Search coordinator Bonnie Folz sends this on:
<< Team Vivi Update 6/20/06
Reported sightings continue to come in to myself, Rosa & Tina. Unfortunately, as the posters and flyers get put up, some of the calls that come in are from some inconsiderate and unsavory people. Rosa talked one caller “off the ledge” as he claimed to see a woman walking Vivi and was going to steal her back for the reward! Another caller (called both of us) with a “restricted” number, to say his workers were chasing Vivi on the street as we speak. Giving me play by play as I urged him NOT TO CHASE HER, then claimed she was struck by a car. This turned out to be a prank but was still followed up on. Each sighting, so long as there’s enough information and a number to call back to get more info if need be, gets followed up on. Over these 4+ months, this puts volunteers in almost every town in Queens.
Someone, out looking for Vivi, came across a man who claims to have seen a dog that looked like Vivi dead in the street, on North Conduit Ave around 150th Street by JFK Airport, over a month ago. Turns out Rosa knows his wife (Rosa’s like the mayor, she knows someone just about everywhere we go) followed up with this man as well as a few other people she knows that frequent that spot daily. Though he does claim it was Vivi he saw, there are many others, some that are very active in dog rescue (one of them being Bobbi) that say they did see other dogs but not Vivi. This would surely be the case as we have received numerous confirmed sightings of Vivi since that time.
Sad to say, if a dog is found dead on the side of the road, the sanitation department just picks up the body and discards it without looking at collar or tags. Apparently they do not keep any records of the type of dog, color, etc., either. I think this is something that needs to be changed. Too many dogs are lost and possibly picked up this way without the owner knowing. Too many owners are still out looking for their pets.
Sad to say, if a dog is found dead on the side of the road, the sanitation department just picks up the body and discards it without looking at collar or tags. Apparently they do not keep any records of the type of dog, color, etc., either. I think this is something that needs to be changed. Too many dogs are lost and possibly picked up this way without the owner knowing. Too many owners are still out looking for their pets.
None of the handful of volunteers that I know of, were able to get out to see Caesar Milan. Not sure if he’d have any more to tell us than what we’ve heard from the experts that have knowledge and experience with lost sighthounds, but you never know. He may just have a website that someone could email some questions. Anyone available to do that, please let me know his thoughts.
Rick, Jil’s fiancé, has been here for the past week putting many miles on his sneakers and talking to everyone he sees. Rick has been following up on reported sightings, replenishing feeding stations, monitoring traps, reviewing camera info (and not getting much sleep).
We are still concentrating on the Cambria Heights, Laurelton areas although new sightings have moved Vivi north west of there. Vivi may very well be widening her circle as we were told she may do.
We are still trying to reach the correct people at North Shore Animal League to help rescue the mommy dog and 9 puppies. I’m still waiting for a call back from 2 messages to find out what they can do to help. If they are unable to do so, we will try to contact another shelter to come help with the rescue.
We are fortunate to have Denise Flaim, of Newsday, continue to allow us to use her Animal House blog for updates and is able to do a story about Vivi from time to time, as well as Liz Rhoades of the Queens Chronicle who contacts me each week and does a GREAT job keeping Vivi’s story alive in the weekly paper, also Jeff Kimmleman who updates the AWC site. Thanks to all of you for helping to keep Vivi’s story up front and keeping the public informed.
Again, thanks to the Team Vivi volunteers and those out pounding the pavement with posters.
Keep the faith!
Bonnie>>
Comments (110)
Thanks for the news/updates Bonnie and hope to meet you Thursday night. Justkeep your hands off my bachelor ;-)
Thanks so much Bonnie for an added update to Bo's update today. To feel we are making headway is so reassuring after 4+ months. Thank you for also keeping in touch with many of the volunteers and foot soldiers.
Hey, I think Rick may be ready to have that wedding. Maybe he is determined to get his bride by getting their dog back. Tell him good luck. I want to see Vivi as the flower girl in that wedding for sure. Of course, Vivi has a parade to attend first! She will be a very busy little girl for a while I am sure. Bet the horses and other doggie friends would love to see her too.
I am glad to find a site that has up to date information about Vivi. I do so hope that this dog is found.
Thank you so very much for the continued updates on Vivi! I check on her every day for good news; and so very happy that one of the volunteers actually saw Vivi too. Cannot wait to read the update the Vivi is rescued and on her way HOME.
Prayers and well wishes to all involved and especially to keep Vivi safe.
Good to get an update. As I always do, I pray for Vivi and all the volunteers every day. What a day it will be when she is found and safely recovered.
Elizabeth - how are you doing?
Thank You Bonnie for the update. Seems like Vivi is always on the go , I thought maybe she'd find some kind of comfort zone and just stay around there... but she's just going...
With todays updates from Bonnie and Bo we know she still out there and being sighted... Good things will happen. I know it's easy to say I wish but I do seriously wish I was there to help. There was an ad about Vivi in my newspaper here in Rochester NY. My client actually told me about it and cut it out for me. He's 90 years old and he's sure she will get to go home soon! Something about an old soul telling a young soul but he's so confident and an animal lover himself. I felt good when he said it.
I'll keep the faith as always but I never lost it... Have a good day !
I just wanted to ask everyone if they could to say a prayer for my whippet Cameo. She was 16 1/2 years old. She went to heaven today. It was a long hard battle with heart failure and kidney failure. As I was releasing her, I prayed to her and asked her to be one of Vivis guardian angels. She will be a great one too, with her little roo roo bark.
For those of you who were following the search for Noel, the greyhound who went missing in New Jersey, we got very sad news today. His remains were found near a railroad track today, not far from where he was spotted on Friday. Please say a prayer for Noel.
Hi All -
I've been very busy at work the past few days and haven't been able to post much. Checked on the blog about 45 minutes ago to see what was going on and I'm in complete shock. I haven't stopped crying but at least I've calmed down enough to write.
Kim - I'm so sorry about Cameo. I will say a prayer for both of you. Let's hope our new angel will lead Vivi to a foot soldier.
Elizabeth - That's terrible news about Noel. I'll be praying for him too.
This has been a pretty rough couple of weeks with all these fur babies going to the bridge. Let's honor all these fallen animals by doing all we can to get that Vivi girl and bring her home.
I've been a follower of this blog almost from the beginning even though I didn't post at first. I've come to know many of you fairly well and consider all of you to be friends. I hope you feel the same way. Through the months there have been some tense moments but everyone's always gotten by them. There have also been a lot of really fun moments. I know I'm rambling but I guess I'm just trying to say this - it's times like this when we should realize how precious our friends and family (fur babies too, of course) are, and not to take anything for granted. I'm thankful for the fact that I've met up with a group of people who love animals as much as I do and I'm going to work even harder to get the word out about Vivi - I don't want to let any of you down. God Bless you all.
Lois T (Sorry for the long post)
Hi Lois,
Remember me? I too, haven't posted much because of all the differences of opinions and I didn't want to get involved. But I've been reading many times a day....it's great to see an "old timer" back and here's praying that maybe, just maybe, all these sweet loved animals that have gone to the Rainbow Bridge will help Vivi go home. It's time, especially since Rick is here.
Lois T, I knew about Noel being missing, but is there more bad news?
Kim, Did you lose a baby named Cameo? I'm so sorry to hear something is wrong!
Elizabeth, My heart aches for you with Jade's loss.
Be good to yourself.
Thanks EVERYONE for being such a strong support to one another!
Hey Lois T -
Nevermind the long post, it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much for being there and being someone I can believe in still.
Yes, it is such sad news about all these wonderful fur babies. I hate to say this, but with all the cancers showing up in our pets I really wonder more about that theory of animals being over-vaccinated. I have stopped giving my animals anything but the necessary such as rabies and distemper. We never seemed to see so much cancer in pets before unless it just was not diagnosed or something. Really concerns me.
Glad to see you on here, Lois T. Now where are all the others. Come back home bloggers and Vivi!
Elizabeth, Kim, Nancy, SueG and all the others, I am so sorry about your losses. Hope I did not miss anyone. If I did, please forgive me.
Oh, and Barbara V nice to see you come back. Stay around. I believe this blog will have a lot less problems in the future.
Now where is Darlene. I miss that fashion designer.
Sharon -
Look at the post right before mine on this thread. Elizabeth tells us the awful news there.
Lois T
I just read the update on Noel, how horrible! Many prayers, I'm adding my own tears to those who mourn his loss. Kim, Be good to yourself-- it is beyond words to describe the feeling that goes with losing such a long lived and faithful companion. Fr. Al Dash has been owned by rescued greyhounds for many years, and is a chaplain of sorts for Prayers for Pets. Whenever he lost one of his beloved companions, he didn't say the animal died, he said they were now "running with the wind that is God!"
Kim, Elizabeth, Noel's family, your babies are now running with the wind that is God! May the Creator bless you!
Hey Barbara V -
Welcome Back!! It's really hard to believe that Vivi's been roaming around New York for over four months isn't it? Well, she has a whole team of angels to lead her home now. Let's go Vivi!!
Lois T
Thank you everyone for your kind words. Cameo was the kindest softest whippet. She was so much part of my life, that she was in my wedding. The hardest thing for our family right now is helping my son Darren handle this. He is such a kind child. He is 10 years old. He was very touched by Vivis story, that he wanted to drive to NY with me to help look for her one visit there. He was such a big help.
To me this is a day of celebrating the love and happiness that this beautiful whippet gave to my family and I. It was a joy to own her. (or should I say she owned us) She mastered her job on earth, well done to my WOO!
I feel like crying that is heartbreaking news about Noel.
Kim I'm so sorry for your loss, but how lucky you were to have your sweet pal with you for 16 1/2 wonderful years!
Sounds like from Bonnie's post Vivi may be on the move yet again... thank goodness for these battle scared foot soldiers and volunteers that have been through the wars looking for this little dog, but still work so hard and never give up. Thank You!!
Kim, My son was 7 when I adopted Nell, so now
at 16 he feels like he lost his sister, but in
honor of Nell, we are going up to Mass this weekend
to get another little whippet girl. Nell and Cameo
will be chasing rabbits at the bridge pain free,
Just try and hold on to the memories, as I am
doing. I will be praying for your family to heal,
it is so tough, those wily w hippets just steal
your heart.
With the news of a horrible outcome for Noel, can anyone say without a shadow of doubt that there was an absolute confirmed sighting of ViVi since the...very recently- HB
Sue and Kim,
I wonder if there is any way to tell Nell and Cameo that if they see a pretty tuxedo tabby cat with two different color eyes to run and run FAST!! That would be my Scoops and she is one cat that you wouldn't want to mess with!! LOL
Lisa E.
"Sad to say, if a dog is found dead on the side of the road, the sanitation department just picks up the body and discards it without looking at collar or tags. Apparently they do not keep any records of the type of dog, color, etc., either." - This is terrible news after all the time and public awareness efforts- these departments couldn"t take the time to make some connection????? pitiful- HB
hb, I think that we are all aware of what can happen to dogs, sighthounds, or not, who are out in heavily trafficked urban areas. We've wrung our hands until we were sick with worry. But you know what? We picked ourselves back up (and many of us have had sick/dying animals of our own) and have served as a positive prayerful support to one another. If you weren't a "closet optimist" yourself, you probably wouldn't have checked in here today. We don't have to be told to get real, many of us have faced some pretty harsh realities, and we've done our best to look at what we have/ have had, with gratitude. We go on because we have to. We look for the best because we have to. Our companions are precious to us because, on earth, we aren't offered forever. You don't tell people who are grieving to look at the worst--they've been there. Forgive my soap box but this group at its heart, and very best, are compassionate animal lovers!
"Blessed are the available. Blessed are the conduits, the tunnels, the tools.
Deliriously joyful are the ones who believe that if God has used sticks and rocks to do His will, than He can use us." (Max Lucado, author, minister. This was on a note sent by a friend, and I was struck by it today.)
"May you be blessed by the Lord..." Psalm 115:15 NIV
Creator God, You can do anything! Creator God, You can use anyone! Help us O Great Father to do what ever You would have us do in the "Vivi" crisis! Help us to be whatever You want us to be to those who mourn the loss of a companion animal, or are anxious about the health or safety of a companion animal that is Your gift to us. Don't consider our worthiness, help us as Your children to be worthy. Thank you for Your protection of Vivi, Biggie, and Sniffles thus far. Keep them in Your sight, and put them in the sight of a volunteer who can bring them home. Guarantee the success of the Bobbi and strays fundraiser tomorrow--- think how much fun and future could happen there!(See that Lydia has a great time-- she deserves it ;)!Hold in Your healing power, and love the following people:Pam, JL,Baby Girl, Madison, and any I've forgotten, or don't know about. Hold in Your love and healing power all the following companions- Duke, Dante, Yoda, Mylie, Murphy and McGee. Help the following babies to feel at home in Heaven:Noel, Cameo, Scoops, Cupid, Jade, Nell, Thunder, and all who've passed since we began this journey (Jessica- what was your sweet girls name?) Welcome all who make the journey to Paradise tonight. Do not lose us, but when it is our time, draw us to You, and let us run with our companions and "the wind that is God/You!" Bless and protect those NYC workers who are Your hands and feet in the Vivi search--special blessings today to Charleyne! Send Your angels and saints to guide and help them. Cause our own faith in You to grow abundantly! Send us restorative sleep, as we turn the night watch over to you, knowing YOU ARE IN CHARGE! AMEN!
Candles: http://www.gratefulness.org
What sad news on the blog today...Beth, you know that my heart aches for you... not only about sweet Jade but now for Noel too. You really are an incredible lady. Be patient with yourself...you will need time to grieve.
Kim, I am so sorry about Cameo - were you really blessed with her for 16 1/2 years? That is AMAZING! You obviously loved her dearly and you were doing something very very right for her to live such a long life.
Denise, thanks for letting us all continue to use the blog for a place to "hang out". It's getting to be like family.
Sorry I haven't posted much. I really don't feel that there is much I can add these days. The locals appear to have things "handled"! Way to go guys... Hope all of your hard work and efforts pay off in a good way! I'm thinking about you all.
I too have lost babies to cancer. My Samuel who is a beagle, little Frankie, who is a gray rescued kitty and my kittie Ginger to pancreatitis. They all passed on to Jesus within a year and a half of each other. Like Sharon said, we keep going. I don't think the grieving ever stops. It just doesn't. I love them so. We did everything that could be done. We spent a lot of nights holding, loving and cuddling these dear babies. And praying. It was worth every precious moment of life. But now they have been born into Jesus's hands. I would like to say Happy Birthday to all our babies who have entered into Jesus's Kingdom. I know that I have more work to do for Jesus and I have many babies that need me here. But there will always be a quiet ache that longs to be in the Kingdom too. I guess that will come soon enough. But until then, we keep going, we keep working and we keep standing in faith, knowing that our children truly are safe and happy and healthy with Jesus and Daddy God. They will meet us when we arrive. When we get there, I also look forward to meeting all of you. We will hold each other and cry tears of joy with our babies all around us. What a joyous reunion we will have. I love you guys. May you all be blessed beyond measure by Daddy God's pure Grace. Love, Betty Layne
Nahum 1:7
The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knows them that trust in Him.
Good morning Daddy God. We awaken to this new day with you and we give you our all. We thank you for your goodness. Every thing that we have, our families, our friends, and our little babies have been given to us by your hands. All that we have and all that we are has flowed from your throne to us. How we thank you this beautiful day for all you have provided. You are our strong hold as we begin this day. We hold steadfastly to you, secure in the knowledge that you will lead us today and send us where we need to be. You know each and every one of us Daddy God. You know how we are looking to you and trusting in you. You know the number of every hair upon our heads and you know every tear we have shed. Comfort and strengthen us Daddy God. Raise us up as your children. Teach us Daddy God. Teach us to walk in your ways as we grow stronger in you today. It was trouble that brought us together in you, but it will be victory that will bind us. We thank you Daddy God for the victory that is on the horizon. We thank you for caring for Vivi, Biggie, and Sniffles.. We thank you for your provision and protection. And we thank you in advance for their return home. We thank you for the healings that are taking place and we thank you for always being with us as we journey through each day with you. Keep us strong Daddy God. And help us to know that you are guiding and teaching us. Help us to recognize your intervention in our lives. Help us today Daddy God to see you and know you more with each passing moment. Please give all of our babies kisses and hugs for us. Tell them how much we love and miss them. In Jesus's Name we pray...Amen
Not a sigh is breathed, not a pain felt, not a grief pierces the soul, but the throb vibrates to the Father's heart...Ellen G. White
Kim: my heart so aches for you and I send you my thoughts and a full heart of care and emotion. Really hard to take..I just don't know what to say except, my heart is full for you and yours.
SueG and Elizabeth: there's just so much.... my heart to both of you, also. There are just no words....
Kathleen: again on a lighter note, we've got to find our fashion designer so she can design Vivi's flower girl dress in time for when Vivi gets home and walks the aisle with Rick and Jil! We need our fashion desiger!!!
Love to all and keeping the faith, Marnie in CA
I am overwhelmed with the outpour of love from people from this blog. I cant thank ALL of you enough for your kindness, and we dont know each other. I am so glad that I have met each and every one of you, on this blog.
VIVI VOLUNTEERS: ALL of you are wonderful caring people. Thank you for your help and everything your doing to get this girl back home.
DENISE FLAIM: Thank you for having this blog and allowing us to make new friends here, whom we will never forget.
SHARON AND BETTY: Thank you for your prayers. They help me get through my day. (I read them early on the east coast)
Lisa: Cameo loved cats, so she will be very good friends with the kitties in heaven. Now bunnies and squirrels they better run with the wind!
LOIS B: Yes Cameo was 16 1/2. I am very proud to say all my dogs have lived very close to her age, though she was my oldest. I am blessed to have had her beautify MY life!
Another uplifting dog tale...
http://www.chronicleonline.com/articles/2006/06/22/news/news10.txt
testing
It worked. I bet MaryL can too now?
Noel (the missing greyhound in Philadelphia) Update
Unfortunately the news on Noel is not good. His body was found on a train track yesterday. Needless to say, everyone on the search team is devastated.
Thank you all for your suggestions. I know you all understand how I feel this morning.
Teresa
Martha!!!!!
WELCOME BACK!!!!!:)
Lois T
Hi Kim,
I'm not worried about my cat. I'm worried about Cameo!! LOL Scoops used to get her kicks out of mauling people just for the hell of it. Everyone who came in my house was terrified of her. Of course there were the small few who "tried" to become "friends" with her, but I'll spare you the gory details. Let's just put it this way, no one succeeded and they all wear the scars for having tried!! LOL
She slowed down in her older years, but in her prime, she was one baaaad kitty!! But with me, she purred. I guess that's why she was so special to me. I was the only one that she loved.
Lisa E.
Condolences to all those that lost their fur babies recently. They join so many others at the Rainbow Bridge, including my wild bunch of Cattle Dogs (hope they don't nip anyone's heels) and numerous cats. Had a wild bunch of weather here on Tuesday, hail the size of dimes, 3 inches coated the ground. I thought I would have to shovel again! After the storm there was a huge double rainbow.
I feel so bad about Noel. My thoughts are with his family and all the searchers who were hoping for a happy ending. I'm sure my dogs on the Rainbow Bridge will be good playmates for him.
My daughter's Bat Mitzvah is this weekend. I'll be saying extra prayers for our lost and ill pups.
sorry MaryL is still out flailing around in cyber space, but we are workin on getting her in :)
HONEY, I'M HOMEEEEEEEEEE...HEH
MaryL-California
MaryL chimes in too.
animals that need good hoBy Ellen WulfhorstThu Jun 22, 6:41 AM ET
On a typical day at Tellme Networks Inc., Jackson snores, Penny spends time learning Chinese and the bosses and workers are delighted.
Penny, a Labrador Retriever, and Jackson, a bulldog, are part of an effort at many U.S. companies to allow pets in the workplace. One survey shows nearly one in five U.S. companies allow pets at work.
Millions of Americans believe pets on the job lower absenteeism and encourage workers to get along, according to the survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association.
Pets at Tellme, an Internet telecommunications company, help workers become friends, said Grant Shirk, whose dog Penny is learning Chinese commands from a colleague.
"She can do 'sit,' 'lie down' and 'shake hands,'" he said.
Tellme project manager Jaymer Delapena said co-workers know Jackson, famed for his loud snores, by name, and some like to take the dog into meetings.
"I'll be walking past a conference room and look inside and my dog is sitting in a chair around a table," he said.
Interest in pets at work is growing, say organizers of "Take Your Dog to Work Day," set for this Friday. Several thousand companies are expected to participate, up from a few hundred when the event began eight years ago.
Heather Galler believes in the concept so much that she founded her own company where workers are encouraged to work from home and be with their pets.
Pets build bonds among workers and clients, said Galler, head of JobKite.com, where all 28 employees work remotely from home offices, along with 18 dogs, 13 cats, a parrot and a dozen fish.
"When we first started doing it, we tried to hide the fact that we were telecommuting and that we were with our animals. Then it just dawned on me, 'Why should we hide it?" Galler said. "Most people have pets of their own, and it would be an icebreaker."
The policy has drawbacks, she conceded. "I'm talking to you in the bathroom because I don't want my dogs to start barking and interrupting our conversation," she said from her home office in Cape Coral, Florida. "They can get a little loud."
Dozens of dogs come to work with their owners at Replacements, Ltd., said Scott Fleming, president of the company that deals in china, crystal, silver and collectibles in McLeansville, North Carolina.
"They have not broken a single piece, which is more than I can say for the rest of us," Fleming said.
Pet-friendly environments can pay off in a competitive job market, said Phil Carpenter, vice president of marketing at Simply Hired, an online jobs database that has added an option for job-seekers to select a dog-friendly company.
More than 400 companies -- among them Google Inc. -- have listed themselves as dog-friendly, he said.
"Companies hire in-house masseuses to in-house chefs. Why not take this step and allow people to bring a companion that's really important to them in their lives?" he said.
A survey by Simply Hired and Dogster, an online site, found a third of dog-owners would take a 5 percent pay cut to take their pets to work, two-thirds would work longer hours and half would switch jobs.
"Take Your Dog to Work Day" is intended to raise awareness of animals in shelters that need homes, said John Long, spokesman for organizers Pet Sitters International.
"Certainly we encourage anyone who wants to take their pet to work, but that's not really the point of what we're doing," he said. "We want to focus on the mes. If we can hook good people up with good pets, it's a beautiful thing."
Here's HSUS cross post:
We have worked hard with caring people like you to protect our horses. Each step has taken us closer to the day when horse slaughter will be banned forever. That day could be upon us. We anticipate that H.R. 503, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, will come up for a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives in the next few days. We have persevered for a decade for the chance to stop horse slaughter--and it is literally do or die. We must win this vote in the House, and we must win it by a landslide to set this stage for a victory in the Senate.
Will you help stop horse slaughter--once and for all?
We have won other votes, thanks to your help--but those were for temporary measures. Let's join together again to take this issue off the table entirely and prevent the horrors of cross-country trucking and inhumane slaughter for all American horses.
1. Make a Call. Call your U.S. Representative, Eric Cantor, at (202) 225-2815 or call the Congressional switchboard at 202-224-3121. If you're not sure what to say, try this: "I am a constituent and I am calling to ask the Representative to cosponsor H.R. 503 and vote for it when it comes to the floor. I am very concerned about American horses and I don't want them slaughtered."
2. Send an Email. Follow up your call with a quick email.
Please take both steps! We must light up the phones in the Capitol as we expect some very vigorous lobbying by the slaughter industry and its allies. We must counter it at every turn.
The horses are counting on us to pull out all the stops and to win this vote for them. Please share this news with your friends and family and urge them to take action, too. And, please, don't delay. Your calls and emails will not only make a difference, they will help make history. Help us end horse slaughter in the United States forever.
Sincerely,
Wayne Pacelle
President & CEO
The Humane Society of the United States
My workplace allows you to bring your dog to work - it's greyt advertising for the greyhound adoption groups I volunteer for - people that knew absolutely nothing about greyhounds now know what greyt pets they can be.
Joanne, I can't see a rainbow without thinking of God's covenant with man and animal. We had many storms followed by sunshine and rainbows here in Michigan yesterday.
Susan, Will hold your daughter, and family in prayer this weekend that her Bat Mitzvah is joyous and profound!
Betty, Yes, even though we mourn we go on. If we believe, we have no choice. Somedays we may have to work to go through the motions, but we go. Although we feel like survivors now, there will come a dawn/morning when we are victors!
Followers of Judaism, Christianity, and all "seekers" can appreciate the need for testing/suffering/trial to help us become what we are meant to be - (You don't need your hankies for this one ladies, it's just a great story!)
THE SILVERSMITH
Some time ago, a few ladies met to study Sacred
Scripture. While reading the third chapter of Malachi, they came upon a remarkable expression in the third verse:
"And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver" (Malachi 3:3).
One lady decided to visit a silversmith, and report to the others on what he said about the subject.
She went accordingly, and without telling him the reason for her visit, begged the silversmith to tell her about the process of refining silver. After he had fully described it to her, she asked, "Sir, do you sit while the work of refining is going on?"
"Oh, yes ma'am," replied the silversmith; "I must sit and watch the furnace constantly, for, if the time necessary for refining is exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured."
The lady at once saw the beauty and comfort of the expression, "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."
God sees it necessary to put His children into the furnace; but His eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for us. Our trials do not come at random, and He will not let us be tested beyond what we can endure.
Before she left, the lady asked one final question, "How do you know when the process is complete?"
"That's quite simple," replied the silversmith. "When I can see my own image in the silver, the refining process is finished."
-Author Unknown
Mary L, and Martha Miller-YEAH!!! YOU'RE BACK!!
Hello everyone
Been out of town and just got home last night. Trying to catch up on everything. I'm still here and praying for our ViVi.
Just got a note from MaryL that says she's once more unable to post.
Ceasar Mila website
http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/
It is with great sadness that I post this today. I can no longer be a part of the Vivi blog, and will be leaving some very good friends I thought I had made along the way.
I wish the best for the safe return of Vivi, Sniffles, Biggie and all the rest of these precious animals. They will all remain in my prayers.
I will be closing my e-mails as well, and starting new ones. Good luck everyone, my deepest sympathy for those who have lost their beloved pets and many others who are sick and need our prayers.
God bless, hugs from Kathleen and Tinkerbell in Memphis, TN
Kathleen, Pls don't leave, we all love you , especially me. I would not have been able to cope
with Nell's passing without your emails daily checking up on me. Pls, you are loved and needed
on this blog, I could cry right now !!!
Welcome home, Marty!! Hope you had a good trip. Glad you are back!
Kathleen... please don't leave....
Darlene: hope all is okay with you, foot soldier! You are missed.... you are very missed.
Keeping the faith, Marnie in CA
Thank you Marnie
Yes I am home and waiting for ViVi to come home to California. Where are you Darlene? We need you on the blog.
Please Kathleen don't leave, you will be missed terribly. Who will send me my Irish songs.
If you leave I will remember you forever..
Joanne
What the heck happened today? Lots of bloggers
have dropped out of sight, come on guys, we h ave
been through so much, don't leave now please !!
Darlene, We need some of your wit and wisdom
now !!
Sue, several of the bloggers have mentioned they are having trouble being able to post. Darlene has not been on all week. I don't think anyone is giving up just having a quiet time, I hope.
Keeping the faith for VIVI and friends in TX
I heard that several people are unable to post as well. It must be something with the ISP #'s, has anyone checked. I've heard of 2 different people having the same ISP's and they live far away from eachother... Very strange!!! It does seem quiet but I have not given up... Been here a looong time and only hope for the best for Vivi , her family and all the Volunteers. Have a good night.
Since some of you are asking where many of us are ...
... for the past couple of days, spearheaded by Darlene, several of the NY foot soldiers have been hot on the trail of a Sniffles alert!
A potential Sniffles was tracked from a NYC pound to a private animal adoption organization to a foster home in New Jersey! The pic really looks like him. Arrangements are being made for Ashley to go check. Wouldn't that be great to find Sniffles safe and sound? Maybe it would open the floodgates for Vivi and a torrent of other fur baby homecomings! Can ya tell by my wording stormy weather is being predicted for the NYC area? This is especially not good, as I have heard that Vivi is very afraid of thunderstorms. She is a tough cookie, Vivi, but we all have our fears. May the little girl find suitable shelter if she is not recovered before the storms begin.
With love,
Tara
Tara -
That's great news!!!! Thank God - I thought something might have been wrong!! I sure hope it's Sniffles!! God Bless the foot soliders!
Darlene - You go girl!!!!
Lois T
Tara
That is wonderful news. I sure hope it is Sniffles. Ashley really needs something good to happen in her life.
Well one thing we know about our ViVi is that she has survived thunderstorms in NY. Maybe it will be a good thing and she will stay put and not move around. Also there will be water for her to drink. Trying to think positive here. Thanks to all the volunteers helping Ashley. You guys are soooooooooo
AWESOME
DITTO!!!!
Yep. Last time I heard from Darlene she was looking for a Sniffles poster which she then found on her own computer. Thanks TJill for that report. Everyone worries when you guys disappear.
Job 38(NIV)
4 "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation?
Tell me, if you understand.
7 while the morning stars sang together
and all the angels shouted for joy?
Creator of All that is, we are so small, help our unbelief! In the power that created heaven and earth, hold Vivi, Biggie, and Sniffles, keep them safe from anything that could harm them. In the power that created the stars of night watch over them and light there way to a volunteer who will see that they return safely to their earthly homes.
In the power that healed the sick and raised the dead, heal Pam, JL, Madison, Baby Girl, Dante, Murphy, McGee, Felice, Yoda, and Diane K-m's Duke.
You who bind every wound hold and comfort all who mourn. Be with Jade, Cameo, Scoops, Thunder, Nell , Noel, and all our companion animals who have gone before, and Make Heaven like home. Reunite us with our companions when it is our turn to join You at the gates of Paradise.Greet all who join You there tonight with Your love.Rain special blessings on the NYC workers who serve as Your hands and feet. Allow Your angels and saints to help them and guide them as they look for our trio. Thank You in advance for bringing a swift and happy ending to this story. May our faith increase abundantly! May we sleep well as we turn over the night watch to you! YOU ARE IN CHARGE! AMEN!
Candles http://www.gratefulness.org
I hope to hear wonderful party stories tomorrow, and to hear that because of Darlene and her helpers and Bobbi's helpers that Sniffles is with Ashley! Send us Wonderful News God!
1Peter 5:6-7
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time; casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
Thank you Daddy God for the wonderful news about Sniffles. Please bring this baby home to Ashley!
Daddy God, we come to you this morning and we humble ourselves before you. We cast all of our care upon you and place all of our concerns into your hands. We know that you are working in great and wonderful ways to bring Vivi, Biggie and Sniffles into a rescuers arms. We have placed them in your hands, Daddy God and you have protected them and kept them in your care. How thankful we are to you for this. We ask you to guide our steps into their path and bring them safely home Daddy God. We are trusting in you and looking to you to bring all things to a perfect conclusion. We ask you Daddy God to place your hands upon us. We ask you to continue the healing mercies you are giving to us and to your precious creatures that you have given us to care for. What a joy they are in our lives. We thank you for this glorious new day. Help us to take advantage of every opportunity you give us today Daddy God to do your work for your creatures and for those you place in our lives today. Help us to love, help us to give, and help us to reach out as you would have us to do. We love you so. Watch over all of us Daddy God and protect us. Strengthen and nurture us. Keep us safely in the palm of your hand and show us your mercy and grace and lead us into victory...In Jesus's Name we pray...Amen
Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yes, they may forget, yet will I not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you upon the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me. Isaiah 49:15-16
All of you are just awesome! Tara, thank you for some word about what's going on! Very good to hear. Again, Marty, good to see you back. My continuing and never ending thanks to all of the "foot soldiers" in NYC working and loving for Vivi and Sniffles.... and all the others that deserve the same. Sharon, as always, you are so inspirational and soothing. Thank you.
Darlene, you just amaze me! Wherever you are taped to some telephone pole!!!! (Smile) What else can I say? You amaze me!
Absolute love and friendship and good, good feelings to you all, Keeping the Faith Always, Marnie in CA
Sharon and Betty: Thank you again for your prayers. It has been a very difficult time for us. When I read your prayers every day, I find comfort in my broken heart.
I just caught up on the blog and I am so upset that Kathleen is leaving. I sent her an email hoping it doesn't get returned. We need her here. If your reading this kathleen, please don't leave.