Animal House

Maybe someone has already thought of this and posted elsewhere- I have hard time keeping up with the blogs! I have read how throrughly the schools/public works/stores have been targeted but what about the RETIRED population- those who may be able to be in the locations (where Vivi has been spotted) during the day when many of the rest of the searchers are at work? Are there any senior volunteer programs or centers that could be contacted? Those retired folks can be a mighty army when given a worthwhile task!
Wish I could be there-
Carol from Maine

Maybe a stupid idea....just hoping for something....Westminster Kennel Club have they helped out in any way? Can they?? Just throwing that out there as an idea?? Praying for VIVI in North Carolina.....

I am a senior from Florida, who used to breed and show Boxers. Wish I could be there too. Senior help would be a good idea. Also, praying for Vivi.

FYI EVERYONE!! IN CASE YOU HAVEN'T READ THIS!!

http://www.timesledger.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=16403439&BRD=2676&PAG=461&dept_id=542415&rfi=8&xb=jaxik

Kathleen- can you copy and paste the article- I don't want to create an account just to read it. Thanks-
Carol from Maine

creating an account is free... Let me know if it worked...

Its the local paper in Bayside, Flushing, Whitestone, etc.

Kathleen, I read the article - very good publicity. Thanks Darlene. Except, am I wrong? The posters should read $5000 for safe return, NOT for info leading to safe return?

Hey guys,

Here is the Timesledger article:

TimesLedger

Hunt for missing whippet spreads to Flushing Mdws.
By John Tozzi
03/30/2006

The Westminster show dog that disappeared six weeks ago from Kennedy Airport was spotted Monday morning in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, according to searchers, and the determined group of dog-lovers looking for her has spread out across the borough in relentless pursuit.
Between 15 and 20 searchers have spanned Queens in recent weeks, flooding neighborhoods with thousands of missing posters and tracking Vivi, the missing whippet, with search dogs.

The search parties are focusing on the areas around Kissena Park and Flushing Meadows, according to Darlene O'Sullivan, who has been volunteering after work and on the weekends to help find the stray dog, who came to New York from California for the Westminster Dog Show.

"She's traveled so far that we'd like to try to contain her in an area that we're familiar with," O'Sullivan said.

In the latest sighting Monday, a house painter spotted Vivi from about 100 feet in Flushing Meadows Corona Park near College Point Boulevard, O'Sullivan said. The dog has also been tracked to Auburndale and downtown Flushing.

When Vivi was seen in the park at around 10 a.m., she bolted after someone in a green truck started chasing her, O'Sullivan said. She cautioned that if people spot Vivi, they should not chase her - whippets can run up to 35 mph- - but instead approach her gently and maybe offer some food.

Above all, they should call the number on the missing posters immediately. She stressed that members of the public do not have to capture Vivi themselves to collect the $5,000 reward.

The dog's owners are based in California but have traveled back to New York after sightings of the dog, according to news reports. They have offered a $5,000 reward.

The dedicated team of searchers has not let up one bit since Vivi disappeared from a crate at JFK on Feb. 15. O'Sullivan said volunteers scour the borough before work, after work and during lunch breaks.

"Weekends are mostly monopolized by looking for her all day, all night. They have overnight watches," she said.

One pair of women from Bayside have spent an estimated 18 hours a day looking for Vivi, she said. Volunteers have put up about 10,000 missing posters, donated by a printer in Manhattan, in neighborhoods across Queens.

And O'Sullivan has no doubt that the Vivi sightings, confirmed by the scent the search dogs picked up, are legit.

"She's unlike any other dog. Greyhounds and whippets look nothing like a beagle, nothing like a spaniel," she said.

*keeping hope & faith alive here in nyc*
We love you Vivi
http://www.vivalavivi.bravehost.com
Renee

Thanks Renee! Man this time change sucks! Now you guys are 3 hours a head! Have a good day all!

Hey guys! Can we all move up to the first posting. It's getting a little confusing jumping from posting to posting reading the lastest.

Really like the idea of using seniors. They are a powerful group when mobilized and are the best workers/volunteers. They volunteer in the schools and they are wonderful. The kids love them and I'm sure they would help anyway they can.

Kathleen! I'm here, let the blog begin..(oh dear)...
I have a very messy house, when Vivi is found I'm
going to clean, clean, clean,but in the meantime, WHERES VIVI?
MaryL-California

My husband is ready to divorse me over Vive! He says forget about Vive, what about Stevie!!! HAHAHAHAH!!!!!

On my map, I do not see Flushing Airport but on Google Earth, I do. I checked google and found this link. If this area is still undeveloped and the site of the old Flushing Airport, there seems to be hundreds of spots for Vivi to hide. My map shows a large white void between the US Postal Service Processing Ctr and 13th Avenue off of Ulmer Street. Does anyone out there know?

http://www.forgotten-ny.com/STREET%20SCENES/newflushingairport/yonder2.html

Kathleen, a sure way to make him feel you love is to ask him if he wants a little cheese with his
whine..)o:
(Vivi, where are you? We love you!)
MaryL-California

I pulled this from the link that I posted earlier:

"I don't know that much about Flushing Airport. I do know that the former Queens private aircraft facility hasn't seen a landing or takeoff in many years. It's not even in Flushing. Along with the Whitestone Expressway, it's the chief reason for College Point's isolation from the rest of Queens, because of its location south of 20th Avenue and west of the Whitestone Expressway. These days, it's basically a huge expanse of weeds and rusted remains, surrounded by miles of chain link fence. I ventured into Flushing Airport in the summer of 1999 and found some rather strange things. Since then, other Forgotten Fans have ventured into, and over, the old airport and submitted some rather weird shots as well."

http://www.forgotten-ny.com/STREET%20SCENES/FLUSHING%20AIRPORT/flush.html

Kathleen said something about moving to the first posting. What is the name of the posting you are referring to please.

Great article. Is that paper a weekly or daily?

Renee...from the map, it looks like about 10 or so blocks southeast of the area you said Vivi was sighted (College Point Blvd. and 14th) there is another park called Frank Golden Memorial Park. Do you know if anyone was able to post flyers there?

Thank you so much to everyone "out in the trenches" working your buns off. You all deserve a thousand blessings, and a pedicure, too!

Daily report from Bo

Jackie: Frank Golden Park is just above the large area that is the ? old Flushing Airport. There is water there. See Google Earth. Looks like a good place to search.

Vivi seems to be basically sticking to the College Point Blvd route. If she continues to head due north on that road, she should wind up in the Herman A McNeil Park area pretty soon.

I found this bit of info. on the prayer for pets sight:

Animals are telepathic by nature (the word telepathy means "to feel at a distance") and respond instantly to prayers and loving thoughts directed toward them no matter what the distance.

So prayers and positive thoughts to all our lost angels out there.

It is a weekly paper. I live in Bayside so it is called the Bayside Times, the Flushing paper is called the Flushing Times and so forth and so on. It has all the local news, events and happenings. It really is quite good.

Laurie, I agree! Thanks. That big bulls eye on that building is just calling Vivi's name...please go there girl and one of these wonderful searchers will pick you up and we can all celebrate.

That building with the bulls eye must be a Target store?? And what is that across the road. Is that the old Flushing Airport? Whatever it is, it looks like a good place for her to hide and hunt.

Just checking in again; feel so helpless since I can't DO anything. My heart is just breaking today. Guess there's no point to my getting depressed, but I can't help it though I know in my heart she'll be found, but it hurts so much.

I send prayers and positive vibes to her daily (along with my lit candles).

Thank you once more from the bottom of my heart to all the many dedicated people searching for her, putting up flyers, etc.

The idea of seniors is excellent. I'd also suggest (and probably you're already ten steps ahead of me!) that children are really excellent at this sort of thing. She's already shown herself more trusting of them as they're non-threatening. Also, children are more observant than adults ... they seem to know everything that's going on.

Bottom line is I hope all the schools throughout the area have flyers for the children of all ages. Talking to children you see in the area also would be very good.

I'm down, but not out ... you know to contact me I believe through my email or phone which is posted so many times throughout this blog I'm sure people are tired of seeing it. I'm out of the loop so all I can do is continue my prayers and positive vibes to dear Vivi.

As always,

Are the rest of you as confused as I am regarding what the current flyers should "read"? I sent an email to Honi to see if we couldn't get a MASTER version of the flyer posted on the blog. The four around the world versions have various phone numbers and different pictures. It would be helpful if we had one English version that was THE REAL DEAL. I offered to create it but I need to know what is supposed to be on it (wording, reward information, which picture of Vivi to use, phone numbers). I'll see what she has to say. I'm going to hold off making any more posters until I know for sure what's up!

Darlene O! I mailed you approximately 50 posters (neon, nonetheless) this morning. Hopefully, you'll have them Tuesday. Should I send the remaining 50 to you as well or should I send you 25 and Diane 25?

Thank you Lois. I too am holding off until I know what the correct version of the poster is supposed to be. I have my neon poster board all ready to go!

It's a beautiful day in NY today, I am jsut praying that Vivi, is found today .

I'm holding off to as the last post on the blog says to use Honi's number...I'm clueless here.

I JUST SPOKE WITH HONI AND SHE SAID MAKE THE SAME POSTERS YOU HAVE BEEN MAKING USING THE TWO 917 #'S.
THE 800 IS STILL NOT WORKING!!

Just my opinion, but I think we can use more English flyers, but maybe Diane would know this better than me..

Just wondering where people are getting flyers printed and if it's necessary they all be in color.
I went to Kinko's this afternoon and they wanted 89 cents per color copy.
Where are people going to get copies made?
Please contact me and let me know.

Loretta, I don't know if you have one in the area, but right now Staples has a special - color copies for 39 cents per copy. I am going to get some copies made there tomorrow. I ran the ink out of my home printer!

Loretta I sent you an email. When you make them on bright neon color paper the color doesn't come out well anyway, but the printed discription of her and the numbers stand out on the color paper. I've done neon pink and this week she will be neon orange. The yellow color to me would not stand out as well if the sun hits them.

Just in case anyone is interested, Michael's has 8 1/2 x 11 scrapbook paper for $1.87 for 50 sheets in different colors. You can get regular colors, pastels and bright neons. I picked up 2 packs of the bright neon and 100 sheet protectors. As soon as we are positive the 877 is working, I'll be printing those up in b&w. I can copy them at work and it won't cost me.

I forgot to say I asked for glow in the dark paper and the man looked at me funny. When I told the other man I needed the sleeve protectors so the picture would be protected from the rain when it gets stapled to a pole he looked at me like I was nuts also. I didn't find my questions off the wall but than I'm the nut :-)

Barbara, Staples was about the same..9.79 for 500 sheets of 24 weight I believe. They're out in my trunk.

How much were the sheet protectors at Michaels? I paid $14 and change for 200.

They were $5 for 50. I used my 40% off coupon which made them $3. Not too bad.

I just sent Diane an email with a poster attached that I got from Kathleen. Diane says the poster is what they want. If anyone wants the poster, I can email it to you.

One last thing - are the phone #'s correct on Bo's post above? Everyone keeps saying both 917 #'s but one is 917 and the other is 516....

I see that too. Very confusing!! All I know is that Honi said to use Rose, Tina's and Bonnie's #'s. Your guess is as good as mine.

I sent email to Honi today inquiring about correct numbers. She replied back to use 917-647-4848 and 917-626-1374. She said to wait for word on the toll free number.

That is the same answer I got from Honi also.

Hi All,

For the current approved poster with the correct numbers please contact Diane and I'm sure she would be glad to send it to you.

I designed that poster at the request of my girlfriend for this worthy endevor and it can be sent to you as either a JPEG or a PDF file.

Good luck to you people from us here in Virginia and please know...You are not alone.

Georgepat

I've been wondering if Westminster KC has been doing all they can. Vivi is the top whippet and I would think they would be doing all they can to help. Don't they have expert sighthound people also?
I'm just anxious like the rest of you.

I've been printing off flyers and then taping/glueing/laminating them on the posterboard. They look pretty good (if I don't say so myself). Maybe if one of the people that picks up the flyers from the printers can send those of you that don't have printers a bunch (however many you are willing to make) of flyers? I'd offer to print a bunch up but it's been fairly cost-prohibitive (as I'm sure others know that have been printing their own).

Here is the site for the NY state RSVP- Retired and Senior Volunteer Program if any searchers in the NYC area want to make contact http://rsvp.cssny.org/rsvp/contact. I would make contact but would prefer the search organizers make contact- if they choose to.
Carol from Maine

Good evening everybody. I've been hiding all day doing income taxes - the curse of April 15th.

I understand that there has been some confusion as to which phone number to use for the posters.

The numbers to be used are 917-647-4848 and 917-626-1374.

Once the toll free number is activated we will put that number first - it will be 877-JFK-VIVI
(877-535-8484).

We've decided to branch out with our posting area so let's get that artwork going.

You're all fantastic with these posters. Keep them coming. I've received so many fantastic posters and flyers that the receiving department at my job just brings them up and tells me "You've got more posters". This is job security for these college kids so keep them coming.

Hi again,

My girlfriend advised me that if you can't get Diane you are more that welcome to contact her tomorrow and she will be more than happy to send
the poster to you in whichever form you require.

A personal note if I may add here...I think she's going to become much more than a girlfriend very soon!
Georgepat

slindsay@wegnet.com for the offical poster

Hi Guys ~
I just wanted to say I know glow in the dark paper is expensive but I have some glow in the dark paint. All you need is Q tip and you can do like stars in the corner or something. I have some now and if anyone thinks that would be helpful I can send it to you , just let me know. It works very good. I think this is something that could be an attention getter. Glad everyone is still positive.. it will be worth it when she's found and goes home... Good night.

Hi,
Sorry, it's taken me so long to check in. I've made up a word document with the particulars of the area vet clinics in the greater Flushing area. Google listed approx. 23. I was going to start calling tomorrow after I got home from school, but if anyone can call before then--e-mail me and I'll send you my lists. I also promised that I'd make a cut and paste list of the shelters I contacted the other day-- so that we could keep track of any new animals that came up on the site-- it's heartbreakingly long. I sent a copy to Cherita, and will send to anyone else that e-mails. You could also go to www.petfinder.com Enter Dog under animal, and Flushing, NY under location-- leave all under the other categories. The rescuers are wonderful but do mistakenly identify breeds, and age. Vivi and Biggie are two different sexes so we don't want to use that to narrow the search.
Forgive me but I already e-mailed the senior volunteer co-ordinator with basic information and Honi's and Denise's contact information. If anyone else wants to call and present to the group-- who is from the area-- that would be super.
Thanks to the "hoofers" and "posters" today-- I am in awe. I will send bright posters when the toll free is ok'd. I think I've got our NHS director talked into giving me some student power for service credit. I'd by the materials and mail, but kids are great poster makers. All the animal kids should be in my parish's Mass book all week. If need be- I'll go to a couple Masses next week and do the same. We've got seven day candles in the sanctuary so that'll burn all week. Wish I could only do more... Hey, Vivi show yourself little girl, we want your Mama to know where you are!

This is the first time I've had the chance to check mapquest - the last unconfirmed sighting at 119th and 29th in Whitestone I believe it is. Do people think it's a possibility she will be contained in this area as it looks like it's just water and a couple expressways out of there to the north? I know someone mentioned this the other day and now I see what they mean. I have high hopes - though I know I don't know the area, that she may have to stick around in that area - I KNOW whippets hate water. Thanks to all the volunteers doing so much -you all are angels on earth! VIVA LA VIVI! Terrie

Chrissy, where did you buy the glow-in-the dark paint? That's a great idea! Maybe even reflective tape?

Craft stores have it- I don't know what is in your area but Michael's should if you have that one. I would think reflective paint, designed to reflect lights might be even more effective than glow in the dark. That is probably at the hardware store and surely the tape is. Sure are alot of ideas posted here, huh.

For all you fantastic bloggers, I heard a great story this morning that I think you guys could appreciate. I have a ridgeback, and every Sat and Sun we go to a dog park in Long Island so he can play with all his buddies. There was a new golden that came today and we said to the owner/mom, he looks just like the dog Mikey that's been missing for the past 2 months. (a flyer was posted at the park) She tells us, "this is Mikey, I just got him back this week." As the story goes, they were at a park and he wandered off to a dunken donuts parking lot. Within no more than a few minutes, someone took Mikey. He was very friendly. The person put Mikey in their car and drove away. Mikey was living in Brooklyn for 2 months with this guy. The man's sister knew that this dog was well cared for and had a home even though the guy lied and said that he searched all over and nobody claimed him. The sister finally put an ad online under a web site called Craigslist.com or something like that. The owner saw the ad and called the sister. They arranged to meet when the brother was not home and it turned out to be Mikey. He was healthy and well fed but dirty and matted but extremely happy to see mom. She said that he was cautious in the beginning, but within a few hours he was back to normal and crazy happy. I asked her if she believed that she would get Mikey back, and she said that after about 6 week she started to lose hope. All the folks at the park were in tears listening to her story and so happy to hear that wonderful ending.
So keep positive and believe that Vivi too will have a happy ending and she will be found.

Since I got a funny look when I asked for the glow in the dark paper today the paint might be a better idea. I did a search and I thought I saw GITD markers at Michaels. Since I'm not a crafty person would using the markers over the letters on the flyers work as a highlighter? Or we can just print out the picture and write the wording on.

Also, what size poster board are you using and are you laminating them with stuff from the roll?

I'm not crafty but I can cook. If you think we can cook something that would draw her out let me know, lol.

Seriously, glow in the dark would be a good idea if someone could come up with a good way to do. I really thought I could just buy paper and print them out, DUH

That IS a good story. I lost a Golden once long ago- One of the reasons I am helping now was that no one helped me. I bet you have the opposite problem with a Golden than with a Whippet. They'd climb in anypne's car as opposed to running from everyone. I always thought that was where mine went. Once I was walking on a gravel road with him and he jumped out of the brush, almost got hit by a car, looked up at the driver and wagged his tail....
Good for that sister, she must have known the brother was capable of that. And it illustrates why I am of the opinion that the posters should say "for information leading to..."

Creator God, You breathe life into every living being. You charged Adam with the naming and care of all animals. We ask you as caretakers of Your creation to support the efforts to return Vivi, Biggie, and Sniffles to the "parents" who love them.
Everwatchful and Loving God, until we bring them home, enfold them in your tender care, keep them from harm, and let them sleep well. Put this little trio on the path to loving individuals who can help them. Help all the lost, and sick ones. Bless Your loyal workers who are Your hands and feet in this rescue.
Bring this story of compassion to its happy ending.

'Night everybody, that alarm rings an hour earlier tomorrow. (Oh, NO!)

I'm sure you can find a glow in the dark paint at a Craft store and maybe even the Reflector tape . These are both great ideas ! I use a professional paint for my buisness. Don't laugh but I actually create Illusions for people. I paint a "starscapes theme" in their rooms. It's very neat, the paint I have is like $75 a 4 oz jar. I have alot of it and would love for someone to use it for Vivi . It's very bright. But their are other things that would work too like the paint or tape. If anyone wants to get really creative let me know and I'll send you some. Even if you did stars in the 4 corners it will get attention. I really wish I could be there to help ... Thank you to the people working so much of their own time to find Vivi. I think somewhere they have glow in the dark glue too that could also work very well. I'll look into it.

Hey guys! Check this out on Ebay!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vive-Energy-Bar-for-Dogs-and-Cats-2-7-oz-B7-VA_W0QQitemZ4380960776QQcategoryZ66778QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

HAS ANYONE SEARCHED THE OLD FLUSHING AIRPORT GROUNDS TODAY? I DON'T WANT MY MESSAGE TO BE IGNORED SO I'M POSTING IT AGAIN AND WILL UNTIL PEOPLE PAY ATTENTION TO THE WORTHWHILE POSTS AND IGNORE THE BS FROM THE OTHERS.............

No BS on this thread, just the other one.

Laurie, yes, but we're pretty certain she's not there because kids ride their dirt bikes and motorcycles in there all the time and the noise would scare her away.

Good morning everyone. The volunteers did a wonderful job of putting out posters this weekend. So, guess what? They will need more posters! Please keep them coming -- the key to getting sightings is to make sure people know to call. Even though we don't have the toll-free number yet, please don't stop posters -- you can send them to Darlene, at this address:

RADIANCE ELECTRONICS
250 FULTON AVE #608
HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550

Or to Diane, at this address:

Diane Tamm
111 East Shore Road
Manhasset, New York 11030

Please keep the posters coming -- let's make sure they always have a supply. Thank you --

Good morning everyone. Just a word of reminder - all posters are to come to me, are delivered the same day to Tina and Rosa and are posted before the next day. So if anybody needs posters or flyers you can either e-mail me or contact Rosa during the day.

We're branching out our search area and we depleted most of our supply on Saturday so we need posters and flyers. Today I received two boxes of posters so keep them coming.

Unfortunately the toll free number still isn't working so continue to use the numbers you've been using in the past.

Thank you all for your efforts.

Diane:

When you say "branching out search area"....to where?

Any new sightings....I went to Crocheron Park area yesterday afternoon...put several hundred flyers in residential mail boxes and about a dozen flyers in sleeves up...

Where are you going now? Waiting for new number and flyer to be posted and will make myself new supply of flyers...bought several boxes of sleeves at Staples yesterday.

Let me know, plse.

Irene Wilson

I just talked to Honi and she said, when you are making posters -- make sure you have the 917-647-4848 number on them -- that's Tina/Rosa's number and it's the most important one.

Honi appreciated all the posters they had this weekend, and says, keep up the good work! Keep working on those posters.

Beth when the 877 number is up and working do they still want the 647 number on them also? An who's number is the 626-1374 number? Do we eliminate that number?

Gail: the third number is Bonnie's cell. When I saw Honi on Saturday I meant to ask her about the numbers but I forgot. We had talked about the 877 number because when I arrived at our meeting point it still wasn't working. I'm pretty sure she still wants to use the 3 numbers because so many of the older flyers we had put up weeks ago still have those numbers but I'm not positive, I could be wrong.

Renee

Originally, when I spoke with Honi about the 877 number, she indicated that once it is up and working, we would just use that number on flyers. Once we get it working, I'll check with her to see if that's still what she wants. She may want the 917 number for Tina and Rosa on, as well. I think it would be easier if we just used the toll free number, once we get it up and going -- easy for people to focus on and memorize.

Thanks Renee. I quess it's best to wait till this afternoon and see if the number will be up and working.

HI EVERYONE!

CAN WE PLEASE AGREE THAT AS SOON AS MERI-LOU GETS WORD FROM ATT THAT THE NEW NUMBER IS UP AND RUNNING, PLEASE HAVE DENISE FLAIM POST A NEW FLYER, AS THE PEOPLE 'AT THE TOP' WOULD LIKE IT TO READ,
EXACTLY! I BELIEVE WE NEED TO AGREE ON ONE FLYER, IN ENGLISH, WITH ALL THE CORRECT NUMBERS, AND LANGUAGE THEY WANT TO USE RE REWARD, ETC., ETC.

THIS IS SO TOTALLY CONFUSING IT IS MAKING MY HEAD SPIN AND I AM DIZZE ENOUGH TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHERE TO POST...DON'T NEED CONFUSION WITH WHAT TO POST AS WELL!

THANKS VERY MUCH FOR ANY HELP!

IRENE WILSON

*******REGARDING TOLL FREE NUMBER*****
I think that when the flyers are made with the toll free number they should also include the (917) 647-4848 and (917) 626-1374 numbers or at least ONE of them. Why? It has been stated here that the toll free number will only work in NY. What if the person who finds her happens to be a commuter from say, NJ or CT??? And suppose they take her home and it is out of state and they can't get through on the toll free line?? Also, what if a person who finds her or even say people out there putting up posters or searching, etc. has a cell phone from out of the area? Will the toll free number work for them? Will this prevent them from getting through on the toll free line?

Having said that, I think Meri-Lou is awesome (thank you Meri-Lou)for having done this and having gone through all the effort, but I just want to check that EVERY base is covered. Hopefully none of this will be necessary and it may not seem likely...but who would have thought it likely that we'd be here this many weeks later?

Was anyone able to talk to any HAM radio operators? Hopefully they are passing the word along, too.

Excellent points, Jackie. We should leave the other number on the posters.

Thanks Beth.
Yes, I did speak with two HAM radio oper