Animal House

A team Vivi volunteer saw Vivi!! Wonderful news!! I hope we get to hear who the lucky volunteer was. It's time to come home now you wily whippet!

Wonderful news and update! Thank you so much for posting.
Also, the new conditions of this blog are excellent-it is a pleasure to read!
Carol from Maine

What a wonderful way to start the day by hearing a Vivi Team volunteer saw her plus another sighting also. Thank you foot soldiers! You are awesome!

Wow!! Such great news! I was feeling discouraged and I know everyone else was too. And this time a volunteer saw her. I hope these sightings were in a safer and quieter area then she has been lately. Gosh, she is a strong one.

Just as an FYI for those bloggers who don't know it. Whippets and other sighthounds have "hare-shaped" feet which distinguishes their footprints from other canines. Most canines have a "cat-shaped" foot which is roundish and makes a rounder footprint. With sighthounds feet, the two center toes are longer than the rest making a more distinct footprint. That's how the volunteers can be pretty sure about whether the footprints in the sand around the feeding areas are Vivi's or not.

Just one more unique difference between sighthounds and other breeds.

I am a Pennsylvania resident who checks this Blog everyday for updates. Bless you good folks in NY for all the good work you're doing in trying to find Vivi and rescuing strays. You make the world a better place.

G in Maine, thank you for explaining the foot print of a sighthound. Makes more sense now. So glad she has been sighted!! Now, Vivi find a nice volunteer. Pleeease

God bless you all. I just wish I was up there to help. I'll keep praying for y'all and Vivi.
Dorothy

What a great idea to have volunteers attend the Cesar Millan event! Perhaps, in addition to spreading the word about Vivi and getting suggestions from Mr. Millan, some of the dog lovers attending the event will join the ranks of foot soldiers who are on the streets posting flyers and spreading the word.

Great news on the sightings, too! I am like many who get discouraged when there have been no sightings.

Still haning in there...

Teresa

What wonderful news! Good luck all...keep up the good work! I pray for Vivi and all the volunteers every day. One day soon, Vivi will be home.

i'd love more detail on the volunteer's sighting and want to say again how i appreciate the time you dedicate to keep those of us in kansas and across the country informed.

To all the Volunteers THANK YOU ! It's so nice to hear that one of the Volunteers seen her, another reson to keep our prayers going strong ! goodness Vivi time to go home... Well thank you Bonnie for the update , your right it's a roller coaster ride, and I hope the park closes soon ! :) You guys will get her , KEEP the faith . Good Day

Wonderful Vivi sightings.

Haven't posted for a while, but am always keeping up on what's going on. Just want to let the volunteers know that I think you are all awesome. Hope you are all well. Now Vivi, for goodness sakes, COME ON OUT and let one of our sent from heaven volunteers take you to safety! xoxox to all, Terrie.

I can't imagine how I would have felt if I was the volunteer who saw Vivi. Gives me goose bumps thinking about it.

I sure miss some of the old bloggers. Hey guys, if you're watching we all miss you. Drop us a line. Irene, Rosa, Gail CT, Renee, Diane, Darlene, where are you guys?

Good news on Barbaro:

Barbaro had the cast replaced on his shattered right hind leg Tuesday, another huge stride in the recovery of the Kentucky Derby winner who suffered a life-threatening injury at the Preakness.

Barbaro's cast was replaced under general anesthesia, and the 3-year-old bay colt had a very smooth pool recovery, the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine's New Bolton Center said in a statement.

Dean Richardson, the chief of surgery at the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals, replaced the cast he first put on Barbaro's leg during surgery May 21.

"His leg looks excellent," Richardson said in the statement. "The incision has healed well and judging by the radiographs, the graft is opacifying (taking). Callus is forming nicely, and all of the implants look unchanged."

Barbaro remains in intensive care at the New Bolton Center.

G in Maine:

I'm here. Thanks for your sweet message. *smiles*
I was with Barbara Jean searching/posting on Saturday..wish I had been with her Friday evening, then I too would have had the good fortune of seeing little Vivi. *sighs*

((hug))

*keeping hope & faith alive in nyc*
We Love You Vivi!
http://www.vivalavivi.bravehost.com
-Renee

I hope it is okay that I share this. I was so concerned that I emailed Susan: Nell has given up and will go to heaven today.

Please surround her and Susan with prayers.

Posted by: Cynthia Annie Williams | June 14, 2006 at 02:17 PM

Hi Renee...thanks so much for posting. So Barbara Jean was the one who saw Vivi??? It must have been, I don't know, so many things...exciting, shocking, frustrating, etc....

Great news about Barbaro too.

G in Maine:
Yup, it was all of those things.. all of those emotions. You summed it up perfectly. hehe

*keeping hope & faith alive in nyc*
Renee

Renee, I know you can't give us any details about BJs sighting, and I don't want you to, but can you just tell us if she is in a safer neighborhood than 2 weeks ago, and was she running, walking, eating......?

Last night I went out to "dinner" with a friend. My "dinner" was chocolate french silk pie and two glasses of chardonnay.

You do know who I thought of! I made me smile - I hope it does the same for someone else since it's been a couple of rough days on here.

I highly recommend everyone have that for dinner tonight. It really does help! :)

YUM - sounds good to me :)

The neighborhood is a little better, but not much better.

Lisa E.

I'm so curious as to what Cesar Milan might have to say on the Vivi situation. Hope he can come up with something that has not been thought of or tried.

If I ever saw Vivi on the streets of NY, I'd faint right on the spot and then probably babble for days on end.

G. in Maine: Thank you for the description on the footprints of little Vivi. I have several books on tracking many types of animals,and I try to distinguish dog prints that are made when the animal is running, walking, in a pack, but nothing on the differences between dog breeds. I was so curious as how the volunteers can tell Vivi's prints from other dogs in the area. Now I know.

Article about Vivi in today's Queens Chronicle:

Vivi Seen In Laurelton; Search Continues There
by Liz Rhoades, LizR@qchron.com
06/15/2006

Vivi the whippet has been missing for four months.
Vivi, the missing whippet, has been lost for four months now, but volunteers are encouraged about recent sightings in Laurelton.
According to Bonnie Folz, search coordinator from Howard Beach, a confirmed sighting by a longtime volunteer in Laurelton on Friday followed by another resident in the same area is giving the rescuers hope.

“She hadn’t been seen for awhile so this is good news,” Folz said. “We are excited about it.”
Other recent sightings have been made in nearby Valley Stream and Folz believes the champion dog is going back and forth between Queens and Long Island.
Humane traps have been put out, two cameras have been set up each night in different areas plus feeding stations to attract the dog. In addition, last weekend volunteers posted fliers in St. Albans, Laurelton and Cambria Heights as well as Valley Stream.
Folz stressed however, that volunteers don’t want people going out trying to capture Vivi. In the past, that has only led to the dog going further afield. She is a sighthound, a breed that is very skittish and turns feral quickly.
In addition, whippets can travel very fast and know how to hunt. “We want people to be aware she’s out there and to call us if they see her, but don’t chase after her,” Folz said.
Persons wishing to put up more fliers or door hangers on residences are asked to contact Folz at Pawsativebf@aol.com.
Vivi disappeared on Feb. 15 when her crate opened on the tarmac at Kennedy Airport en route to her home in California. The dog had just competed in the Westminster Dog Show.
Initially, the sightings centered around the airport, but about a month later, switched to the Bayside area. Since then she has been spotted in Fresh Meadows, Flushing, College Point, Whitestone and Jamaica.
It is believed that the dog traveled some of the way using the greenways along the Cross Island Parkway, which is east of the airport and near the Belt Parkway. The Belt Parkway connects to Southern State Parkway and Valley Stream.
Before her disappearance, Vivi weighed about 30 pounds, is knee high, white with a brindle saddle.
To report sightings of Vivi, call (877) JFK VIVI or (917) 647 4848.

Nice article - hope it helps find our little Vivi girl

I am very sorry to hear about Nell. Is it true that she's gone? I've been including her in my prayers.

If ANYONE can get to the Cesar Millan engagement at the Bronx Zoo this Saturday, June 17 please go! He will be speaking at the "Giraffe lawn" at 11AM and then signing books from 11:30 to 12:30 at "Samba Village". He will speak again at 2:30 at the "Giraffe lawn" and sign books from 3-4PM at "Samba Village". That should be plenty of time to get those Vivi questions in to him and pass out some flyers to the dog lovers in attendance. The more Vivi supporters that go, the more likely we are to get some help. This is in conjunction with the new African Wild Dog exhibit.

Come on Vivi, Cesar wants to see you......he probably has a private jet to take you back to California on.

Cupid is gone....I posted what I know at this pont on multi-tasking thread...Plus info on who to contact to protest the Angels Gate injustice.

Yes, is it true about Nell? I have so had her in my heart. I am quietly here now.... thinking and sending warm, positive energies for Vivi, as always, full of incredible hope for this weekend that she will come home... and feeling so much around Nell and all of you out there who have similar, very heartwrenching situations in your life. Keeping the Faith Always, Marnie in CA

Nice NEWSDAY 6/17/06 article about Vivi:

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--wheresvivi0617jun17,0,3374836.story?coll=ny-region-apnewyork

Lost Greyhound Now In Philadelphia

Noel got out of his foster home's yard last Saturday (6-10-06) in Erdenheim, PA. which is on the northwest border of Philadelphia. He has been seen several times in or near Fairmount Park (Philadelphia's 9,200 acre citywide park system)
surrounding the Wissahickon Creek in Northwest Philadelphia. There has been an unconfirmed sighting in the East Falls area.

Noel is a red brindle male.

Teresa G

A lost greyhound in my hometown. Come on Philly dog lovers, let's get this guy back home. I live in CT now but wish I was there to help out. Fairmount Park is huge, but the mounted police are there. Maybe they can help out. What is it this year with sighthounds? They are really taking advantage of the Year of the Dog.

Boy, I can't even spell my last name. No s on the end.

ok, 2nd try for this post.
I've noticed a lot of the missing dogs are either rescues or fosters..Ashleys dog was a new rescue that someone was taking care of for Ash, the gal let the dog off his leash and he took off..I'm very careful when my granddog is here also with my own dogs. I'm thinking of putting a fancy wrought iron fence thingie across the entry into the living room and front door to keep my dogs away from the front door..
MaryL-California

Hi Susan,

I'm sorry you aren't here to help in the search for Noel! I'm going out after work tonight with some smelly cat food and my two hounds (whippet and greyhound) to hit the trails near where he's been sighted and try to spot Noel.

Unfortunately the mounted police have been all but disbanded. I think there are a few horses left at Chamounix Stables, but the other stables are now boarding/lesson stables.

I've learned a lot about searching for missing hounds through this group so I'll finally get to use some of the information in a real-life situation. I'm hoping for the best, but know how very difficult it is to capture a lost sighthound.

Teresa

Hi Teresa G,
Good luck with the search. It's a shame the mounted police are a small number now. They were so nice to see in the park and around downtown. The police seemed nicer and easier to approach when they were on their trusty horses. My father once saw a mounted policeman chase down a robber and the horse cornered him and helped capture him. Those horses were beautiful. I have told my daughter who rides that the best horse to adopt would be a retired police horse. Not much spooks them. Anyhow, my fingers are crossed that you guys will find Noel and bring him safely home to his family.

Noel (missing greyhound) Update

Another sighting yesterday morning (just reported to searchers in the area tonight) very near two other sightings which means he is staying in a relatively small area instead of traveling. This is great news!

Thanks everyone for your prayers and thoughts.

Teresa

Great news Teresa! Hopefully he can be lured in very soon. I'm with the searchers in spirit.

My thoughts and heart are so with Noel and all of you searchers out there for him! Please let him get home quickly!! My fingers are so crossed and heart so full. My uncle was with the Canadian Mounted Police and I so wish he could just ride on down there and help find Noel! TeresaG... my heart sincerely is with you. I am with you all in spirit from here in CA.

Did anyone go to the Cesar Millan event and did they get to ask questions? Any new sightings? People are asking about Vivi here in CT.
Teresa, any news on Noel? I'm hoping these sighthounds will give everyone a break and let themselves be found. These rollar coaster rides are getting wilder by the day.

Hi Everyone,

I am trying to help a family who lost their newly adopted dog in Windsor Locks, Ct. This area is North of Hartford. The family live in Mohegan Lake, NY but went to visit her mom and stayed overnight and the mom opened the door without realizing the dog was behind her and she ran out. She is very timid and was very attached to her sister, Tori, who was also adopted and now living in Larchmont. They were both adopted from www.ny-petrescue.org They are both listed in Past Adoptions, one is Sandra and her sister is Tori. They look lie Corgi's

The mom lives on Elm Street near the Police Station in Windsor Locks, Ct. on an acre of property that butts up to the woods. The dog took off into the woods and has not been seen since. Lorraine, the owner, is on her way up to the mom's house now to put a trap out. The mom puts food out every morning just in front of the woods and it is gone by afternoon. Now we all know their are plenty of animals out there so it could be anyone eating the food. I believe the dog is gone for a week Saturday.

Can we put our heads together and help her find her dog - at least a sighting right now would make her feel a little better, she is distraught. Her drive from Larchmont to her moms is 1hr 45 min approx.

Anyone know anybody that lives in the area please notify them to be on the lookout for this dog.

Don't forget:

On Thurs., June 22, Posh Nightclub at the Garden City Hotel hosts a Charity Bachelor/Bachelorette Auction to benefit Bobbi and the Strays.

For those who have been on the Vivi trail since its earliest days at JFK Airport, Bobbi's outpost in the airport cargo areas was a frequent meeting spot and "refueling" station for posters and flyers.

While Vivi eventually headed northward, Bobbi and the Strays continues to do its quiet, unassuming work, helping homeless dogs and cats in this under-served area of southeast Queens.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Bidding begins at 8 p.m. Ticket price is $35, which includes buffet and one complimentary drink.

Alas, hotel magnate Brian Rosenberg is happily married and will not be on the block.

For ticket information, email egiurco@optonline.net, or call (516) 679-5556.
********************

ps- I do hope all these new (and old) lost dogs are found and soon!
Lydia

Theresa- Noel's definitely on the list of intentions- It's gotten hard to keep up-- but your news is hopeful!

If someone has Cynthia, the pet psychic, email address, would you send to me, please. I'm not planning to bash her, I promise, but do need to contact her.

Thank you!

(Help me to forgive Father, even as I ask you to forgive me. Help me to guard against cynicism, and pettiness. Teach me to trust in You, but to be cautious about the things of the world. Amen.)

O Father God,O Christ Jesus,
when all is darkness
and we feel our weakness and helplessness,
give us the sense of Your presence,
Your love, and Your strength.
Help us to have perfect trust
in Your protecting love
and strengthening power,
so that nothing may frighten or worry us,
for, living close to You,
we shall see Your hand,
Your purpose, Your will through all things.
St. Ignatius of Loyola

All Powerful Creator God, You who raise and calm storms, You who control our comings and goings, help us to do Your will. Remind us, whenever we see a rainbow in the sky, that You made a covenant between man and animal. Hold Vivi, Biggie,Noel, and Sniffles not only in Your loving embrace, but in Your power to rescue the lost. Hold Pam, Madison, JL, Baby Girl, Jazz, McGee, Dante, Murphy, and Felice, not only in Your loving embrace, but in Your power to heal the sick. Hold all who mourn, not only in Your loving embrace, but in Your power to give hope of eternal life. Hold all who have made the journey to Paradise, not only in Your welcoming embrace, but in Your power to grant everlasting life with our loved one. Hold all of us not only in Your loving embrace, but also in Your power to increase faith in abundance. Hold Vivi's angels not only in your embrace, but also in Your power to protect and guide. (Send your angels and saints to protect, guide and bless them!) Send Vivi, Biggie, Noel and Sniffles home, and heal all of our sick ones!! Send us restorative sleep knowing YOU ARE IN CHARGE!!!AMEN!
CANDLES:http://www.gratefulness.org.

As stated on the other thread Pyan by Karen (VA), you can easily click on any of Cynthia's postings (of which there were many) to e-mail her.

No one needs to mail Cynthia's e-mail address to you, Pyan.

No Change on Noel

Thanks everyone who is thinking of Noel. It is nice to see the comments from others about him. Team Noel (if I can borrow from Team Vivi)have established a feeding station in the vicinity of the cluster of sightings. There are also dawn and dusk stake-outs (or should I say steak-outs?) where we either sit quietly and watch or walk quietly along the paths near where the organizers think he might be hiding out. I was out until dark on Sunday evening but only saw mosquitoes and fireflies! I'm going out tomorrow morning at 6:00 a.m. There have been no sightings since Friday morning, but the park is very busy over the weekend and he could have been hiding from all the hikers, bikers, dogs and children. I've learned so much from the Team Vivi searchers and long distance helpers that I can now use to try and help Noel! I've even learned patience and to keep working as these dogs can be on their own for months or even years! Before Vivi it would have seemed inconceivable that any dog could be lost for so long when people were out every day searching.

I continue to think of Vivi, Sniffles, Biggie, and now Sandra. We need some happy endings for these dear ones.

Teresa

We don't often get updates, but I thought I'd let you know that my friend Charleyne attended both of Cesar's talks on Saturday. He was extremely kind and allowed Charleyne to talk about Vivi in front of the large crowds. Everyone knew about her, but thought she had been found. They promise to keep their eyes out for her. She single handedly passed out several hundred flyers, got some advice from Cesar and met a gentleman from Animal Care and Control with offices in all five boroughs who said they will help with the search. She also met several groomers from the Queens area who took quite a few flyers to give to clients. We can only hope these seeds that she planted bear fruit for Vivi. I gave a complete report to Bo, but thought you might want to hear the highlights of it.

ATTENTION BOOZERS/ANIMAL LOVERS IN NY!!!!!:

I have been informed The Bobbi and the Strays benefit this Thursday is now a OPEN BAR!!!! You just may bring home a bachelor or bachelorette whether you want it or not ;-)

Details as follows;
On Thurs., June 22, Posh Nightclub at the Garden City Hotel hosts a Charity Bachelor/Bachelorette Auction to benefit Bobbi and the Strays.

For those who have been on the Vivi trail since its earliest days at JFK Airport, Bobbi's outpost in the airport cargo areas was a frequent meeting spot and "refueling" station for posters and flyers.

While Vivi eventually headed northward, Bobbi and the Strays continues to do its quiet, unassuming work, helping homeless dogs and cats in this under-served area of southeast Queens.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Bidding begins at 8 p.m. Ticket price is $35, which includes buffet and OPEN BAR!

Alas, hotel magnate Brian Rosenberg is happily married and will not be on the block.

For ticket information, email egiurco@optonline.net, or call (516) 679-5556.

And who will I see there?

ps- Jackie -good job!
Lydia

Jackie, that sounds encouraging. Hopefully Cesar's advice will be useful and Charleyne reached so many people. Many more eyes to look for her. Animal Care and Control sounds very encouraging. Susan CT

I know three dog lovers in that part of CT. and forwarded the info.

Psalm 4:8
I will lie down and sleep in peace.
for you alone, O LORD,
make me dwell in safety.

Gentle Shepherd, Creator God, Keep us in Your ways--all of us.Keep Vivi, Biggie, Sniffles, Noel, and Sandra in Your lifegiving protection. Guide their paws towards home, and their earthly families, We ask this prayer with the confidence of beloved children. Again we come to You mourning the loss of yet another animal. Take Jade into Your almighty arms, and coax a purr out of that little girl. Let her be reunited with others she knows, perhaps Scoops is behaving herself well enough to show a protege the ropes. Keep her with you until heaven becomes home. Comfort Elizabeth in her loss. Bless and comfort all who mourn. Greet in a welcoming embrace all whose steps take them to paradise tonight. Hold in the shadow of your healing wings, and in your power Dante,Felice, McGee, Murphy,and all our animals who are ill. Hold in the shadow of Your healing wings, and in Your power Madison, Pam, Baby Girl, and JL. Thank You for Jazz's successful dental surgery!!!Bless and protect Team Vivi, and give them Your guidance. Send them a host of angels, and animal loving saints to help them. We ask You to help them bring Vivi, Biggie, Sniffles, Sandra and Noel, home tomorrow! Cause our faith to grow in ways we didn't think possible. Take away any doubt, cynicism, or animosity among us. Send us restorative sleep, knowing YOU ARE IN CHARGE! AMEN!
Candles?: http://www.gratefulness.org.

Folks - Please pray for Diane K-M's Boxer Duke-- His doctor has also diagnosed cancer, and he's only six and a half.
Father God, hold Duke in Your power and Your healing love. Be with Diane as she faces this crisis, and help both she and Duke overcome this in Jesus' name. Amen

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.

Diane K-M - Know that I am praying for you and Duke. I so wish for his recovery. Please keep us informed how he is doing.

God bless.