Search coordinator Bonnie Folz sends this on:
<<The Vivi Base will again be set up at Utopia Parkway and Peck Avenue this Saturday from 9am - 12pm for anyone needing posters, flyers, tape and supplies.
At this point in our search for Vivi, those incredible volunteers that have been out posting flyers on a daily basis, I'm sure are in need of a break so if anyone is able to call a friend, neighbor or relative to come out and lend a hand whatever day or night you could make it, it would be very much appreciated.
Today is week 12 that Vivi has gone missing.
We continue to get calls of Vivi being sighted and the Vivi volunteers have set up feeding stations in various parts of the park areas we believe Vivi has been frequenting and sighted.
I'm pretty much at a loss as to how to proceed next in regards to our search for Vivi other than to continue to get the word out. As those experienced in finding lost dogs and those experienced in finding lost whippets have stated, it most likely will not be an owner or search volunteer that finds Vivi but will be a person from the neighborhood that befriends Vivi or happens to close their gate behind her trapping her inside. I feel Vivi has now become accustomed to living on the lam so to speak. There's plenty of food left out by neighbors for various creatures throughout Queens, so I do not think Vivi is lacking food. From the sightings we have received, they are close to a pond or lake, so Vivi is not lacking water. We've not be able to find a secure area to set up any traps and I don't think Vivi would go into one anyway if she's not starved for food. We've had tracking dogs, pet detectives and helicoptors, but still no Vivi.
Myself as well as the other volunteers I call "Team Vivi" are no experts on finding lost dogs. I started my searching for Vivi out of concern for a lost dog at the airport five minutes from my home. I never ever imagined how the search for Vivi would snowball into what it has become.
Possibly an opinion from someone "outside looking in," so to speak, would be beneficial in our quest to find Vivi.
If anyone has an idea or suggestion to help us find Vivi, please email me with your info. Please also understand there are only a handful of us out here in New York. Most have regular 9-5 jobs with husbands/wives and animals of our own to take care of, so whatever your suggestion is, it would need to be within reason. Think it through. How, what, where, when and who. If the idea is something we are able to carry out, we will. I appreciate your help.
Tina and Rosa's phone continues to ring constantly with well-meaning folks wanting to know where the last sighting was to go out and search. Please do not call them. Their phone needs to be left open for those calling in sightings. It doesn't much make sense to go to the last sighting, as we've been doing this for weeks and she clearly does not stay in one area.
The circle Vivi has been traveling is through Kissena Park, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, up into College Point, through McNeil Park, Powell Cove's Park, into Francis Lewis Park, down to Oakland Gardens, Crocheron Park, Alley Pond Park, Cunningham Park and back through Peck and Utopia. If at any time you can make it out to search or post flyers, any one of those areas would be helpful.
Thanks again to everyone for their assistance. To those on "Team Vivi" out there every day, YOU ARE THE BEST!
Regards to all.
Keep the faith.
Bonnie>>
Comments (664)
Thanks Bonnie. To get there from Rockaway Tpke-near JFK -take the Van Wyck to 678 to LIE?
Any other way to stay away from LIE please?
Thanks,
Lydia
Just wanted to let you know that even people here in Kansas are concerned about Vivi. I have a whippet named Lulu and several times a week people stop me to ask "What ever happened to that whippet from the dog show?" I really appreciate the web site which I check daily for updates.
As a fellow pet lover I want everyone to know your hard work and dedication has not gone unnoticed. Keep up the good work, people all across the country are cheering you on. Kirsten, Lulu and Chelsea (the jack russell)
Bless the volunteers and dear Vivi! I hope some of the people of NY who have time to help will come forward! You guys are doing a fantastic job, an
unbelievable job!
MaryL-California
Lydia, Vivi has traveled from JFK to the Flushing, College Point, Whitestone, Bayside area. From JFK there are many road that she could have traveled at night that are not all that busy. The highways are not the only way to and from the airport, just the fastest.
No Diane- I need to know how to drive there for Saturday!
Lydia, read your email.
Seems like dogs always remember their littermates...if one were to be walked around in one of her favorite haunts on a regular basis, I wonder if that would draw her in.
YOU MENTIONED WHERE SIGHTINGS HAVE OCCURRED:
The circle Vivi has been traveling is through Kissena Park, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, up into College Point, through McNeil Park, Powell Cove's Park, into Francis Lewis Park, down to Oakland Gardens, Crocheron Park, Alley Pond Park, Cunningham Park and back through Peck and Utopia. MY QUESTION IS: DOES VIVI HAVE A 'PATTERN' IN MOVING FROM POINT TO POINT, OR DOES SHE TRAVEL RANDOMLY? IF THERE IS A PATTERN, WHEN YOU GET A SIGHTING, TRY GOING TO THE NEXT AREA IN THE PATTERN, IN OTHER WORDS, HEAD HER OFF.
Thank you Kathy!
Peter- Bonnie et al has said there is NO pattern- all the searchers have been trying to head her off - good idea though. Wish Vivi wud think so too!
Lydia
Bonnie,
As an outsider, I have a plan to suggest to Team Vivi.
I learned alot from working and training for emergency evacuations of horses in California's fires, working on teams to save dogs in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina, and hosting dog clinics. Please have someone contact me. I want to help.
Joan
Joan, I hope someone contacts you to hear your suggestion. Boy, I wish Vivi would just allow someone to help her get home. I hear it's going to be rainy this weekend. Makes me worry even more about her. THANK YOU to everyone still out there posting and searching.
Good idea Peter!
Hi Guys,
I was in Flushing today, across from a park that Vivi has been sighted. I noticed that the playground section was completely fenced with only two or three entrances. Each of the entrances had a swinging gate that could easily swing closed.
Just to be sure, I drove to a couple of other playgrounds in the area, and I noticed that they were all similarly fenced. The parks vary in size, but they are generally about an acre, more or less, each. I couldn't help but think that this would make an excellent "trap" for Vivi and would confine her without frightening her. The parks are big enough that she could possibly not even notice that the gates were closed behind her.
The only problem is how the hell do you lure her into these areas. The best shot would probably be at night when everything is quiet, and there would have to be a volunteer present at each gate at each park.
There have been no patterns in where or when she shows up at her favorite spots, but she does seem to favor parks and cemeteries. I think that the sightings are so few because she is hiding during the day from all the hustle and bustle and comes out at night when things are quieter and there are less people walking around.
Lisa E.
If you sincerely want help, you need to post the actual sightings and the times - even what Vivi was doing when sighted. Not posting the sightings and then asking for ideas on capturing her, seems quite a handicap.
In the beginning, I gave lots of ideas, but now in such a large territory, with no discernable pattern, and no sightings being posted, I'm not sure what Bonnie you are asking for or expect from the bloggers or readers.
I sure hope some "expert" comes up with something worakable.
Maybe bring her horse friend from Ca, corral with a Doberman, filled with little Whippets, and a gate that will close automatically with a remote control - if food doesn't entice her - maybe smells and sounds from home just might. Her favorite animals just might do it - that is, if she is free roaming.
What about asking the trash collectors/sanitation workers to keep an eye out? They're out early in the morning. Or bus drivers - fliers on buses. Keeping the faith, here in Oregon.
With reference to Cynthia's recent post.......
Bring the horse, Dobe, Whippets from CA.
YeeeeeeHaaaa That sounds like a plan......NOT.
Lisa, I am glad to hear your thoughts about the park, the gates, etc. I wonder if that would be a spot to just go again To sit and watch I mean. I am thinking that if ANYONE could at least get a pic of VIVI so Bo, Jil, etc. would finally have proof it is her, that would be worth a lot.
I know it doesn't capture her, but that is another story.
So my idea of the horse and the Doberman and the whippets is not workable? Golly - but Vivi loves her horse, touches noses with a Doberman, and loves little dogs - why not Whippets. Of course, getting permission to put them in her territory is the problem. And since the feeding stations don't work, Linda from NH - what is your good plan? Share with us please.
I thought of a photographers blind that one uses in wildlife, manned 24/7 - and Gail's tents with the camera comes real close to that - and it has not worked yet.
I thought of feeding stations to narrow her territory - has not worked yet. She just loves to roam. So if food will not work - what do you Linda of NH think will work? Please share. I think most of us are out of viable ideas - not even helicopters flying overhead spot her. This is just a tough situation. But she will go to animals and balls and little children. Maybe we should set up a petting zoo and have a party. Maybe that will work.
I do believe it was said if the sightings are posted as they occur, many, many people will jump on the band wagon, chase Vivi and she could run into traffic or just go further into another area. Am I right?
Since most of the people on the blogs are not NY volunteers, as long as I hear occasionally that Vivi was sighted, I'm happy..Those who need to kow are informed.
MaryL-California
Uh, * KNOW....not KOW...heh
Right and I think there have been an increasing number of crank calls, unfortunately. And they have found by not posting sightings or posting them in a delayed fashion limits them. It doesn't help for us in Virginia or you guys out there on the west coast to know anyway.
The play grounds sounds like a good idea...however Vivi can jump a 4 to 6 ft fence..how high are the fences around them?
Gail, if I remember correctly they are very high. At least I think the one is in Kissena Park.
That sounds like the beginning of a plan.
MaryL!!!!! - BELCH!
apologigize to everyone else but why would I get a response like that from maryL nutcase
yeah rather blunt and I aopologize but if you dont want to listen then there's not going to be any progeess
The playgrounds sound like they could be of use. The NY Hiking clubs office hasn't contacted me in regards to my asking them to help the searchers out. Hopefully I'll get an answer tomorrow. Any news on Sniffles or Biggie?
I think I remeber way back someone talking about when Vivi will be coming in season around June. She is definitely going to turn up with puppies if not found. If she has been sited in certain areas, maybe taking someone's one or two male dogs and start marking maybe the fenced park areas.
I have intact girls and they start going crazy for the scent of boys 5-6 weeks or more ahead of their seasons --just can't get enough of the male scent. You might think this is crazy, but if you have INTACT males consistently marked some of these fenced park areas where she is known to be--she may start frequenting them more..
Annie
And volunteers with intact male dogs ought to be walking them and sitting on park benches with them too--this is no joke. This is the single most important things in my girls lives near their heats. Even moreso than food..way moreso than food. I don't have Bonnie's email or I would email her this suggestion.
"O Lord, my heart is not proud, nor are my eyes haughty; I busy not myself with great things too sublime for me. Nay rather, I have stilled and quieted my soul like a weaned child. Like a weaned child on its mother's lap, so is my soul within me." (Psalm 131)
Oh,God, powerful Creator, of all things that have life and breath, Your ways are so far above our ways, we know You have a plan to help Vivi, Biggie, and Sniffles. The fact that we don't know what that plan is, is frustrating, and often discouraging for us. We have to remember You great love for all You've created. We must trust, and most difficult of all ---often we must wait. Help us to silence ourselves, and give ourselves to You, like sleepy children with a loving Parent. Vivi, Biggie, and Sniffles have given their lives to You to protect, and are aware of Your love. We are the ones who are a bit unsure. Yet in confidence we do ask you to watch and protect our little trio, and allow them to sleep peacefully, in the lap that is You. Refresh and welcome those You have loved, person and animal alike, whose journey will end in Your kingdom this night. We thank You, and praise you for the love and healing You have shown to Madison, Dante, and Murphy.Let little Peridot be enticed by one of Your angels to eat the new healthy diet-- if it has wings, he may think it's family. Bless and protect the searchers and posters who have become Your physical presence in this search. Send Your Angels to strengthen and support Vivi's angels. Let this challenging experience strengthen our faith in You regardless of its faith expression. Let us give in to refreshing and healing sleep, Knowing YOU ARE IN CHARGE! Amen.
Mary L.- Thank you so much for the pic of Toupee-- he is so precious and comic-- beyond words.
hb, its been days and days since I belched and I remember, it wasn't at you, but since you let out a big one, back atcha! I often belch..lol Bring it up boy! (0:
MaryL-California
Sharon,
Glad you liked the picture of Toupee'...He's a sweet little guy! Thanks again for the nightly prayer..
MaryL-California
Nutcase? Ms Nutcase to you sir!Two nut cases now & I wasn't even talking to hb AND it was days and days ago. You sure do hold a grudge dontcha? I apolgogize if you think I was talking to you! (o:
MaryL-California
With a few exceptions.(to those of you I truly respect and who have been on this post from Day One...) ..... so many new opinions on this post.... where were all of you with your opinions and advice in the very first days of this search three months ago?????? I am truly curious... where where you all last February when this nightmare started and why are you offering advice and opinions now???? Where have you been???? And, why show up now??? Do you have any idea where we have all been emotionally with this? I'm just curious. Been here since Day One and before and don't recognize a lot of you. But, you all seem to have a lot to say, and like it or not, a right to say so. Just curious. Keeping the Faith, Marnie in CA (Okay start beating up on me...)
Who the heck is "hb"???? Don't like to see what he/she has posted to MaryL.
Good Morning all. Beautiful day here. Very good day for Vivi to go home.
GREYT idea about bringing the intact males around the areas where Vivi has been frequenting - infact, that is the best "natural" idea I think I've heard on this blog - good thinking - it might just be the thing to catch this precious little girl. Certainly worth a try.
I believe it's July when ViVi comes into heat. Everyone continue putting your ideas on the blog. It's always good to try different things in trying to catch ViVi.
It was also stated that because of everything she has gone through physically and emotionally, there is a possibility that she will not go into heat.
Marnie@1:46..hb showed up a few weeks ago and was offended by a "belch" I made. He thought it was for/at him since I believe it showed up in the blog right after he posted. My belch is always in humor and I told him, I didn't aim it at him...Oh well, another day another day..(o:
It always seemed to me females in heat weren't all that interested in the male until the last part of the heat, but "marking" is a good idea. Lets all hope she's caught before she meets Mr. Wrong.
MaryL-California
I hope so Mer-Lou. When I think about that it just makes me sick.
Did anyone ever get in touch with Biggie's mom to find out if that was him at the shelter and also has anyone spoke to Ashley lately. It sure seems like alot of pugs have been showing up at the shelters lately.
Hi everyone. Again, thank you to all of you who continue to post flyers and search. Please let us know how you are doing on flyers and supplies.
I emailed the NY hiking club in the local area asking for volunteers. Hopefully we will get a response.
Elizabeth T - as of this moment we are stock with flyers, tape, staples and I'm picking up a case of sheet protectors saturday morning. Now, next week may be a different story - I hope.
Just to keep everyone up to date. I have been in contact with a Boy Scout troop in New York that volunteered to distribute 500 Vivi fliers along with instructions on what to do if she is sighted. Darlene is sending a shipment to the troop master today. If anyone has a supply of fliers on hand or wants to make additional ones up, please ship them to Darlene at the following address:
Radiance Electronics
> 250 Fulton Ave #608
> Hempstead, NY 11550
Meri-Lou - WHY ARE YOU HAVING FLYERS SIPPED TO DARLENE WHEN I HAVE OVER 10,000 IN MY TRUCK. ALL FLYERS ARE SUPPOSED TO COME TO YOU.
YOU ARE DOING A FANTASTIC JOB BUT YOU DO NOT HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO CHANGE THE PROCEDURES THAT HAVE ALREADY BEEN ESTABLISHED.
NOW, WHO IS GOING TO INSTRUCT THE TROOP MASTER ON WHAT TO TELL THESE BOYS AND WHERE WILL THEY BE DISTRIBUTING THESE FLYERS?
IF YOU WANT TO DISCUSS THIS ON THE PHONE I'D BE HAPPY TO GIVE YOU MY CELL NUMBER.
shipped NOT sipped
shipped NOT sipped
Meri-Lou,
Good work as usual..Come to California and hold my hand while we fly back to NY together...(o: I'm a nutecase about flying..I do wish I could help more than just donations of money..(not bragging, I'm complaining!)
Off to buy dog food for the male. He eats senior and the girl, regular food.
I hope when I come back, Vivi will be sitting in a Volunteers car or on her lap!
MaryL-California
uh, *nutcase ....I must watch what I post a bit more!
OK, LET'S TRY THIS AGAIN -- WHY ARE YOU HAVING FLYERS SHIPPED TO DARLENE WHEN I HAVE OVER 10,000 FLYERS IN MY TRUCK AND ALL FLYERS ARE TO COME TO ME. IS THIS YOUR WAY OF DISREGARDING WHAT I PREVIOUSLY TOLD YOU ABOUT HAVING THE TROOP MASTER COME TO PECK AND UTOPIA FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON WHAT THE BOYS SHOULD SAY SHOULD PEOPLE ASK THEM QUESTIONS. ALSO, WHERE WILL THEY BE HANDING OUT FLYERS. IT MIGHT BE NICE IF WE KNEW THIS OR IS THIS YOUR LITTLE SECRET?
YOU'RE DOING A FANTASTIC JOB WHAT WITH THE ADS AND EVERYTHING BUT YOU DO NOT HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO CHANGE THE ESTABLISHED PROCEDURES OR WHERE THE FLYERS ARE TO BE SHIPPED TO.
YOU KNOW THAT ALL FLYERS ARE TO BE SHIPPED TO ME BUT YET YOU CHOSE TO DISREGARD THIS.
********I TOLD MARI-LOU TO SEND THEM TO ME BECAUSE MY HUSBAND WORKS IN EAST FLATBUSH BROOKLYN. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW ELSE TO GET THEM THERE UNLESS SOMEONE WANTS TO DRIVE FROM QUEENS TO EAST NEW YORK AREA. ANYONE, ANYONE???? I KNOW I DON'T HAVE TIME TO SIT ON TRAFFIC ON THE BELT. I DO NOT THINK I AM CIRCUMVENTING ANYONE. MY HUSBAND IS TRYING TO HELP OUT WHERE AND WHEN HE CAN. IF YOU GUYS DO NOT NEED HIS OR OUR HELP, SAY IT AND WE WILL GO ON WITH OUR LIVES. DON'T WE HAVE MORE TO WORRY ABOUT THAN THIS CRAP? WHAT THE HELL HAS HAPPENED TO THIS BLOG??? WE ARE ALLL SUPPOSED TO BE HELPING EACH OTHER AND I AM SICK AND TIRED OF COMING ON HERE DURING LUNCHTIME OR WHEN I TAKE A BREAK AND SEE GARBAGE LIKE THIS. I WILL POST HIS CELL PHONE - HE CAN BE REACHED IMMEDIATELY AND TOLD HIS HELP IS NOT REQUIRED.*********
Diane,
Have you asked Honi about the gloves that Rosa needs. If not, would you please do so.
Marty, Rosa and Honi talk daily. Do you know of a reason why she might not have asked?
OOOOOOOOOOH! The FLYER QUEEN has spoken.She must have some real control issues for her majesty to fly off the handle like that, wouldn't you say,Darlene? LOL!!!!!
No I don't Diane but I thought maybe since your in contact with Honi also you might could mention it to her so she can get the gloves ordered. The phone number is on the thread along with the item # so you could pass that on to Honi. I'm sure Rosa is way to busy so when she does talk to Honi she probably doesn't even think to mention the gloves to her.
Diane, I would think that you would be happy that we are working together as a team, with the one sole purpose of getting the message out and ultimately finding Vive. This is not about authority and who's in charge or what. This is about a wonderful group of VOLUNTEERS working together for a common goal. That is all, nothing more, nothing less...
OK, so maybe somebody can tell me what having flyers delivered to East New York has to do with a scout troop in Little Neck.
Diane, part of being in charge of something is having the ability to be flexible and solve problems when they come up, not throw a fit and be a crybaby when things don't go your way.
Sounds to me like the Darlene asked to have the flyers delivered to her for nothing other than convenience.
Lisa E.
Diane, I think some of us (myself included) have decided that we are not necessarily constrained by the "orders" issued by Honi and her group. As long as something is for the good of the order and is aimed at recovering Vivi and getting her back to California, I think it's a good idea. I, for one, have lost faith in the coordination handled by Honi. If Meri-Lou and Darlene can get flyers posted, even if it "violates the mandate", then more power to them. I think Honi's hold on the volunteers on this list is shrinking, and it's all due to her own actions. Meri-Lou and Darlene -- thank you.
BETH THOMPSON:
Thank you for saying so well what we are all feeling.
wow I havent been on here in weeks Darlene are you getting flyers? Wow that would be great for all the girls on Long Island I could get some at lunch if I needed. Audrey what's up girl!!. Everyone set for later. Hey kathy how the hell are you. i feel like i've been out of touch for so long, good to see my fellow foot soldiers on.
CAN WE STOP THIS PLEASE? THE SCOUTMASTER IS IN BROOKLYN. WHAT IS THE BIG DEAL? and no, i am not going to say, forget it. i am sending my husband to deliver the fliers to the scoutmaster so those kids can do a good thing. maybe i should charge mileage at $.45/mile which is gov't. mandated. this is lunacy!! what is this? how is this helping to find vivi? do i need written permission to go to the bathroom next? i am not going to entertain this stupid and useless conversation any longer. it is what it is. this is not a competition and i am not playing the game.
Debbie! So good to hear from you! How goes it in your neck of the woods! Thanks for the post.
Darlene, I agree with you. Somehow, with Honi and her group, the priority isn't so much finding Vivi as keeping control of everything. I think that has been counterproductive to the search efforts and to those volunteers, like you, who are just trying to get the job done. Thanks, Darlene.
irene - where have you been, my love?????? debbie: we can meet at petland parking lot if you want to. less than 2 minutes for both of us. cool? than maybe barbara jean can finally get something instead of taking 900 buses and subways to get more fliers. yes, i do have some left from R&T. let me know if you would like to meet tomorrow. oh, yeah, debbie - shop and stop has LIVERWURST LIGHT on sale (for vivi's girlish figure...)
HELLO, BETH - LONG TIME. NO BLOG*******
Girls please cool it with the BOLD PRINT. I think
Meri Lou got your bitchy point Diane. She was just
trying to help!!
Hah! I've been around Darlene, and checking in with the Blog, but I haven't had too much to say lately. Just making flyers and worrying about our little girl out there. And keeping you all in my prayers.
LOVE EACH OTHER! :)
WHEW!
*coming out of hiding for a moment to say hello to my fellow foot soldiers*
Darlene...Debbie..Audrey...
I agree with all of you, I have been down for the count the last couple of weeks due to the migraines but I will be back in full force this weekend, ready to hit the pavement and/or dirt/grass again, whatever the case may be I will be there!!!
Irene- good to see you back as well, I have missed you and hello to anyone else I may have forgotten to mention.
*keeping hope & faith alive in nyc*
We Love You Vivi!
http://www.vivalavivi.bravehost.com
-Renee
I just had to post that ;) Sorry, it was a momentary lapse of insanity...
That was cute Lois. It was.
RENEE*********** hello, my pet :) hope to see you out and about again. glad you are a-ok. lois: you are quite the clown, my friend :)
PS Lois I had a Half-Arabian for 25 years, from the time I was 15 and he was 1. Some day I want to hear about your horses. I live in Virginia in a place they call "horse country" though he came from Georgia with me when I moved here.
Darlene and I have discussed this and we have no problem with each other but yet you insist on continuing. This was between Darlene and I so enought already.
Did anyone watch the Honeymooners??
Pins and Needles, Needles and Pins.
A happy man is a man who grins!!
Kathy: You and I really have to meet, I can almost literally quote every single line from the Honeymooners, my mom and I often act out the scenes. hehe.
Hope to meet up with you this weekend for sure.
Renee
KATHLEEN/RENEE:
"HELLO, BALL"
one of the best ever.......
Lois -- as always, your advice is so good and wise. You're right! Oh and Renee -- good to hear from you! Sorry to hear about the headaches.
Here we are, coming up upon another weekend. So hard to believe she is still on her own, poor girl! But it's certainly not for lack of trying -- thanks everyone.
Hey GUys, what is all the YELLING about..
I thought our common goal, was VIVI. I have not been on since Tuesday. I have been so sick. I still feel terrible, But had to be in Work. Which stinks
Lets all play nice in the sand box. (hehehehe)
Hi Linda! Sorry you're not feeling well.
Thanks, Elizabeth. Caught a cold, and now it settled in my chest. I just came on the BLog to see, how everyone is doing?
The weather in NY has been terrible this week and they say rain the whole weekend,this is not good for little Miss Vivi..
hey, linda!!!!! what happened love??? sorry you are sick. shall i send you a care package of beer and liverwurst???? BLAH!!@!