Search coordinator Bonnie Folz sends this Team Vivi Update: <<November 17th Just wanted to recap what’s happened this past week. First, I’d like to congratulate Jil and Rick, the new Mr. and Mrs. Patterson, on their long-awaited wedding. Both seemed to be glowing with happiness at the reception. I only hoped the present they wished for could have been delivered, but this was not the case. They have adopted a new member into their family. Her name is Lucy Brown and she’s an adorable black and brown little ball of fur. I believe she’s about 10 weeks old and I’m sure Vivi would love her new little sister. While in California I received an email from Karin Goin that she had a few other searches to do in New York and would be coming in with her dogs to search for Vivi. I had been in contact with Karin for a few weeks trying to work it out and planning on her searching for Vivi Friday and Saturday, but it was happening now! I scrambled with the other team members when I got back, trying to figure out who could be where and when. Unfortunately (or should I say fortunately, because we should be grateful we can say that), all volunteers other than our two retirees were working. I met with Karin when she arrived on Tuesday night to review the map of sightings and go over the areas the volunteers wanted checked out. Since Laura Totis and Sam Connelly were here two weeks ago, we were able to rule out the areas already searched by their dogs. After explaining what we volunteers were hoping she could accomplish and listening to her thoughts on what she felt we should do, we put a plan in place with areas to be searched. Karin also felt the best thing to do was to get Vivi’s picture and story back out in the media and public. With no confirmed sightings in months, we needed to see if we’d get any calls of sightings while she was here. Rosa met up with Karin first thing in the morning and off they went. (Please forgive me if I screw up any time lines of where they went and what day they did what, it as these past few days still have me spinning.) I began work and shot off a few emails to the rest of the Vivi team that we needed to get Vivi’s picture and the word back out about Vivi still being missing, using whatever angle worked -- tracking dogs back in, Jil and Rick’s wedding, nine-month anniversary, etc. What an outstanding job we all did: As most of you know, Vivi was mentioned on almost every major news channel, radio stations and the Daily News ran an article. (More to come in the papers.) Mount Hebron Cemetery was searched and both Karin’s dogs picked up scent the same area that Sam’s dog picked it up two weeks prior. Though it is Vivi’s scent that was picked up, it’s probably up to three months old. Other cemeteries were checked, train tracks, etc. They finished up the day at about 6 p.m. I regrouped with Rosa and Karin at that time to figure out what the next day’s game plan would be. We only had Karin for the morning, as she had another lost pet to search for in West Virginia. Rosa again met up with Karin (thank you, Rosa) and hit the Rego Park area first to rule out the recent unconfirmed sightings, which they did. The dogs did not pick up any scent there. At this point Karin called to say she’d been contacted by numerous news agencies about doing Vivi’s story. She told me it was decision time. as she would not be able to do interviews and hit all the remaining areas we wanted searched. I thought to myself about having Karin take her dogs to an area we think she may be in, but what does that get us? It would either be yes, Vivi was here, but we don’t know how long ago and we’d be in the same spot again, or do we take all the media coverage we can, plastering Vivi’s picture in as many living rooms and coffee tables as possible with the media in the hopes of someone seeing it and calling in a sighting? I chose the media coverage since we don’t know if we’ll ever have it again. This is Vivi’s last hurrah. Until, of course, she’s found. Once the media interviews were done, Karin checked Willow Lake, the cemeteries up by Highland Park and checked the Highland Park area as well, but still no scent. Of all the areas we volunteers wanted searched, I believe only two were not searched with dogs. Karin spoke earlier in the day with Laura Totis, conferring with Laura on her findings and thoughts. After finishing her search yesterday, Karin has concluded that Vivi is not at large in Queens. There’s a strong probability Vivi has died and a small possibility someone has her. If someone does have Vivi, we can only hope that she may be seen and we will get a call. Though all this is a bit hard to digest, we know it has been a possibility from day one, when Vivi was irresponsibly handled by Delta Airlines while in their care. We will continue to alert veterinarians and shelters in the hopes that sooner or later Vivi will turn up. I’ll have closure with the restricted call by the end of the week and will report the info as soon as I can. I’ve asked Karin for a summary of her latest search effort for Vivi as well as one from Laura. It will be a week or so before I get it from Karin as she still has a pet to locate and then has to make the drive back home. I’m sure there will be questions. Please do not speculate. If you have questions, please forward them to me at and I will have them answered for you and emailed back. This is a sad time for us all, as the "official" search for Vivi comes to a close. I know there are volunteers who will still be out doing their thing for Vivi and everyone will have to decide for themselves when to call it quits. We will always follow up on any leads when our phones ring and will continue to hope against all odds that Vivi will be reunited with Jil and Rick, Paul and Bo. My heartfelt thanks to EVERYONE who has helped in any way with our search for Vivi. I’ve received such encouraging feedback on the next project --changing how airlines handle animals -- and have been brainstorming with Denise about possibly putting a non-profit organization together with a web-site to gather information from airlines and people who have flown their animals. The thought is to not only focus on making those changes with the airlines but also being an organization that could guide owners with tips on how to fly their animals safely. Of course, all would be done in memory of Vivi. Geez, the more I think, the bigger my ideas, but with everyone’s help, we could continue saving other pets because of Vivi the whippet. I never thought I’d have so much love for a dog I’d never met. Please be safe, Vivi, wherever you are. Keeping the faith. Bonnie>>
Bloggers
Web Sites
Subscribe
« A Clip in Time | Main | Stolen Staffie-Bullie in Michigan »
Comments (422)
Thanks Bonnie. I'm here keeping the faith.
One of the reasons I did not express excitement yesterday over what the trackers might find, is I was having visions that told a different story. Of course, I held back my opinion, as I believe all know that in my heart I only want Vivi safe and preferably found by our good foot soldiers.
But I believe something else is happening here to our little Vivi and not anything bad. I have sent many e-mails to Debbie just now for her to send on to anyone of the searchers that may wish them and I also am in correspondence with Diane Tamm and sent her too the picture I drew of this blond woman - that may or may not be of importance.
I will still do all I can, including helping with the ad, and fliers to continue to support the search. God bless. I truly believe Vivi is safe even though we don't know where that is exactly.
I am not holding back visions or my drawing or anything else. And I am not angry at the searchers. I feel grateful that we have such a wonderful crew of women in New York caring to continue to look for our little love.
My dear sweet Vivi...you'll always be in my thoughts and prayers. I've shed many tears for you my friend and after reading these past couple posts, they will continue to flow for some time. May God bless you and keep you "safe" from harm - wherever you may be. I'll always hold on to the hope that some day, I will hear the news about the "JFK Whippet" being found.
I never imagined that this is how this story was going to end. I so wanted to believe that just MAYBE, one single little fairytale could actually come true.
i think you spoke for all of the NY'rs, Bonnie....
it definately was one hell of an adventure together.
never thought i would read "search coming to a close" without a huge celebration party to follow.
i am speechless right now :(
Love you darlene! xoxoxxo
Like I said Darlene, if we do not have that celebration for Vivi here on Earth, we will all meet at the Rainbow Bridge and what a hell of a celebration that will be.
All these animals we have loved will be with us all.
For the first time in my life, I have nothing to say. My heart is broken, but I will always be available to help with any future leads that come in. I'll always hold out a ray of hope for our girl. It's just hard to accept. Need to cry a bit.
I understand what you mean Lois T. Tinkerbell and I send ((HUGS)) to you and Betty Boop.
Just came on the blog, and I cannot stop crying
for a little dog I loved so much, but yet never met.
I am so happy to have met all the wonderful people
on this blog, and I have made some wonderful friends
along the way.
I need the addy to mail a check for the Daily News
ad, I lost it. I will be back later, I can't type
thru the tears right now
Hey Sue G. I sent you an e-mail. More to come. Just busy now.
Vivi is not dead.
I read the article, this morning, & was tearful on the train ..
Later! I will post something, but right now I have nothing to say..
Just a tug at my heart of sadness, for Vivi.
The search by Karin Goin for Vivi is being televised nationally, if it will make anyone feel any better.
My husband was watching the news on Channel 10 from Tampa and a clip was shown of Karin tracking in the cemetery.
Bo Bengston will be judging several sighthound breeds including salukis (my breed) at a dog show in Ocala tomorrow.
This is all very sad, but please remember, there have been other sighthounds, as well as other breeds, that do turn up after years of being on the run. It can happen.
I can't imagine the heartache of the local searchers who have dedicated so much time and effort in finding Vivi, but I know your efforts are appreciated.
Who knows why one creature means so much to people, it is just the way we humans are. To others it is just another dog.
Anyway, I wish you all the best.
Linda, please let Bo know how sorry we are this search did not work out as well as we all had hoped. If Vivi is out there, we are still praying for her.
Another Friday and end of the work week comes to a close. I just read the new post and am so sad as the rest of you. I have been on this blog since the beginning..There is not enough thanks possible for of all of you, in New York and else where. I feel I know each and everyone of you personally. Vivi has touched us all and look at all the good she has done. Where ever Vivi is, God is watching over her and I know God is watching over us all.
I am so proud to call all of you my friends. Keep the blog alive, there is so more more to do.
Just wanted to say goodbye for a few days to everyone. Whether the blond women I see is Vivi's guardnian angel or not - I do not know. In my heart I do believe Vivi is safe and loved.
Also, thank you Bonnie and Diane Tamm, Diane K. Morris, Darlene, and Debbie, Gail Thomas, Tara, B.J., Monica, Kathy at Bayside, and many others too that I do not know about, that have looked for Vivi and without which we would not have had such strong "hope". You women have given us strength and hope. Also Denise Flaim, thank you for giving us this venue to gather over the months. God bless to everyone near and far.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300049540308&ssPageName=ADME:B:FSEL:US:1
Thank you also Kathy in Colorado for the beautiful reminder of how much God loves Vivi and that she is cherished in heaven and on earth.
And now I'm going to cry.
Happy Thanksgiving, Sedona. enjoy your time off.
and, as usual, it has been our pleasure being involved in such a wonderful and loving adventure for our angel. no thanks are necessary.
you are not the only one - my contacts are so blurred, i can hardly see anymore. i think today has been a world record for using Kleenex. if you didn't cry, you would be heartless, i think...
Joanne - feeling is mutual - we wouldn't have carried on without all of you guys and this place - our safe haven :) you should hang out more often!!
I've got tears again as I'm hugging the stuffings out of Mabel. She has been surprised by all the extra attention she's gotten today. My nose is so stuffed that my ears pop when I swallow!!
puulease, Pam - i was a wreck at work all day. crying when i read Renee's post. i don't think John would recognize me if i didn't have tears in my eyes. hug away, baby :) but know what? tragedy is sometimes sured a bit with laughter - don't be surpirsed the lunatics come on tonight and we start doing our "thing." it's OK to laugh too.
Know that feeling Pam, I can hardly wait to get home to my little Tinkerbell and hug the stew out of her too.
You all would think me crazy if you could see me talk to Tinkerbell about Vivi. Hey, no one else to talk and cry with - Tinkerbell was always there licking the tears. She will be a busy girl tonight for sure. Better stop and buy her some KFC on the way home tonight.
Until we know where Vivi is I feel like I need to keep looking for her. I know what we do and how we do it has to change but as long as there is any chance that she is on the streets I'll be looking.
We all need some laughter tonight!!
KFC???? that just made me pee!!!! good one, Kathleen.
Kathleen, be careful of them bones!! You don't want a case of TB, right??
Pam - OK - debbie only has one tooth....
As if my heart was not already breaking, I talked to my son in NM this afternoon. They will be spending Christmas with her family in New Mexico. Once again, I will not have Christmas with my two grandchildren.
He promised they would be here after Christmas, but it just is not the same. Just may stay at home and delay Christmas this year. Better still, I think I may just do something I have enjoyed doing before. Time to volunteer to serve dinner at one of the homeless shelters and forget my self-pity.
Hope Kenzie and Joey will swallow the idea of Santa Claus coming twice. I'll tell them it is the timezone difference between New Mexico and Tennessee.
Darlene, I had to pull out my prescription sunglasses to work in and run to the bathroom in because my eyes look so bad right now. Thank God I have an office with a door! Better to hide behind.
Sorry, not getting the "one tooth" thing... TB refers to "Trouble Butt". A story from a day or two ago.
I've been travelling and just read the blog. I am not giving up hope, but right now, my heart aches and my eyes are filled with tears. It doesn't help that I'm away from home and can't hug my babies, Trevor and Michelle. I, too, will be here to help in any way I can and will not give up for that small miracle that Vivi will be reunited for Jill and Rick. Please take care, everyone. I'm off to cry some more.....
Maggie
I will watch the girl with the bones. The "target butt" is okay and cute, but don't want the "trouble butt" at my house again. Them there bones will go straight to the outside garbage can for sure!
Thanks for the reminder Pam.
Darlene, now what an ugly thing to say about poor Debbie. I have to confess something. One day I was talking with Debbie on my cell phone. Debbie talked so fast, that I missed half of what she was saying. I didn't tell her though. I thought about how fast you all said Rosa talked, and decided I could never talk to Rosa - wouldn't understand a word for sure. You know, we Southern folks talk slow!
Kathleen - when i first moved to NY, i had to do that too. matter of fact, i know ALOT of people, especially the Wall Street breed, who have to work. that's big bonus time...
don't take it to heart - it about family and they will be there!!!
You know what. We all missed a "golden opportunity." We should have bought some stock in Kleenex right now - I can see the demand is heading up quickly on this blog.
DEBBIE is on the phone as i am typed it :) hee!!
i am typed it??? ugh!!!!
Yeah, you're right. It definitely went up today!!
I think all you gals are awesome and I am so glad I found all of you. I believe Vivi is out there. In the event she was moved, I e-mailed the CT Veterinary Medical Association and attached her flyer. I asked if they could send it to their members. I've been at wit's end all day and had to do something. We need answers.
Thanks Darlene.
My son felt so bad that he sent me a Southwest Gift Card today by e-mail for my trip to New Mexico later to see my sweethearts.
Oh, I wish you could all see them. They are so precious. If anyone had ever told me I could love something as much as my two sons, I would have doubted it. But these two children of Nick's are more precious than gold to me.
There will be no Christmas tree or decorations at my house until they are here - then we will pretend it is Christmas all over. Won't my neighbors think I am nuts for sure (hee, hee). Hell, might even take the kids and go caroling at their houses, then they will really call the police or throw some rotten eggs at me!
Does Debbie realize she's being picked on again????
why, yes - i am on the phone with her now :)
One year my brother & his family couldn't get home until February. It was a little weird, but we had the tree put up for Valentine's Day. It wasn't quite the same as in December but at least everyone could get together!! That's what counts!
Ohhhh, you're in big trouble missy!
Hey Gang - Thought I'd take some time in between tears to say hi. How is everyone doing?? Hey Weenie sisters - I need to laugh - help me out here!
Kathleen - you don't think WE get things thrown at us?? on a regular basis - hee!!!
Pam - I bought all these wonderful Disney ornaments for the tree for Kenzie and Joey. They have been waiting to be put on the tree.
May be late, but hopefully it will be this year. Keeping the faith about that too.
Hi everyone,
Such a tearful day today. But I, too, will not give up hope on vivi. My prayers and candle lighting will not stop. She has made such a difference in the world through this blog. To me she's an angel wherever she is. Kathleen, I know what you mean about talking to Tinkerbell about vivi. I do the same with my yorkie, winnie, and she's had many a tear drop fall on her head. Have to stop typing now, it's kleenex time.
Laura
cee you next tuesday, Lois!!!
Lois T - You were trying to send DC away for a while.
Have a got a proposition for you deary. My house needs some work, painting and cleaning as well. You send DC right on down to Memphis, and I'll work him so hard he will be thrilled to see you later.
Also, we Southern women know how to whip a guy into shape. I'll have him eating out of your hands when he returns.
Now let me know when to meet him at that airport. We got a lot of work to do before Christmas. He will know what "Southern slavery" is for sure after I get through with him (hee, hee)!
Thanks Darlene!!!! Talk about being oblivious!!!!! Thanks for making me chuckle!!! Oh Debbie - having fun at my expense again????
laura, maggie - it's gonna be a new day tomorrow!! with a new day, there are new findings maybe!! we can always count on that....
Laura - Once again, the Kleenex stock must be soaring right now! Thanks, now I don't feel so stupid talking to Tinkerbell.
Susan L,
That's a good idea... do you know of a national veterinarian association that we could get her name into that would go out to vets nationally? I'm trying to look into something like that right now.
I think getting her name and photo to vets locally and in as many states as we can is a good idea incase she could of been taken out of state. At least it gives me something to do to keep from crying.
we're glad we found you too, Susan L
there is a purpose to this madness :)
Kathleen you've got a deal - one change though. He goes to Memphis ONE WAY!!!!!!!
Lois T -Boy, you drive a hard bargain!!
Hey, I have three bedrooms with only one being used. If I can chain him and make him do the housework, laundry, cooking, maintenance, you have a deal!
Wow, only 54 years old and now I will soon have my very own maintenance guy, painter, cook, and maid! YeeHaaa!
Listen, if anyone else needs some work done, maybe we can send him around the country on a whirlwind tour!!!!
A life of leisure for Kathleen!
Hey, no hard bargain at all. I would even be willing to spend my Southwest Gift Card to get that help here.
Like I said, after a week or so with me he would be begging to come home. He would be a pussycat for sure! We Southern women can be mean when we need to be.
Kathleen, if you can turn him into all those things, you certainly deserve him!!!!
Lois T - I've got a "honey do" list that is a mile long. Does he work okay in the cold and snow??
Sure Pam!!!! I'll make sure I pack his bags with lots of layers of clothing!!!!
i'm closest, Lois!!!
Hey, now he will be like Jose. I don't's want to share him. My laundry might get behind and I might get hungry gal.
Tell him no weenies for me though. I want good Italian and Mexican food. Maybe some Chinese too. Or good ole' Southern cooking (which I am sure I will have to teach him). Hope he likes sweet tea, we Southerners drink that too. Of course, I have's to use Splenda now seeing as how I can no longer "sell my sugar interest to Cube." The kidneys protested!
Bonnie’s post had me in tears all day. But after reading all the other posts on this board I felt a little better knowing that I wasn’t alone in thinking that Vivi is still out there. I don’t know if it’s because I can’t accept hearing that she may be dead or if I won’t believe it til someone posts facts to show that it’s true.
After reading Libby’s post I tried to apply logic instead of emotion to what I feel right now about whether Vivi is alive or dead.
I don’t mean to offend anyone but I’m sad and honestly need to vent my thoughts…I don’t recall hearing of any area that Vivi frequented that wasn’t a busily trafficked area. If she was hurt or killed on any of the busy roadways doesn’t it make sense to think that anyone who could have witnessed the tragedy or saw Vivi alongside the road would have remembered what they saw. We’re all animal people and I’m sure that when you see an animal killed on a roadway it haunts you. Don’t you think that if someone legitimately saw Vivi it would be haunting to them and they would have come forward. The odds of someone seeing the incident or seeing her alongside or on the roadway are very good….NY highways are rarely without cars traversing on them….even in the middle of the night. Our NY footsoldiers did an excellent job of contacting the garbage guys and I don’t recall that any of them saw a dead animal 100% resembling Vivi (Please correct me if I’m wrong here). Diane K-M posted that if the scent led to the highway then stopped, why should that mean that Vivi went into the road and was killed? Diane is right-it could very well mean she diverted to walk along the roadway to a place she could safely cross over.
Vivi is obviously an intelligent dog...she survived the horrors of living in an incredibly busy area for six months….true, she could have midjudgement just one time, but I don’t think so. I don’t think she was killed on the highways.
The other option that someone has her is possible. Despite her being scared and skittish, remember she did approach the little girl, the Doberman and the fisherman. In the same way that she walked up to those people, why, if the circumstances were calm and nonthreatening, couldn’t she have walked up to someone who knew who she was and captured her. My thought here is that if someone has Vivi and they don’t live on an isolated island, how can they not realize that they have many years (Vivi was only 4) ahead of them of avoiding public recognition. Vivi’s story was widespread and touched the hearts of so many people. For the next maybe 10-15 years this person has to live in fear of recognition and most probably a conviction.
There is a last option…Vivi could be surviving very well on her own and as Chrissy said could be many miles away from the area that everyone thinks she’s circling in.
If you are harboring Vivi – SAFELY RETURN HER – CALL 1-877-JFKVIVI
If your car hit her – LET US KNOW SO WE CAN GRIEVE AND MOVE ON
If you saw someone hit her on the highway– DO THE RIGHT THING AND CALL THE ABOVE NUMBER
If you see Vivi wandering around your neighborhood – CALL THE NUMBER!!!!!!
If you see/know your neighbor has Vivi – CALL THE NUMBER
IF YOU’RE A WACKO OUT THERE AND THINK THAT YOU CAN PLAY WITH OUR EMOTIONS BY PLAYING GAMES ON THE PHONE, DON’T TRY IT. IT’S A FEDERAL OFFENSE.
Barbara P in Michigan
Need to proofread "Cuba" not "Cube." (hee, hee)
Darlene - I already offered to send him to you but you wouldn't take him. I will send him over there though, under one condition - when he's finished with your house, you must send him to Kathleen!!!
I say, Kathleen be careful what you ask for or you might get it.
HA!!! little jose!! you won't be laughing when debbie and i go and get little Jose, will you? well, you probably will considering the ravine we have to go down.... AND YES, I WILL PROBABLY FALL!!!
So I have one tooth, pick on me while I am waay from the computer, ggeezz can't a girl change jose's diaper without getting picked on.
When Darlene said you had one tooth, I thought maybe you had a diamond stud in it or it was gold-capped or something!
Well said Barbara. Believe me, only the hope that Vivi is not gone has allowed me to try and ignore the posting today. Maybe I am in my own La-la-land as they say, but I will never believe she is gone until there is some concrete proof or word from someone.
November 17, 2006
Merlin and Magic have a new leash on life.
Dozens of dog-lovers from near and far are offering to help the black puppies born three weeks ago with cleft palates. At least 30 calls poured in to the Little Shelter Animal Adoption Center in Huntington after a Wednesday news conference appealing for assistance, spokeswoman Marge Stein said.
"We have gotten plastic surgeons, veterinary surgeons, people who want to adopt," she said. "This is from all over the country."
Callers began inundating the center Wednesday night after news coverage of the puppies' plight. Stein said center officials will meet next week to discuss the offers and select a surgeon to perform the delicate procedures needed to allow the pups to eat solid food. A decision should come by the end of the month.
"It's, of course, going to be the best person," Stein said. "It's just amazing how lucky these little tykes are."
There's no rush to perform the operations. Magic and Merlin must be at least 12 weeks old before the surgeries can be done, Stein said. Correcting their deformed palates probably will require at least three surgeries each, she said.
Until then, the pups are being tube-fed every three hours, around the clock. Barring complications, Stein said, Merlin and Magic have a good prognosis and eventually will be available for adoption.
"Once this is done," she said, "they are going to have long, happy lives."
THIS IS A GOOD THING...XOXOXO RUBY
I felt I had to do something. I've done enough crying and eating chocolate for one day. It's an honor to descend into madness with all you wonderful gals. Would you believe I have a dog that howls with the opening song from The Young and the Restless. And she's on tune.
Ha if you fell Darlene i would be peeing my pants but I will make sure I have my depends on first, not like Lois when she fell and had no protection if you know what I mean.
Let the good times begin, been a rough couple of days and my eyes are puffy, we need some cheering up.
Hey Lo you sleazeball!!!!
Kathleen - listen to Karen my dear, she is very wise!!!
Darlene - I don't think any trip down a ravine could be any worse than my falling on my butt back under the fence!!!
Debbie - Don't use all the Depends for Jose, don't you need them?
omg - singing???? mine just whine - i'm jealous!! debbie will sing if you dangle a beer in front of her :) right, my pet??
ruby - i just saw the babes on TV 15 mins ago. they are precious!!! xoxoxoxoxoxoo
Pam I wish it was a diamond stud, they all fell out from getting slapped in the face with tree branches serarching thru the woods. Whatever was left Darlene made sure she knocked them out, HA
Debbie Ms NY Sweeti...do you smile and have a gap in you one TOOF? Also, do you lispth? uh, lispht?
I love .....I'm hainvg trouble typing, I got into the Vaneller Vodka...........xoxoxo daarlin'
Hey Susan L - My Siberian howls but only at the moon or if she's lo