to tell all the wonderful people that sent Cynthia notes of gratitude, good wishes, and pictures of their pets - thank you so much for your kinds words - these e-mails we hold close to our hearts.

Remember: Visions can be of the past, present, or future, memories or dreams. Rational people living rational lives is the best approach. Now - go out there and think good thoughts and save Vivi.

If Vivi goes into College Point and she doesn't backtrack, that will end her westward march - (at least for a long while) because there's no where else to go but east to Malba, (tiny, affluent), Whitestone,Little Neck, Great Neck, etc.

Gale, the Animal Communicator's post said, "She sure is living the complete opposite of life in and out of a crate, and on a lead."

Vivi lived at Jil's Equestrian Center and was not kept on a lead and pretty much ran free. Because she was allowed to do so is helping her survive in NYC. Her crate time was minimal and she was only crated to be transported to dog shows.

It sounds like Cynthia's Psychic Friend could be Cynthia. Not being mean cynthia, it's just your really starting to scare me from your last comment

Thank you Brian. Please let us know how we can get a coordinator in NYC to help Tina and Rosa. I feel like we need more volunteers in the local area. Are there any animal rescue groups we can contact? This new area sounds very scary.

I've been lurking on this site since Vivi's "escape." Didn't have an inclination to post until now, after clicking on the article about the pug in Chicago. I am a whippet lover and 2 times over "staff person" for a family whippet and can't express enough my empathy on behalf of Vivi's family. Our current whippet was adopted at the age of 2 1/2 as a retired show girl - she just didn't have the temperament to succeed, and she was very close to feral when we first brought her home: we were perfect strangers, she was completely out of her element; she was not a tremendously adaptable girl and she had an unbelievably wild look in her eyes - would have run off to try to rejoin her owner/breeders in a heart beat (or with a loose leash or slipped collar). Our sweet girl has made so much progress and resembles Vivi so much, I was immediately grabbed by the story of Vivi's disappearance under Delta's custody (not care).

Aside from the monetary contributions that folks are proffering, we need to mobilize efforts to change the laws (or lack thereof) that allow the inhumane way that live animals are handled by our airlines. We need a "Vivi's Law" that provides the level of care, security, and comfort that our animal companions absolutely need when they travel with us on public transportation systems. They depend on us; we owe it to them to get this done.

I know the call to lay off in the Vivi recovery has been difficult to swallow - but I urge everyone to channel all of that energy to prevent future tragedies - let's figure out how to convert our passion for Vivi to benefit the thousands (millions? I have no clue as to numbers) of animal travellers every year - let's change the system that allowed this to happen in the first place.

Love you Vivi, every time I see your face when I look at my Carmela...
Jan

I've just checked in for a moment, and I'm trying to take in all the news. I just read something about an awesome ending to the pug story. I can't however, find anything more in the blog? What happened with the pug?

The Little Dog House
2022 College Point Boulevard, College Point, NY 11356
(718) 353-1522

Sylvia is away on vacation for two weeks; spoke to Dawn, her daughter, regarding Vivi. She'll be there till 6 PM and will be happy to take some poster

Sharon, unfortunately its not news of Biggie being found, but it is a wonderful story about a Pug. Here is the link http://www.startribune.com/462/story/334507.html

Another amazing rescue story that happened in the bitter cold. Our little ones are pretty hardy.

This one is about an Italian Greyhound, Poppy. A happy ending.

http://www.geocities.com/igrescuepa/poppy.htm

I was so hoping it was Biggie...
There are two things we should never pray for- Patience and Strength. Waiting and trials are the price we pay.

God, we often see you pictured as Shepherd. Hold and guide Vivi, Sniffles, and Biggie. Let them sleep safely and well. Lead them home to their families. Care for Dante, and Murphy, send them healing sleep. Bless Your patient workers, provide them with the peaceful rest that will allow them to work another day. All in Your way and time, Creator,
all in Your keeping. Amen.
'Night everyone.

If you click on the here at the bottom of the website for Poppy, you can read the story that was in the newspaper.

FOr those who are not familiar, Italian Greyhounds are the smallest sight hounds and are shown in the toy group. They have all the habits and traits of Whippets and the Greyts, but are much smaller. I know some who weigh no more then 6 or 7 lbs. And yes, they run very fast.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04056/277122.stm

Amen to that Jan..Welcome to the blog!
MaryL- California

I quite often give the book, "Chuck and Danielle" to kids for Christmas. Its the story of Chuck, a Whippet and what she thinks..(Chuck is a males name,but this Chuck is a female Whippet)
There are 7 cute stories about Chuck in the book. Its only $3.99 and a sort of pocket novel. Ihad to order mine. MaryL - Oakland

THANKS to all who emailed me pictures of Vivi...the local printer in my town will PRINT, DONATE AND MAIL posters, flyers and POST CARDS (VERY CONVIENENT TO CARRY) WITH Vivi's pix and info especially phone numbers to CALL ASAP, day or night...

SUGGESTION: Ask your local printer to DONATE FLYERS, especially if they're dog lovers, as is the printer in my area.

GOD SPEED VIVI'S SAFE RETURN, I agree with all who think Vivi needs a good PLAY DAY. The weather is cooperating, so coax her into lots of fun play time.

GOD BLESS and guide the other lost dogs, Sniffy, Biggy and all the other doggies who need to find their way home.

Amen Jan! Judi, that' awesome - tell your printer thanks from the bottom of our hearts. Night everyone. Terrie

I HAD NO LUCK TONIGHT SEARCHING,BUT I AM NOT WORRIED BECAUSE I PREDICT VIVI WILL BE FOUND BY FRIDAY.

as always.....i am the last blogger awake...good night blogheads....no fighting on wednesday

Well, goodnight and good wishes to everyone. It's late here in CA and I am here with my candle burning, dead tired from blogging, having once again ignored my husband and family, and heart full with love and positive energy. Let us all not put out anything but positive energy.This whole situation with Vivi has turned my world upside down... BUT, I am POSITIVE that she will be home with Jil soon and that's where my energy is. Getting VIVI home!!! I am now, personally, hoping that I will be able to find a place to sleep in my fabulous king size bed.... since I am last in to bed after my husband and two Rhodesian Ridgebacks who do me the courtesy of "letting" me sleep in their bed! I'd have VIVI there in a heartbeat! Sleep tight everyone, and hug your babies. Vivi come home... Marnie in CA