Search coordinator Bonnie Folz sends this report:
<<Vivi update 9/5/06
It's been almost one month now that there have been no sightings of Vivi. Don't know what to make of this, but the possibilities are endless.
Rick Patterson made another trip to New York, took a red-eye in on August 22, picked up a rental car and went straight out to Forest Park to start laying down his scent, re-establish some contacts and scope out areas of interest Vivi may be drawn to.
We were fortunate to have Laura Totis stop by with her tracking dogs on August 25 after she finished working another case upstate New York. Though her dogs didn't pick up any scent around the pond area, they did show some interest in another part of the park. It is in this area that Rick found stool similar to that of Vivi's and took it as a sample. Not sure what he was going to do with this, and unsure if any info could be made with the sample, he asked my veterinarian, Dr Theresa Paoloni of Vet Care Unlimited, to see if there was a possibility of finding out what had been eaten as there was some sort of fur mixed in.
Vivi volunteer and Flyer Queen, Diane Tamm and some out of state volunteers, took further steps to find out if there was any way we could have the poop DNAed. After numerous phone calls, the AKC was contacted and agreed to test the stool to see if in fact it does belong to Vivi. The AKC's lab has been shipped the sample and we are awaiting the results. If this comes back as a positive for Vivi, this would be better than any sighting we've had to date. Amazing what can be done with DNA these days.
Thanks again to Michael McCann, who also made a trip down to NYC to help with the search efforts and again assured us that we are doing everything, and then some, to find Vivi.
Karin Goin was scheduled to come in on August 29 with a few tracking teams but had to cancel at the last minute due to her dogs becoming ill. I hope they have since recovered and are all okay.
I've been told another tracking team, Harry Oakes, may be coming in to help find Vivi, I don't have many particulars at this time and will forward them along as I can.
I continue to monitor two feeding stations, and Vivi team members continue to check various areas and keep the flyers posted. Rick did get what he originally thought was a white dog feeding at one of the stations, and the possibility came up that the sightings of August 7 could have been of that dog. As the next few days followed, it became clear that this dog, a boxer mix, was not white, but tan in color with no other markings. The camera or card reader had originally washed out the dog's color.
We had a group of nine Vivi volunteers gather last week at the bridle path on the east side of Forest Park to check the trails. There are just too many to check, as the marked trails have numerous side trails leading off of them. All trails are through heavily wooded areas, and we did find quite a few spots Vivi could use as dens.
After purchasing a Bionic Ear, Rick continued to wander the park and cemeteries trying to tune out the crickets and listen for the possibility of puppies. He returned home on Friday.
Rosa and Tina have returned from their vacation, and I'm sure will be back in action immediately. They never really took a vacation from searching for Vivi, as they continued to monitor the 800 number, receive updates and make phone calls.
Though I've not been able to send weekly updates, please know that the search effort continues. Not much to report, as everything has been pretty much status quo with no sightings. We are all doing what we can, and we continue to keep the faith.
Regards,
Bonnie>>
Comments (404)
I would like to say that if the DNA doesn't match, I hope that the search for Vivi does not stop. I think that since the dog was lost because of human error, then it is only right to keep trying and looking until poor Vivi is found. She must be so scared and alone out there. It really upsets me to think that she may have had puppies, who knows what will happen to them or her. Why is it that the rest of us have to get our dogs fixed, but some people feel the right to let their dogs have puppies. I wish that Vivi had been fixed, but it's too late for that, I just hope that she will be found and I think that her owners should not stop trying, no matter how long it takes.
Lorik:
Never fear, they won't give up on Vivi.
I can assure you that we are ALL upset and worried.
the "rest" of us get our dogs "fixed", usually, but show dogs have to be intact! Check a site on showing dogs.
Bonnies post gives you many "hints" as to what has been done and is still being done to find Vivi.
(o:
I don't think any of us will give up the search. Vivi was an active show dog, and as such, she could not be fixed. Unlike with cats, you cannot show dogs that are fixed. Additionally, it seems that her owners were very responsible in making sure there were no unwanted puppies. The owners were not responsible in any way for the fact that Vivi escaped -- that responsibility lies squarely with whoever was on the tarmac that evening and opened Vivi's crate, probably in an effort to take the dog.
Lorik: We, the bloggers, will never give up on Vivi and that is why it's so important for Harry Oakes to come. Frankly, next to finding Vivi, our goal now is to raise money to bring Harry here.it will be very costly but we can do it. Ruby is correct, you cannot show a dog who has been altered in any way and no one could have forseen this awful scenario. If you possibly can, please send a donation to Lois Baker so that Harry can come. He might possibly be Vivi's last chance to be reunited with her family.
How can we stop? The forward momentum is too powerful at this point!
P.S. I just got a call from the vet. She said the tumors on the back of Tucker's leg are "probable" lipomas (sp) She said they could not be 100% sure because I just went with the needle biopsies but I’m thinking this is awesome news. Maybe when I gather up the courage to put him under for his teeth cleaning I’ll have them removed and biopsied “for real”. I’m just such a chicken when it comes to anesthesia… Thanks everyone for the positive vibes and prayers!
National Call-In Day for Horses is tomorrow! A vote on the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (H.R. 503) is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 7. Your help is needed to permanently move American horses beyond the reach of slaughterhouse butchers.
Last year, almost 100,000 American horses suffered and died in the United States in foreign-owned slaughterhouses so that their flesh could be flown to Europe and Asia for human consumption. We must send a clear signal to the world that our horses are not here to be slaughtered for food and we do not want them on the chopping block for foreign diners.
Here's what you can do to help:
1. Make the call Sept. 6. Call your U.S. Representative, 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 that the Representative please protect American horses from slaughter and support H.R. 503, the Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. I also urge you to oppose any amendments to H.R. 503. I am very concerned about American horses and I don't want them slaughtered."
Made my call!
Great!
Here's another clip:
The Thoroughbred Times has this article on the vote for tomorrow: Close vote predicted on horse slaughter bill, excerpt:
"I think it's changing by the moment," said Charles Stenholm, who was the ranking Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee for six years. "It's going to be a very close vote. There's no question about that."
So these calls can help, perhaps.
Another good petition to Stop the Abuse of Farm Animals During Transport. Please sign this Petition as well. Thanks.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/952614565?z00m=102877&z00m=102877<l=1157559844
Don't forget to sign the petition for Duke, the Pitbull..He's a good boy and doesn't deserve to die. Any contributions will help pay his attorney fees and the $4,500 in shelter fees where Duke has been for over 2 years.. www.SaveDuke.homestead.com/
Also:::don't forget to write letters regarding the heinous acts against Otis, the Greyhound. I'm still working on putting this on the petition site, but having a little trouble! Dukes abuser needs to be punished!!!!!
Cathy, I'm happy about Tuckers news. I also have a problem and worry a lot when either of my Whippets have to have anesthesia! It's the mommy worries!
/O;
I placed my call regarding the bill against the slaughter of horses, too. Please call your representatives! Let them know that it's important.
Ok Kathleen - I signed the farm animal petition too - I am becoming quite the activist :)
Hi Lois....That's great news about Tucker! I'm so happy for you! :-)
I contacted my congressman Patrick Kennedy several weeks ago about HR503. He is one of the Sponsers of the bill and I received a very nice personal letter from him.
No checks today but I'm sure I'll have a stack tomorrow! Who knows...if we are lucky, Vivi will be found before we need Harry and we can mail the money back! Wouldn't that be awesome? I am such an optimist...
Lois great news about Tucker, I knew he would be
okay. Whippets always seem to get those skin
"thingies'" on them. My vet always chose not
to remove them, because he said they were not
cancerous. Such happy news in this world of sadness
right now. I am just very down this week over
Vivi, Steve Irwin, and my sudden lack of money
( I am a realtor and as you all know the market
has crashed ) Yikes, what am I to do now !!!
On another note, on the whippet list tonight they
announced that Bonnie would no longer be giving
updates on Vivi. I hope she is not giving up
the search, that would be devastating.
Lord, we need some good news !!!
SueG - And I thought it was just me having a really "down" week! I feel the same way. And if another politician (including Bush) comes on the TV and says the economy is in a good shape I just may become a screaming maniac myself. If you read the news about the old, fat, gray-headed woman in Memphis with the Chi/JRT going crazy, you will know that is me! I wish you good luck. At least the market doesn't affect the number of people acquiring HIV. The number seems to be growing each day. That keeps me busy at St. Jude.
WE ALL NEED A VIVI SIGHTING OF THAT PRETTY LITTLE FACE TO MAKE US FEEL BETTER! At least I think I have found two more little rat terrior fur babies a good forever home this week. My friend Amanda (Camp4Paws) and her son Ryan may be adopting these babies. What blessed little boogers they will be. I know they will be well taken care of and loved forever! If anything ever happens to me, Amanda will be adopting my Tinkerbell for me.
We all just need to keep praying, hoping, and most of all believing in our hearts that God will be answering our prayers.
Martha, hope the back is better my dear. And Kathy, my heart is breaking for you - I pray Bowdee will find his way home soon sweetie.
Sharon,
Any news on the lab? It just breaks my heart when I think of her being on a chain 24/7. Maybe the owner could go to the vets and let the people know there that she is looking for a loving home with a fenced in backyard for her to run around in. Keep us posted.
So if Bonnie doesn't give updates, who will do it?
Thats not a good thing for people on the blog. It's hard enough having to wait for an update, but with none coming if Bonnie quits, how can we expect help in getting Harry here? She hasn't picked a good time to drop the updates! I hope she hasn't.
Ruby, I emailed you and it came back.
I believe in spaying and neutering Big Time, but dogs can't be shown unless they're intact...Ironically, if or when Vivi has puppies that may well be the thing that allows her to be recovered
I have a couple people considering taking Kristy (the lab). Pray that someone makes the decision to keep her by Saturday. The owner told my friend that they want the dog back if she hasn't found another owner by then. The owners don't intend to change their ways however--- the dog will be in the backyard 24/7 on a chain. Kristy also had not been vetted in over three years, and my friend did all of that. Unfortunately, Kristy is not good with cats (her only flaw), and most people we know have indoor cats, also. (The owners only surrendered Kristy to my friend because they thought there would be an owner right away.)Pray hard.
Kathy, Bowdee is near the top of my list--hang in there.
Dear God, protect and bless all beings that breathe, keep all evil from them, and let them sleep in peace. Amen.
--Albert Schweitzer,
Father Creator, keep in Your care all that You have brought to life. Let Vivi and all the lost ones (Come home Bowdee!)rest peacefully under Your watchful eye. Bring them to their owners. Heal all animals, and animal lovers, we lift to Your power!...
Vivi, You are God's loving, obedient creature. God calls you to your right place, and right volunteer, quickly and safely. Listen to His voice, come to the spot where you can go home to Jil. Good Shepherd call and bring this beautiful little dog to safety. She has been on the road long enough, and wants to follow You so she can return to Jil. (Amen)
Bowdee,Patterson,Biggie, Sniffles, Holly, African Grey, Faithful (the little girl's seizure dog), Buddy, Rags, Precious, Whippet Annie Little Aussie, Apple Riley, and Montefiore Mama, Daddy, and girl (the “tree puppies’” family)You are God's loving, obedient creatures. God calls you to your right place, and right volunteer, quickly and safely. Listen to His voice, Come to the spot where you can go home to your earthly family. Good Shepherd call and bring these beautiful animals to safety. They have been on the road long enough, and want to return home to their families. (Amen)
Duke, Your Creator is a God of Justice, and a vindicator for His creation. We put You in His Hands. Father,Let the courts hear our pleas on Duke's behalf. Strengthen us to speak for all who have no voice. Help us find Kristy (MI lab) a new home, she deserves people who love her as much as she loves them.
Millicent, BJ,Kathleen's Mom Mary Ann, Madison, Ruth; Gail's Mom, Jacque,JL,Lance, Pam, Chris, Abby, Kim,Rose,and Kathleen. You are children of God, a God who loves you and wishes to enter into every cell of your body and heal you--give Your infirmity to Him. Great Physician, You who made the blind see, the deaf hear, and the lame walk, heal our brothers and sisters so they can accomplish the tasks You have created them for. (Amen)
Foggy,Heather,Tucker,Isabella,Lexi, Bowen, Karen's dogs, Tinkerbell,Lady,Ellie,Darlene's Andi,Diane K-M's Boxer Dude, Dante, Trotter, Nicki, CJ, Felice, Little McGee, Max, Murphy,Mylie, the "new kittens", Barbaro, Gunner, Linus, Kiva, and Morgan You are God's loving, obedient creatures.
He created you, and He wishes to recreate you by entering into every cell of your body, and healing you--surrender to His healing touch.Great Physician, You who made the blind see, the deaf hear, and the lame walk, heal our brothers and sisters in creation, so they can continue to reflect Your unconditional love and beauty, and deepen our faith in you. (Amen)
Vivi’s Angels;you who have labored long and hard to bring this beautiful whippet home to her family- Know that the Father will honor, guide and protect you for being His hands and feet. O God. our Morning Star, send St. Francis, St. Anthony, and Your host of angels to help them accomplish Your will on Earth.(Amen)
Comfort all who mourn Father God. Greet all who make the pilgrimage to heaven tonight. Be with the families who are mourning them.Let Otis know we love him--Give him the honor of sleeping on Your feet Father God, until heaven becomes the home he never had.Hold in your lap, and in the embracing arms of Your angels and saints, 60 puppies, and all who have felt unloved. Give them to the animal lovers among You who will give these babies a real "forever" home. Let the heavens twinkle more brightly because of them! May their story be known, so that it never happens again! Give all of us the sure knowledge, Father, that we will see our loved ones, human and animal who have gone before. Let them know how much we love them and how hard we are trying to join them in Your time for us. Do not lose us Father God, keep us in Your care so that we may one day be among the flock that You call Your beloved.(Amen)
Let all of us sleep in confidence and peace, knowing YOU ARE IN CHARGE! AMEN
http://www.gratefulness.org
This is the update from the whippet list.
>UPDATE SEPT. 5, 2006
>
>Bonnie Folz told me that, understandably, she
>will not be able to continue sending regular
>updates any more. More than six months of
>spending endless hours every week, every day, on
>the Vivi search, has taken its toll on Bonnie’s
>family, and she has to focus more on her own dogs.
>
>She will continue to send updates when she can,
>and whenever anything important happens.
>
>I was not expecting to get the following update,
>but am happy that Bonnie found time to put it
>together and is willing to share what happens with the rest of us.
>
>We cannot adequately thank Bonnie for all that
>she has done in the past; getting to know her
>has been one of the few positive side effects of
>this whole sad event. The same goes, of course,
>for Honi, Rosa and Tina, and all the other
>volunteers. It’s been an amazing effort!
>
>Any news I get of important future developments
>will be forwarded to Jeff Kimmelman at AWC’s website, as before.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Bo Bengtson
Thank you Sharon for your thoughts on Bowdee - he still has not found his way back to me and I'm so afraid that he may never
Excuse me for my ignorance - but Bo thanks Rosa, Tina and Honi and all the other volunteers - can someone tell me what Honi does or has done or is doing? I'm either losing it or what she does doesn't make it to the blog I read
Kathy,
My thinking exactly on Honi.
That was my first thought ladies, I was afraid to post it, Just seeing "her" name at the top of the tankfull list, made me want to puke!!
Hey everyone - Over the many months of knowing each of you, I have shared so many things. I have realized how many people have worries in addition to our little wandering gypsy named Vivi.
I have created a Candle Group for some of the people I know about, and the others I do not know about. It is called JOBS. There are numerous wonderful people unemployed that we know and probably do not know, so please light a candle and pray for these kind people to find the employment opportunities of their dreams.
Joanne and I were praying hard, and just look where she is - working again after quite a while.
Thanks everyone for your love and concern for others.
Love Kathleen and Tinkerbell
(Sharon and Betty, could you add a paragraph in your prayers for these and all the others experiencing this and the changes in their jobs as well. Thanks.)
WHATS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE? maybe what ever is left in that fund could be just what we need just to get Harry Oaks here, ASAP! along with our new donations added to it. So sad if that were the case.
Why does this feel so close, but yet so far. Ladies we need to pull together for Vivi's sake, we need to be her voice. Lets do what we can and get those donations to Lois! even if it's only $5.00 or 10.00 every little bit will help in the long run. Lets not be here in Feb,looking back on a year later. I know I won't be able to emotionally.
MADISON UPDATE:
http://updates.princessmadison.org
--------------------
September 6
There have been ups and downs since my last update. I know that there can't be all ups, but it's so hard when there are downs.
It started last week when we went to the ear, nose and throat doctor. Madison had kicked her last infection and was sounding very clear. We arrived at the doctor's office with expectations of a few comments and another appointment before he would even think of taking out the trach. I was wrong. The doctor came in and examined her. He asked how she was doing neurologically. I told him there have been some improvements and told him of her smiles and the isolated vocalization incident. His next words stunned me. "So, are you ready to get rid of the trach?" WHAT?? YES! I have been ready, but part of me has come to be comforted by the fact that I can suction out any secretions she gets. But, quickly a smile came to my face. I told him that I thought she would do really well without the trach. She has been using her passi-muir valve (one way valve) successfully and seems to be swallowing a lot. He finished up his exam by putting a scope down her nose to examine her windpipe and vocal chords. Everything looked good so he sent me on my way with instructions to schedule a swallow study with the GI doctor. I was so excited! This is a huge step in the right direction.
That high was short lived when she came down with yet another upper respiratory infection. The swallow study is on hold until she is well again. I know that infections in the lungs will always be a battle and that fact sometimes feels like it can defeat me. I desperately want Madison to not have any struggles. I know these struggles will make her stronger though and she's not going through it alone. She has so many people who love her and she has God on her side. So, I am going to try my hardest to always be positive and know that she is being healed.
This week we also went to the GI doctor. Everything looks good on her end. We did however alter her feedings. The four 8 ounce cans of pediasure she eats has made her EIGHT pounds heavier since her last appointment. That's entirely too much of a weight gain. So, she decided to have Madison eat 5 ounces of the can and add 3 ounces of water to give her the 8 ounces. This is about the amount of food a one year old eats, but it should allow her to have a more normal weight gain.
The last thing I have to update on is either an up or a down, but only the Lord knows what it is. I have talked in the past about the jerky movements Madison has. This seems to have increased lately. She has a very strong startle reflex and after she throws her limbs up and holds it for a few seconds she relaxes and then goes into a series of mini startle reflexes about 5 seconds apart. It's very strange to watch. She even has this twitching of her muscles (tongue included) in her sleep sometime. I have been told that this could be the brain trying to retrain itself and I think I'll hang on to that since worrying will do me no good.
Please continue to pray for Madison's recovery and the strength of our family. This is the hardest time in my life and if someone would have told me a year ago that this was going to happen, I would have thrown up and never imagined I could live. But, thanks to the grace of God I AM living. My princess needs me to be strong. I may not feel strong and I still have a lot of really low moments, but thank you God for carrying me along this journey!
Posted by Gina at Thursday, September 07, 2006 12:18 AM | View Comments | Add Comment | Trackbacks
I am a little disturbed by Bo's message. Seems like everyone is giving up. I realize how hard it's been on everyone, but I can't understand how they can just check out. I continue to be very concerned.
I am praying that someone takes the lab and gives this dog a good home. Could someone at least foster this dog until a home can be found? It's simply cruel and abusive to leave a dog on a chain like that.
There are many people involved in the Vivi search for the past almost 7 months who deserve to be thanked by "the family" and, in my opinion, Honi is most certainly NOT one of them.
People on this blog, as we speak, are struggling to put their hard earned nickels and dimes together to be able to bring a Search and Rescue expert here as a last ditch attempt to save Vivi. To the best of my knowledge, Honi has access to and could roll whatever funds are left from our last fund raiser into this effort and help us tremendously. Not a word is said or attempt made to help us...consequently, Vivi continues to suffer.
To me, it is just beyond understanding and shows a lack of compassion for a dog they claim to love.
I'm thinking - for what that's worth - that the money in Honi's care is no longer there - or at least - available - so we should just forget about it. We need to continue to dig deep and raise the money again to get Harry and Valorie here to find Vivi - then when she is found - hand her over to the owners that so gratefully think that Honi is working wonders. I just don't see how Darlene, Debby, Monica, Rosa, Tina and all of you other foot soldiers that are busting your butts can keep going with this kind of thanklessness from them. Sure they say they are grateful for all that they do - but if they were truly thankful, wouldn't they be helping a little harder with things. Maybe pitching in a little so that we can get Harry there sooner? I don't understand why they can't help fund the search for THEIR dog.
I completely agree with what's been said regarding Honi and the lack of further updates from Bonnie. That is why having Harry Oakes come is so important. To leave Vivi swinging in the wind at this point is disgraceful. Even if Harry does not find Vivi he will certainly be able to give us some answers. The longer we wait the less chance we have of finding her.PLEASE trust Terri when she promises checks will be returned if Harry doesn't come.if Vivi is out there it's up to us to help find her.
The piece from Bo was not posted here and Bonnie updated as of yesterday. Perhaps that is more about Bo than Bonnie. Bonnie said here "Though I've not been able to send weekly updates, please know that the search effort continues." I wouldn't make too much of that crosspost. I also imagine Bo's thanks to Honi has to do with dog show politics. I wouldn't waste energy on that either. IMO
I do believe that Karma will come around for some of these uncaring and selfish people and I truly hope it is sooner rather than later.
Please, everyone, whatever you can send to fund this rescue effort, please don't wait. Every day that we have not reached the minimum of what we need, is another day that Harry isn't here. With every passing day, we risk losing his services to another assignment far away and for a long period of time...
Whatever you can send, no matter how little, please do it today. This is a no-risk investment in saving our little whippet. If we can't fund the trip, your money will be returned...that is a total promise. A bitter lesson was learned last time around and it will NOT happen again. I was snuckered along with everyone else, but I know how firm the promise and determination is this time.
TRUST, please, and help Vivi NOW!
Thanks much for listening.
When I read Bo's message, my first thought was::::
WHAT ABOUT THE WEENIE LADIES AND SOME OF THE OTHERS?
Give credit where credit is due..Most disturbing!
I hope you guys can understand how important it is to get Harry here and send whatever you can afford. Forget the money we HAD, KEYWORD: HAD..Send whatever amount you can afford, we need it to get Vivi back.
We don't have forever to collect this money! Harry could take on another job! Vivi needs us! I agree the family should be helping not just giving an ok to the search...
Most disturbing...sigh
Where is our weenie queen and her beer ladies in waiting??????
Darlene is on a much deserved vacation for two weeks I don't know about the others
We're not giving up and that's all that matters.
Thanks Marty - I musta missed that info - and you are right - very much deserved
Hold on folks, let's not jump the gun!
I believe Bonnie was saying that weekly updates and a large commitment of time was not possible, but no one has said anything about giving up totally on Vivi. The posters are going up, people are still here offering hope, the Vivi hotline continues, the poop is being analyzed (thanks Diane and others for this), etc.
Listen to Karen. I believe her logic is right on target about the Honi comment and other things.
Bonnie has promised to update on the blog if there are any breakthroughs or new info. That is a fair deal to me. Rosa and Tina are still there with the Vivi hotline. So all IS well in Vivi world. We need to stay calm and not start "slinging mud" around. We need to trust our prayers to be answered!
Hope alone will not get Harry Oakes here, and all is NOT well in the Vivi world! No one is "SLINGING MUD" and I really take offense at that.
It is time to look at the facts and our situation in a realistic way. I see people doing that calmly and with great thought and also donating anything they can to save Vivi....sure doesn't look like mud to me!
I have set aside more money to contribute for Vivi and I did ask Terri a question, that she may not be able to answer, and I realize that we have to trust Harry's approach but still I am hoping to have a few questions answered.
Are there plans for Harry to search out other parks and cemeteries that have not been posted if a fresh scent of Vivi's isn't found in Forest Park area? And if so, which ones?
I would like to know more about the proposed search approach before I donate more money. Has a search plan been formulated yet or is this a detail to be developed at a later date?
Will he for example, search out water holes first in the parks and cemeteries or will he work the perimeter first or the back of the cemeteries trying to pick up a scent along the edges, before intensive searches of the interior?
How many days max will Harry be out and is this contingent upon the amount of money donated? Or will he stay for three days (for example) and no more etc. I would appreciate knowing some of the details.
Linda Callaway (aka Sedona)
I'm all for getting Harry out to New York City as soon as possible. This may very well be a critical time, particularly if Vivi has puppies. She may be less mobile and, in that case, Harry may have an easier time trying to figure out where her den is. If you can donate, please do. Thanks as always to all the volunteers who continue to stay involved.
There is mud being thrown here today. I heard through the grapevine, that Rick offered money from the Vivi fund, and it was refused.
Okay, I wish to have confirmation of this refusal of funds from the "Vivi Fund" - Kim thank you for this comment. Is this true? I hope it isn't true, as so many people have little to give, and I have made a sacrifice to continue my support.
If Rick did in fact offer, then we should accept as long as there are no strings attached. But I sincerely need to know if what Kim posted is true or not?
What is going on here?
If that fact is confirmed and reason given is not satisfactory to me, I would be MORE than angry.
I think we need to wait till whoever is able to answer this question ACCURATELY does so. I am waiting as everyone else cause the money I have spent on finding Vivi since February, for someone in my position and for a dog I am always reminded "is not my dog" is over the hill! I am willing to go to the stretch till we hold her in our arms, but this accusation needs more than "I heard it through the grapevine" ...lots of "grapevines" out there with VERY selfish agendas!
Exactly. We are being asked to give out of our "lack" out of our hearts and love for this dog, I have made Vivi's rescue a priority and if this comment posted by Kim is not true, then it verges on "cruel" as it puts finding Vivi at risk - and not just Vivi but also her puppies.
So, it's time for the truth.
Can someone e-mail me Ricks e-mail address or how to contact the owners, because I need to know the truth of this.
Raising this money is not an easy deal for any of us, and I expect the truth. We all deserve it.
Linda Callaway (aka Sedona)
I can't imagine ANYONE refusing to accept money from the Vivi Fund, unless there were strings attached. What the hell is it for if not for Vivi.Everything is not well on the Vivi front as long as she is out there all alone. I've posted this before but I think this is the proper time to post it again:
One of the definitions of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
We have an opportunity to try something different by bringing Harry here and I for one want to try everything possible to help this poor dog who is not resonsible for her predicament.
Do not email Rick. Terri is the contact on this - let Terri either answer it or find out the answer. She is in touch with Rick. Thanks
I WILL ONLY MAKE THIS STATEMENT ONCE!
I have never been offered money from the Vivi Fund by Rick.
Furthermore, I addressed my feelings on the Vivi Fund in the absolute beginning.
You are all expending valuable energies that should be directed toward the search and rescue of Vivi.
Seems to me the blog is getting stupid, or some of us are..What part of DON'T CALL RICK, DON'T EMAIL HARRY don't some of you understand?
I agree, money in the Vivi fund should be used to find Vivi, but the people holding the purse, don't seem to see it that way..It's up to US to send the money,not just talk about what we are thinking about sending and what we have set aside and most of all, an accounting of where the money will go and where Harry will search.How dumb is that?
My opinion of Rick offering to give money for Harry's search is:::Terri would not have refused it!
Terry, Thank you for clearing that up.
Terri - bless you for contacting Harry and making this happen.........I agree - some of the stuff on the blog is getting pretty stoopid - my one question is this - well two questions: 1) any word on airfare/frequent miles? and 2) are we even close to getting enough money for Harry and Valorie to come? Or maybe that is a Lois question. I'm not questioning how it is being used or going, just wondering if we are getting close -
I agree, Ruby. The offer would have been accepted. How much have we raised so far? We have to get Harry here now while the weather is nice.
Lois reports we received another $25.00 today.
Okay, ladies. I don't know why ANYONE would want to undermine the mission to save Vivi's life. I know it's no one in our group here. :-) God Bless you all. There's something I have to take care of...right now!
By the way, Harry has notified me he is now unavailable from 9/20-10/1.
Just a couple points I would like to make...
1) No mud slinging allowed...
2) What Harry has planned is Harry's (and indirectly Terri's) thing - he's the professional - I am not. At this point we need to trust him to know what to do. This is what we are paying for am I right? If he does not feel comfortable sharing his plan, we need to accept that. Period. I know no more than any of you and I am not asking. I donated and I will wait to see if my donation can help bring Vivi home.
3) We need to take a deep breath and let those that have taken on the responsibility "do their thing". We will do what we can.
AMEN Lois ------
Gosh - he's unavailable from 9/20-10/1 - if we hurry, maybe we can get him for next week..................
First, let me assure you that even though Bonnie is unavailable to carry on her Vivi work for the month I will be filling in for her on the administrative end and she will be available by phone should the need arise. Rosa and Tina are back and doing what they do so well. Gail, Kathy, Barbara-Jean, Debbie and all the others that are in town contine their dedicated work to keep the public aware of Vivi and also try to find dens where she may be hiding. It's a big forest out there and from what I've seen she could be one foot in front of you and you wouldn't even know it.
Today I e-mailed Terri and offered to obtain a scent item of Vivi's that is in another New England state and has not been contaminated by Rick's scent. I'm in the process of making arrangements to have it sent to me and it will be made available to Harry when he gets here. I will also make sure that it is kept in a sealed plastic bag so my own dogs don't contaminate it.
We should have a preliminary poop report by the middle of next week.
Terri,
I don't need to know anything about Harry's plan but could you tell us if we were able to get enough FFM to purchase Harry's first class ticket. I know a few people said they had some
I just spoke with someone who rescues horses from the kill pens, and she told me that the No Horse Slaughter bill has been passed in Congress. This is the furtherest it has gotten so far. One step towards keeping these animals safe. Congratulations animal lovers, our voices DO count.
Hey, where did everyone go? I am curious about the answer to Marty's question about the FFM also. Thanks.
That is awesome news Kathleen - I think the next step is the Senate and we need to do the same thing we did for the Congress - write or call our senators and ask that they support HB 503/S - stop the useless slaughter of horses.
BTW - Barbaro continues to improve - Lost in the Fog's tumors are not shrinking but they are not growing either - prayers requested.
Checked the two shelters by my house again on my lunch hour and still no Bowdee cat. prayers requested for him also. Thanks everyone for all the good that you do - not just for Vivi but for everyone and everything.
So that means it is now time to call your senators. Things get passed in the House all the time only to be killed in the Senate. I'll look up contact information on that.
Kathy: I will light a candle for Bowdee. I lit one a few days ago but it's time for another one. I am so very sorry.i don't know too much about Cats but I read somewhere they sometimes hide under porches near their homes.I hope you find him soon.
the control officer at the shelter told me to not give up - that cats are very resourceful and to keep checking back with them as they don't usually go out to catch cats...........there sure were a lot of dogs out there too - was heartbreaking
Thank you Margot
Please make a short polite phone call to your two U.S. Senators today. You can reach your Senators by calling the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121, or https://community.hsus.org/campaign/FED_2006_horses_senate to find their Capitol office phone numbers. Making a call is easy. All you need to say is:
"I am a constituent and I am calling to ask my Senator to please protect American horses from slaughter. The House has voted overwhelmingly to pass the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (S. 1915) and now it is time for the Senate to act. Please do all that you can to support the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act and move it to the Senate floor for an immediate vote. Thank you."