Animal House

I got that email too, about ten days ago. I think I got it at the time there were multiple confirmed daily sightings being confirmed by search dogs and reported in the national news. In case she lines up and goes through security without an ID or tries to board a plane they'll try to get her. By chasing her down the runway with trucks. I have not gotten any reply from the CEO to whom I sent a formal letter. Both were sent very early, the email before I even knew about Newsday. Took them more than a month to reply with that same form letter to that.

I can't wait for the gloves to come off!! (And, when appropriate, we should start thinking about a legal fund too.)

I think that what we probably need to hope for is legal advice based on a portion of the settlement. We'll never be able to compete with Delta moneywise. I mean not that I know anything about the subject.

Karen, you are right about the moneywise thing and Delta, but we can get the information in the news both TV and papers and that can hurt more then any legal action. More people will read and hear about it then if it went to court or "settled" outside the court room. Went the time comes.

Where can I copy and paste a current flyer for Vivi to post here at work on my computer so my co-workers can see please?

Never mind my last post- if I looked before I asked I would've seen where to find it.
A co-worker asked if she's been found- she lives in College Point area and has seen the flyers posted. So people are aware- Vivi- show yourself!

And hoping Sniffles and Biggie get found soon too.

MEDIA COVERAGE has been blasting the AIRLINES as of late, for lost luggage, and late arrivals and departures...WHILE IT'S A HOT SUBJECT...does anyone have ties to this so we can get LOST PETS with the AIRLINES news out soon?

It would be great to feature VIVI, and any other lost dogs lately...I would like to know if DELTA is the worse airline for this travesty.

WHAT CHANGES, if any, IN THE SEARCH PROCEEDURE? It's COLD, RAINY with some SNOW SHOWERS TODAY...I'm sure Vivi has found a warm and dry shelter somewhere.

SIGHTING AGAIN, would boost public interest and may help to get TV, RADIO NEWS, and more NEWS PAPER coverage for VIVI, and we can list Biggie and Sniffles (pictures may help).

Has anyone contacted the SCOUTS, both girl scouts and boy scouts? This may also be a good resource for more flyers being posted, and more people looking.

I have been wondering about that too- the tie in. Lost luggage and airline consumer confidence lead the national news yesterday, morning and night.
Then again, I bet Brian is working on a plan of some kind as we speak. And Bo is becoming more and more direct and frequent in his criticism of them.

would be a great story for someone like Stone Phillips and Dateline....

Lydia I sent you mine. It has the 877 number on it plus the others- hopefully by later today it will be functional.

I posted this late last night, here it is again.
http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/reports/2006/april/Delta-redacted.doc

Delta Air Lines
Live Animal Incident Report - REDACTED
Reporting Period: February 1 – February 28, 2006

Carrier
Delta Air Lines

Flight Number
Scheduled Flight # DL2027 JFK-LAX

Date and Time of Incident
February 15, 2006 – approximately 1100

Type of Incident
Escape

Description of Animal
Breed: Whippet
Name: ViVi
Age: 3 years

Description of the Incident
Passenger checked one dog to travel on Flight DL2027 from JFK to LAX. At acceptance, a visual inspection of the kennel did not reveal any defects. All locking pins appeared to be fully engaged. This kennel and two additional kennels were transported in a secured conveyance to the gate. When the driver disconnected the conveyance, the driver noticed that one dog was out of its kennel. Ramp agents attempted to secure the dog but were unsuccessful. Delta, with assistance from the Port Authority, provided additional resources for the search efforts.

Cause of the Incident
A manual inspection revealed that the kennel’s locking mechanism appeared defective, as it lacked adequate tension to keep the locking pins properly engaged.

Corrective Action Taken
System review of pet acceptance procedures, with an emphasis on kennel specifications. Additional procedures implemented requiring kennel doors to be secured with releasable cable ties where possible.

Delta reminds me of OJ - "out there looking for the killer"....

They aren't looking for the dog, and they just want to wash their hands of the whole thing.

THE TOLL FREE NUMBER IS WORKING IN NYC:

Okay, it's time to start working on neon colored posters that have the NEW phone number (1-877-JFK-VIVI) on it, and the 917-647-4848 number. Take off references to the reward. Please prominently display the new toll-free phone number on posters. Let's get those out there!

You can send them to Darlene at:

RADIANCE ELECTRONICS
250 FULTON AVE #608
HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550

and to Diane Tam at:

Diane Tamm
111 East Shore Road
Manhasset, New York 11030

I am not sure if he is talking about Friday but Bo did post this today:
"It’s good news that at least some of last week’s sightings were confirmed"

Take off references to the reward???

THE NUMBER "IS NOT" WORKING IN CONNECTICUT.

That's the first I have heard of that, the reward. I change my poster every day. I sent mine in last night as soon as it was requested and to be sent on to Denise and never heard back about that.As soon as I heard the number was working I printed some. sigh. I bet it is one of the new tactics they are talking today about to keep people from chasing her. It's a tough call and none of us have ever been here before chasing a traumatized and now battle hardened sight hound through a vast urban area. I am sure it is just try this, try that. Don't want to judge the bosses of this search because I have no idea what will work either.

Check this out!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060404/ap_on_bi_ge/delta_pilots

Kathleen,

If the pilots strike, then Delta may go the way of Eastern. It serves them right for being too greedy.

Rita

I'll be interested to hear what PR person like Brian has to say but I would think if Delta is in the news that gives an in for a story about Vivi, but it could be the opposite since it is the pilots in the news.

I meant the company had been greedy not the pilots.

Rita

In talking with Bo about the reward, he said that the owners are very concerned that people may be chasing Vivi as a result of the reward. It's not that there won't be a reward paid, it's just that the owners have this concern. When I asked him if he and the owners would prefer to have the reward removed from posters, he said they would prefer that. Not really my call -- we should probably try and follow their preferences. Personally, I think it's good to have the reward mentioned.

I have everything here with me at work. I'm not printing a darn thing until the correct wording and numbers are verified. Someone please send me the CORRECT flyer as they want it to be.

Beth, I don't agree but than it's not might dog. People will not bother looking for her without a reward posted. And without the posted reward...We may never see her again as someone might just keep her. This is not good........no......not good.

Maybe just mention the word reward and not the amount? Just a suggestion

I agree with the last few postings re: reward being on the posters. As with beth,gail and kathy , I think the word "reward" should at least be mentioned. Not the $$ amount. Gail made valid points above. Again, just my thought. I realize Bo and the others involved need to make final decision

Z-100 is a popular radio station here in NY and I just e-mailed them to see if they can mention Vivi on their morning show. (They have a big listening audience!) They are all animal people so maybe they'll talk about it. Any publicity can only help keep the public aware!!

BETH IS THE TOLL FREE NUMBER WORKING IN NEW YORK????????????

How about "Reward leading to the capture of"..

AWESOME IDEA Monica

That's why I thought "Reward for Information Leading to.." If 6 people call with the information that leads to her safe capture then it could be split 6 ways. If they think they have to catch her to get a reward then they'll chase. If they think there is no reward they won't call. The main goal is getting Vivi and leaving off "Reward for information..." because too many people might call and ask for it is being overly cautious. I think they need to rethink this.

I had that phrase on my posters and was told to remove it because Honi said too many people might call demanding the reward. I say they can deman all they want since we don't have Vivi it's a moot point.

I tried 1-877-JFK-VIVI about a half hour ago and it is working from Brooklyn.

I agree with you guys as far as mentioning an amount in the reward. Perhaps as it's been said, just say, "reward" blah,blah. People get stupid over money and thats a good amount of money.
BTW:::::
I'm in sunny Northern California, we're having rain, hail and my Whippets hate it! Almost N.Y.'s weather today.
GOOD JOB SEARCHERS/POSTER PEOPLE AND I HOPE VIVI IS FOUND SOON!
MaryL-California

BETH:
Sorry, but I just finished making up 2,000 flyers for myself, with the phone numbers, picture and
REWARD ON IT!

I cannot keep changing every day and these posters will be used and distributed tonight. I AM DIZZY FROM ALL THE CONSTANT CHANGES WITH NO PRIOR WARNING!

I doubt most people will make any effort whatsoever with no reward mentioned....big mistake, in my opinion. In fact, I've never seen a Lost Pet poster that doesn't offer a reward.

No reward...who's going to even try!

Irene Wilson

O.K. AFTER OVER SIX HOURS ON THE TELEPHONE WITH VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS, MUCH MORE GREY HAIR AND I AM SURE AN ULCER BY NOW, WE HAVE A GREEN LIGHT FOR THE 1-877-535-8484 NUMBER. SO, START PRINTING YOUR BIG HEARTS OUT. AS FOR NEW JERSEY AND CT, THEY ARE BEING ADDED RIGHT NOW SO, IF SOMEONE IN EITHER OF THESE STATES WILL TRY CALLING THE 877 NUMBER LATER THIS AFTERNOON OR THIS EVENING AND LETTING ME KNOW, I WOULD APPRECIATE IT. LET'S GET TO WORK AND BRING HOME THIS LITTLE GIRL.

MERI-LOU:

Thank you so very much for getting this number working...I am sure it will help and all of us, including Vivi, appreciate all of your hard work.

You're awesome!

Irene Wilson

How about "REWARD for information leading to the safe return of...."

Thanks to all of you that emailed me the Vivi posters- got about 4 of them- no more please!

As far as the reward- just my 2cents but the person who asked me at work here if Vivi was found was asking more out of concern for the reward she could get if she helped find her than out of concern for Vivi. I think the reward- as mercenary as some people can be- should be mentioned because let's face it, not all people care about another lost dog unless there is something in it for them.

Hey-whatever it takes to help get her back I feel.

Thanks all,

Hello everbody. Please stop making posters and flyers for a bit. Take a rest. We might be changing the language on the current flyer but rest assured that what you have made already will be used. Just don't make any new ones until I hear from the powers that be as to what they want to do.

You're all doing a fantastic job and I know this is frustrating, as least for me it is, so please bear with us until it's decided how they want to change the language. I know that Bo, Paul and Jil greatly appreciate all your efforts on Vivi's behalf and for those of you in NY and those who want to come to NY, Brian promised us a party when Vivi is found safe and sound and I'm going to hold him to it.

Irene, take the day off and rest. You sure do deserve it.

So, everybody, take a step back, relax, spend the evening with your family or if you don't have any family with you, watch a good movie or TV program, read a good book or catch up on the newspapers that you've missed and hopefully we'll have some decisions in the near future.

As one of the volunteers I appreciate all your support and kind words. Remember, we will eventually get this little girl back home and it will be thanks to all of you out there.

NUMBER STILL NOT WORKING IN CONNECTICUT. I WILL KEEP TRYING AND POST AS SOOM AS I KNOW.

I meant SOON. I really can spell, really I can :-)

SORRY, BETH..
Not taking a day off today...need to get the help when they are available. It's a go for late this afternoon and however long it takes us to give every occupant of Beech Hills a flyer on Vivi.

When that's done, will still have many flyers left and will see what's next....

Vivi is not taking a day off today and neither
am I or my teenage helpers!

Irene Wilson

Gail, they are building it in the central office right now so, if will take a bit of time before it will work in CT & NJ. It should work before the end of the day. Please let mw know when you have a positive responce

Diane, I just might show up for that party...I'm looking forward to it. I can't wait to get my hands on the guest of honor :-)

Oops! Sorry, meant Diane, not Beth....

Irene Wilson

I agree with you all about the reward. In my opinion, it should be on there. And we are going to use all posters made, with reward or not. I'm hoping that we will get a better sense of what the owners want after their meeting, as Bo indicated in his last posting.

O.K. AFTER OVER SIX HOURS ON THE TELEPHONE WITH VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS, MUCH MORE GREY HAIR AND I AM SURE AN ULCER BY NOW, WE HAVE A GREEN LIGHT FOR THE 1-877-535-8484 NUMBER. SO, START PRINTING YOUR BIG HEARTS OUT. AS FOR NEW JERSEY AND CT, THEY ARE BEING ADDED RIGHT NOW SO, IF SOMEONE IN EITHER OF THESE STATES WILL TRY CALLING THE 877 NUMBER LATER THIS AFTERNOON OR THIS EVENING AND LETTING ME KNOW, I WOULD APPRECIATE IT. LET'S GET TO WORK AND BRING HOME THIS LITTLE GIRL.

Thanks so much, Meri-Lou.

Is ViVi heading west? Is she trying to get home on her own? Are there any new sightings?

Will someone be representing the concerns about "Reward for information leading to.." with the powers that be? I think they are important. I think I have not been one of the more prickly or demanding bloggers (not that there is anything wrong with that... I mean not that anyone is... :)) but I do think this at least needs to be fully discussed and not dismissed by one person at first hearing. I mean to air that as respectfully as possible.

A second problem with not posting anything about the reward suddenly is that thousands are already out there anyway.

Just two arguments to be considered. I don't mind if I, or I think it is we, are overruled I just want to be sure that these I think important considerations have a hearing. I don't want us to inundate them with emails but would be glad for mine to be forwarded to them if there is no one else making that argument.
I have that pretty well designed and easily edited poster I can forward to them as well- with and without reward and/or phone number tear-offs (another thing I think should be used when possible), several numbers, one number- if you will let me know what edits are needed I can do it pretty quickly.
Thanks to everyone, everywhere doing everything they can for this little dog. I for one am not giving up.

You go, Irene!

Karen:
I think all we can do as individuals is to state our own personal feelings. We have been reminded time and time again that Vivi is not our dog. Many of us have taken her into our hearts and are working to find her as if she was our dog. That's why emotions run very high here, may times.

Opinion is all I can express, what I would do if she was my dog. I would most definitely keep the $5000 reward right up front (along with the admonition not to chase her). I feel that without a reward of any kind, very little attention will be given to this poster...(not what we want to hear, but those are the facts as I believe them to be).
I think most especially young people will make more of an effort if there is a reward offered.

I don't remember ever seeing a lost pet ad or flyer that did not mention a reward.

As you said, Karen, thousands of posters/flyers are already out there offering this reward from the first day. People will now think that the reward offer has been rescinded and that won't be good.

I repeat, just my thoughts, please do not beat me up!
Irene Wilson

Here are my 2 cents (for what it's worth). I think the posters should read something to the affect that a REWARD (no money amount) will be paid for information resulting in her safe return. I agree that people are less likely to spend the time reading any postings if there is no mention of a reward. In addition, adding the verbage safe return, will hopefully make people stop and think before chasing/grabbing her.

I agree that the reward should stay on. We would do it for no reward but the majority of people need the incentive. The flyers/posters say Do NOt Chase and Bo's article on how to catch Vivi is being given out in person, through faxes and e-mails. I'll wait for the final wording before I do anything else.
I might be all gray before Vivi is back with Jil, but it will be worth it.

Okay, I just received an email from Bo -- he asked me to pass this along:

Hi again,

We’ve talked to Honi and agree that putting up posters is OK as long as the reward is left off, and preferably they should be accompanied by the “Guidelines” for how to act if someone sees Vivi.

As usual, everything goes via Honi!

Thanks for all you’re doing... We do appreciate it.

Best,

Bo

Well Beth, I quess we got our answer. Someone want to say something to cheer me up because I'm feeling very down now. This is not good......Someone needs to give me a kick in the butt because I'm not feeling very positive at the moment, I don't like this feeling of defeat.........HELP!

So does this mean that all the posters already made with the reward money on them can not be used.

In my opinion, and I know it certainly is not my decision to make, from a marketing standpoint, the reward should remain on the posters. It has been there from the beginning.
The issue really about chasing or not chasing Vivi has little to do with the amount of the reward. The issue is more about people not understanding the nature of Vivi's breed.
Yes, I am a dog owner (or shall I say owned by a dog), but until this unfortunate incident involving Vivi, I knew nothing about Whippet's; their speed or behavior.
Regardless of whether the reward is $500 or $5,000, people will be inclined to run after or chase Vivi. Not becauuse they are trying to be mean or disruptive, but just because they do not undestand her speed or mind-set. n other words, they simply do not know any better.
My fear is that not listing the reward after doing so for several weeks will, 1. raise a red flag, and 2. possibly dissuade people from looking.
Don't mean to be argumentative- just throwing out an idea. The main issue is keeping the story alive in any way, shape or form.

I don't know Marty...I'm in tears here for this little girl...

Okay everyone we can't let this get us down. I know it's depressing but we just have to move on and just hope we get some more sightings.

I agree with you all, but we must respect the wishes of the owners. Otherwise, their confidence in us will be undermined and they may not keep us in the loop at all.

I asked Bo to clarify whether he meant remove the $5,000 number, or all references to reward. He said all references to a reward should be removed from future posters. He did say that we could use the ones we have at this point, and leave up the ones that are posted.

Gail, I understand how you feel. I'm feeling a little down, too. But, I'm not sure what else we can do. Just get posters out there with the new phone number -- at least it should make it easier for people to call in.

I agree Loretta. Beth you think maybe the family would agree on just using the word award and not the amount.

Gail- please check your E mail.

We have to believe that their are alot of people like us out there that that loves dogs and would still call in a sighting when they see ViVi. We just have to believe.

There's nothing we can do Beth, fact is she's not ours. I'm not concerned about their confidence in us..it might be the other way around. Have we all been trying to hard? This has made me sick to my stomach as I had such high hopes with the new number and all.

My primary concern is about incentive. Yes, we are all animal lovers and if we were blessed enough to rescue Vivi, would not take the reward.
But, many eople are not like that at all. I reiterate- money has little to do with chasing her- ignorance about the breed is the issue.

I must say, I am thinking too that there might be issues involved that we are not privy to. Possibly there issomething happening in the background determining the direction that is being taken. Bo did say they were "regrouping" today.
It is indeed difficult to make decisions- one wrong turn could mean the difference between Vivi's safe return or not.

Ok everyone I have just left a voice message for Mason Hulis in Fl. I hope to hear from him tomorrow if he would try to locate Vivi through his dowsing(?) method. If he agrees to try, I will let you know and put him in contact with Honi, Tina or Rose. I will cover the first 100 dollars or so of his cost. He charges 25 per 15 minutes. Should I proceed?

Alane

Is Bo saying to leave the $5000.00 off or the word reward - perhaps saying Reward but not mentioning the amount would be ok.........anyone?

O.K. I dont agree with the owners but, let's take another look at this situtation and maybe it will shed some light on the decission they made. Maybe they feel that the sightings they have received were not driven by the reward factor but, because there are individuals out there that do care. Maybe they feel that she is not being sighted as often now because people are attempting to chase or grab at her driving her into hiding. These are possibly the kind of individuals that would not report a sighting because they had nothing to gain by calling. Maybe they feel that if left alone, she would be more willing to approach or show herself to people. I do not believe that they have given up on Vivi and neither can we. I think the suggestion given earlier today for everyone to take sometime off and spend it with family, friends and their pets is good advise. I know that by not being in New York that is easy for me to say but, I think it is food for thought. Everyone has to do what they believe to be beneficial for them and I am going to try the suggestion myself tonight. Eveyone stay safe.

Bo did state in the update above they were changing their tactics on Vivi. This might be one of the ways.
Maybe they were very concerned over the sighting of her where she was being chased by a green truck several days ago...confirmed or not. This was scary when I read Bo's update about this incident.

Some people are not really animal lovers and would only be trying for the award and might hurt vivi trying to do so.

I'm upset over this.

Rita

ALL REFERENCES TO REWARD SHOULD BE REMOVED is what Bo said. Sorry to yell, I'm just so upset.

I just asked Beth to reply to Bo's e-mail with the following e-mail from me. I hope he will reconsider this matter. I think it is the wrong decision and the search will suffer because of it. Hope not, but I am worried about it:

---------------------------------------

Beth - Please forward this e-mail to Bo for me with a reply to his e-mail about the reward situation. Thanks.

-------------------------------------

Bo -

Please read the postings on the website. There are some very good points made to this decision to remove the Reward $5,000 from the posters.

1. Less people are inclined to be concerned unless there is a reward involved (you always take a chance of a strange animal biting you or attacking, and this alone may discourage people from approaching Vivi).

2. Could we just put "REWARD" and leave the amount off. Even better was the suggestions made of "Reward for information leading directly to the safe return of Vivi." As someone pointed out, NO VIVI - NO REWARD. Also the word "SAFE" being very key to this argument.

3. Third, and foremost, WHY SHOULD ANYONE RETURN A BEAUTIFUL ANIMAL LIKE VIVI IF MONEY IS NOT INVOLVED (unless they are just exceptional people - not always the case). Someone could keep Vivi just for the reason of breeding her (without papers) and still make money.

4. I think it is the very general opinion that the REWARD needs to be left on the posters and flyers. These ladies make a huge amount of sense. Please think this through very carefully.

Thanks Bo.

Kathleen Stephenson in Memphis, TN

Hi everyone -

Donna Quinn and I were on another blog, but thought I would like to repost this idea hoping more people see it. I think it might help us some. What do you think?
--------------------------

Do you think maybe something like business cards with just the contact info on them and maybe a picture to pass out to people might work.

I thought maybe people would put in their pockets, purse or wallet and hold onto these since they are small. Could have Vivi on one side, and contact info on the other side maybe.

Posted by: Kathleen Stephenson | April 04, 2006 at 03:02 PM

Kathleen - I think that's a great idea too. Similar to Brian's 4 by 6 cards, but more wallet sized. People could carry them around with them and just pull out the number on the card if they saw her. And business cards can be made up in bulk for a very reasonable price with Vivi's picture right on them.

Posted by: Donna Quinn | April 04, 2006 at 04:35 PM

I am very disappointed that there seems to be no direction now on the search.Maybe the owners feel that in 6 weeks nothing has been accomplished by offering a reward and they are desperate to find Vivi and therefore want to try another tactic.Remember no one has been able to find Vivi. Not Karin, or Laura or anyone including the "psychics". Irene, Darlene, Renee etc and the poster people have, in my opinion, put forth the greatest effort. I think the time has come to sit back and take your cue from "the owners."This is just my opinion for whatever it's worth.

To one Gail from another:

Hey girl, cheer up. I think this removing the reward from the posters is just an experiment. Vivi's owners feel like what they and we are doing currently is not working, so they are tweaking some things to see if the change works. They need people to call in order to catch Vivi. They (and we) can't do anything effective without some confirmed sightings. So, if the lack of reward statement makes people stop calling, then I am sure they will add it back. If not, well then, the people are still calling so all is good. The new number is working making it easier to call in now. Lets hope that offsets the lack of reward statement. I know I would call in with or without a reward, just becuase I love dogs and would want this dog to be reunited with its owner. From other's posts local to NY, it sounds like they are encountering lots of dog lovers around there. Let's hope one of them calls in soon. It's really all up to Vivi and if she allows herself to be seen. She's got to come out sometime to eat, so I'm sure given enough time someone will see her and call.

We are not defeated. All the experts say to post flyers. Now that the we know what to put on the flyers, lets be helpful and send some more. The more flyers that get handed out and posted, the greater the chance we reach the one kind sole who will call or perhaps even get Vivi contained in their yard or something. I think double sided flyers sound like the way to go, with how to get Vivi instructions printed on the back. That is what I will be making.

Keep the faith! Did you read that miracle story about Poetry? Keeping the word out there created that miracle and we can still keep the word out for Vivi.

If this didn't help cheer you up, I suggest Irene's wine and chocolate approach :-)

I've been emailing Bo quite a bit today, and in his last response he indicated that he needed to get some work done. So, at this point, I'm not going to email him. I think the owners have indicated what they want, and I do think we should respect their wishes. Vivi is their dog.

I do think the cards are a good idea. I'm hoping to hear from Brian about getting more of the small cards.

you all need to leave it go. A reward hasn't gotten her home yet so this is a different tactic by the OWNERS. please respect their wishes.

If you decide to do business cards I suggest you contact decalgal.net online. She is a whippet breeder here in Florida and is in the business of business cards, signs, etc.

Thanks folks. Maybe you are right. This is THEIR decision, be it good or be it bad. If they get no response, I'm sure it will change.

Right now, all I want is a confirmed sighting somewhere. It is hard to believe so many flyers, posters, articles, word of mouth, etc. is out there and still no Vivi. I pray she is okay. God has not let us down so far, and I'm sure He will not now.

Beth,

Enlight of this, should I proceed or not with contacting Mason Hulis?

Alane