For those who missed it, here is an update Vivi breeder Bo Bengtson wrote after returning to California this weekend.
As Bo notes, donations can be made to "Paul Lepiane for Vivi Fund", P.O. Box 479, Ojai, CA 93024.
<<UPDATE as of MONDAY NIGHT 27 FEBRUARY 2006:
Still no sightings of Vivi, as per the Port Authority. It is now twelve days since she was last seen, which makes it difficult to keep our hopes up. However, we have heard from many whose dogs including Whippets have been gone for several weeks, even months, before being caught unharmed, so we try to stay positive. Honi Reisman is in contact with the different branches of the Port Authority to make sure that as soon as Vivi is sighted, she (as the local contact) as well as we here in California are contacted immediately. Paul and Honi, who have dealt more with PA than anyone else, are confident that PA are doing all they can. Please do NOT contact the PA unless you have a confirmed sighting of Vivi. We do not want to jeopardize our good relationship with them as this would backfire and not help Vivi. Bonnie Folz and Paul have produced a new, brightly colored flier which volunteers are putting up in the areas around JFK. We hope that this will help keep Vivi in the public eye and are so grateful to those who are helping. Many people have asked if they can contribute to the expenses for the search. Donations can be made to "Paul Lepiane for Vivi Fund", P.O. Box 479, Ojai, CA 93024. Any excess funds not used directly for the search will be donated to a deserving rescue organization. I have been in contact with the Delta spokesman and asked him exactly what Delta has done as far as searching for Vivi. We also want to know what result the internal investigation (which must now have been going on for nearly two weeks) has produced. I am also hoping that they can assure us that Jil, Paul and/or I can get on a flight from LAX to JFK immediately at first sighting. Finally, I now have over 500 emails in the "Vivi" box and apologize for not being able to read all of them yet. In due course I hope to respond in some form to everyone. Thank you for your support during this very stressful time. Bo >> |
Comments (52)
after speaking with bo and paul....we have agreed to hold a fund raiser at the garden city hotel..on saturday march 11th...from 7pm til 10pm...admission will be ten dollars per person with a cash bar ..t shirt sales and other items will be available for purchase...it will be in our night club posh..music and dancing will also be featured that evening...since this is a night club we ask that everyone must be 21 and over..in keeping with our dress policy..no sneakers please..all the proceeds from this event will go towards an animal shelter that camp vivi can work with in the continuing search for vivi...the funds will be available for the finding of other lost dogs as well...bo and paul want everyone to know this is not just about vivi..they hope no matter what happens to vivi that other dogs will benifit from this horrible event in their lives....more info will follow...the benifit is less than 2 weeks away wich seems like forever but it gives everyone time to re group and do this right..remember its for the future of all missing dogs....hopefully denise will post this info and write about it for next weeks column...brian
My check to Vivi's owners was at the post office on its way at 10:00AM today. Please, anyone out there who knows....IS KARIN GOIN ON A PLANE TO NY AS WE SPEAK AND IF NOT, WHY NOT?
What are "owners" going to do....sit and count the donations before they move? I do not understand a fundraiser on March 11th.....what does that mean?
Would they not have to pay Karin Goin when she gets here? VIVI CANNOT SURVIVE TILL MARCH 11TH!!!
Are they going to wait till next month to bring Karin Goin here?
Forgive me, everyone, I know I am getting testy, but this is making no sense to me....
Help, someone please help me to understand! I am at my wit's end.
Irene Wilson
My check to Vivi's owners was at the post office on its way at 10:00AM today. Please, anyone out there who knows....IS KARIN GOIN ON A PLANE TO NY AS WE SPEAK AND IF NOT, WHY NOT?
What are "owners" going to do....sit and count the donations before they move? I do not understand a fundraiser on March 11th.....what does that mean?
Would they not have to pay Karin Goin when she gets here? VIVI CANNOT SURVIVE TILL MARCH 11TH!!!
Are they going to wait till next month to bring Karin Goin here?
Forgive me, everyone, I know I am getting testy, but this is making no sense to me....
Help, someone please help me to understand! I am at my wit's end.
Irene Wilson
Irene, I *completely* agree with you. Time is most definitely the enemy right now. Vivi may not have weeks, days or even minutes to spare! Something has to be done a.s.a.p. Karin Goin has to get here *now* if not sooner. I'm just praying Vivi has even been able to hold on *this* long. I'm trying so hard to understand all of this too, the only thing I do know is Vivi needs help and QUICKLY. Please everyone, send your checks today, don't wait.
Renee
nothing is on hold...the fundraiser is to help them with current costs.....and for future situations like this.....that does not mean we are doing nothing...20,000 flers are being printed as we speak and i have 3 public relation firms sending out press releases about the party....as far as karin goes bo is dealing with all the options...there are things that only they know...and it is not their prority to tell us every second what moves they make....some of it may jepordize the plan....these are great people who love animals and no one loves vivi more than they do .....do you think you can find this dog by going to the airport right now?.....for 12 days no sign of her...all we can do is plan ahead now and hope to get lucky......i do hope they bring karin in but there is no scent for dogs to sniff out there ...if you look at her record....it takes months somtimes to find a dog...if vivi could not survive the elements...she would have died a week ago....please trust in what is going on.....the pa is doing what they can....thousands died on 911...they are not going to let everyone run around the restricted parts of the airport....for 1 dog...thats the facts....b
Well put Brian. I certainly understand Irene's frustrations. It must be sheer agony for Jil, Paul and Bo. I know I would need to be sedated and/or shot! I will attend your fund raiser and sent a check to the ViVi fund. I will do whatever I am able to do...for the love of all animals. Deb
I agree with this Fund raiser thing too . But I am totally lost as to the hold up regarding Vivi . I sent out a Money order today... the first time I've been able to really help Vivi at all and it felt great . I'm not trying to be pushy but come on already...people are pitching in to help find Vivi and I'm sorry but we DO have the right to know whether or not you are planning on hiring Karin. Most of us are giving $ because we think you are hiring her . You put up a post last night on the awc2006 site and gave an address but only said it was to be used for the search efforts, we (atleast most of us) gave it to get Karin in there and get going. Sorry Brian I do NOT agree with you in one way, you said it is not their priortiy to tell us, the people who are giving $ for Vivi that maybe can't afford it but are doing it anyway . Yes they should atleast let us know their plan . Many of us have been helping since day 1 and deserve to know where OUR money is going! I think every person giving money today , tomorrow and the next did it because they wanted Karin in there searching for poor Vivi asap , NOT in 2 or 3 weeks. TODAY and atleast let us know what they are doing with our $ besides they are exploring their options... huh ? most people go home and create a plan .They should know their intentions by now and so should we. But , Brian I think everything else you are doing is great.I'm not trying to come off a rude little Miss know it all but we've been on this website pleading for a Pet Detective , the owners know it is important to keep the ball rolling , and no ball is rolling right now , that really bothers someone who care for pets the way I do . Hope we have a better understanding as to their intentions soon.
I think the bottom line is we want Vivi found, or at least know what has happened to her.In order for that to happen, a pet detective needs to go there now. The money will come in to pay for it. Many of us are pet lovers and really this has hurt and made many of us sleepless and sad. The horror of wondering how she is surviving in this cold is so cruel to imagine, lord knows there are thousand like her.But to be at JFK, with the noise, cold and no sightings is not comforting to anyone. I understand the liabilities of an airport and respect what they have to do. You just wish they could do a clean sweep of every area, so people could focus elsewhere to find her.
I just keep praying for a miracle for Vivi, as I know her owners do also. I really feel the longer nothing more is done, we will never know.
read denise flaim in newsaday on wednesday...what i meant by them not telling us everymove they make is due to the effect it has on the outcome......what if the port authority gets pissed that they hired karin withour access to the airport...things like this are in the works...this is their dog...if you donate you do it for one reason...to help them get the dog back...you cant dictate who they use and how they do it...these are great people and they wont take advantage of your money...they never asked for a dime...they started the fund due to the 500 emails asking them to take our money and use it...today bo and paul told me they want most of the money to go to other rescue orginizations..to help other lost dogs in the future...they did not make a deal with anyone on who they will hire...these people are wiped out emotionally and pysically...this is the first chance they have had to get there act together...dont judge them unless you have been in their shoes....let them regroup and they will announce their plans...b
Brian, It is comforting to know people like you will step up and take action. I also own a whippet. I cannot begin to imagine loosing my dog in another state. We do need to be patient, It is hard taking care of buisness like this across the miles. I think it's taking a emotional tole on all us dog lovers. I sent a check, this morning and all I can do from Michigan is keep praying that Vivi is surviving. I'll be thinking of you all on March 10th. Rosa
I just got the info on the donations. My check is in the mail tonight. I hope they get Karin or someone out there to look for Vivi. Everyone is frustrated and stressed right now we all need to come together for Vivi. I am happy that since they are in Calf. right now they are still getting fliers out of Vivi. I just hope the get back to NY soon. It is obvious that Vivi isn't going to show herself, she is too scared. She needs people out there looking for her. Thanks to everyone that lives in or by NY on all their help on getting the fliers out and keeping up the news on Vivi. We cannot let her be forgotten. Thanks to Brian for orginizing the fundraiser, that is an awesome way of keeping people involved. If there are any numbers or anyone I can call please let me know. I want to do everything I can from so far away. Thanks to Denise for updating us on this situation. I feel Vivi is out there, she needs us right now. We cannot give up, we need to be as loyal as she would of be to us. Everyone hang in there and hopefully they will continue to be proactive about this. We love you Vivi, we are trying to get you home. I was glad to hear there is goning to be another search this weekend from the volunters. I hope we will get some good news.
BRiAN,
WE ALL HAVE THE SAME GOAL...SAVE VIVI, IF WE CAN!
I AM ON A FIXED INCOME. I SACRIFICED OTHER THINGS I NEED TO SEND A CHECK BECAUSE I BELIEVED THAT WOULD GET KARIN GOIN HERE FOR A LAST DITCH EFFORT TO HELP THE PLIGHT OF THIS POOR DOG I DID NOT SEND IT FOR "LOST DOGS IN THE FUTURE". I WANT TO DEAL WITH ONE TRAGEDY AT A TIME...THAT'S ALL I CAN AFFORD/
BRIAN, WE ARE ALL "GREAT PEOPLE" OR WE WOULD NOT ALL BE BANDING TOGETHER TO SAVE A DOG WE DON'T EVEN KNOW. AND, WE ARE ALL WIPED OUT EMOTIONALLY AND PHYSICALLY AT THIS POINT. I FEEL LIKE I HAVE A HANGOVER AND I DON'T EVEN DRINK!
"THE OWNERS" NEED TO COMMUNICATE AND SHARE WHAT THEY PLAN TO DO TODAY...THESE ARE NOT PENTAGON SECRETS...QUITE FRANKLY, I DON'T GIVE A DAMN ANYMORE IF DELTA OR THE PORT OF AUTHORITY GETS "PISSED" OFF...IN A MATTER OF HOURS, IT WON'T MATTER ANYMORE. SNOW IS HEADING TO NEW YORK AND THAT WILL BE THE END OF ANY SCENT VIVI LEFT BEHIND.
MY LAST HOPE WAS THAT KARIN GOIN WOULD GET A CHANCE TO GET HERE BEFORE SNOW AND FREEZING RAIN WIPE OUT WHAT'S LEFT AND DEAL A FATAL BLOW TO VIVI.
PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY THAT THE PEOPLE WHO CAN WILL MOVE IN THE NEXT FEW HOURS.
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING...I APPRECIATE IT.
IRENE WILSON
i told them to announce the plans...it will be in newsday...the money for other dogs will be the left over funds from vivi search......you cant piss of the port authority...no pa no access to jfk..they assign an officer for each search party...there job is bigger than finding one dog...in the meantime delta is flying the family back and forth...i am not getting mad at anyone...just giving you the facts...do the research on whippets...they are tougher than we think and vivi is in top shape...if she found warmth than she is alive..if not she has been gone since the first coldfront...where is her body?...it would have been found...the jacket has been off since the first day according to the so called limo driver...this is goos sinse clothing is dangerous for a whippet,,,,keep praying and wednesday will bring news........b
I have to say Brian that you are doing a great thing in a sense but I really feel that many people have donated $ to help Vivi and we have no clue as to how and when the process will begin . You are wrong to say that Karin couldn't do much now since it has snowed or rained or whatever... she could go near the Cargo areas where it is suspected that Vivi is and let her dogs atleast smell around . Do something... The bottom line here is that most of the people are donating $ because according to the Q and A section it said that they were looking into a Pet Detective but cost was an issue... it should not be an issue now since people are digging in their pockets to help a show dog be found , a show dog we don't know. I donated only because I thought they would be hiring this Pet Detective . This is very annoying , I want the dog to be found safe and warm but each day that passes is one more day without a sighting and I don't get it, the owners know that we are pitching in so why not get something going NOW. They are drained from what being at Home? While their dog is lost in NY? No punt intended but everyone else is out there looking for the dog not them. PA might get mad ??? about a Pet Detective??? she does have alot more clearence and how would she be pissing them off if she's just trying to locate the dog so this matter can be taken care of ? Well tough, if they are going to work with Paul they should be willing to work with Karin who is Licensed . Give me a break. Are we sure they even care to find Vivi because if it was my DOG I'd be doing EVERYTHING IN THE WORLD TO GET HIM BACK . I can't beleive I just sent them 100 bucks and they still don't know what they are going to do about finding Vivi , except giving us the address to send in the funds. Maybe Vivi just ran away ... whether I sent in a dime or a dollar they should be letting us know when the process will begin . They DO owe us that . I just want the poor dog found.
Brian is doing everything he can right now to help. Everyone should stop slamming everything that everyone is doing. I am sure the owners want Vivi back as much as we do.We all need to stay calm and see what action is taken in the next couple days. I agree, I want Karin to go and at least try to find Vivi NOW. But Brian shouldn't have to take the heat for this situation. He is organizing a fundraiser to help this poor little dog. Hopefully in the next day or two Karin will be on her way. I am giving money too, we just need to trust the owners that they will do the right thing now.It is frustrating to all of us, we want to help so bad. All we can do is what we have and continue to hope and pray for the best. Lets not piss everyone off right now. We are all in this together.
One more comment, we all love Vivi so much and it breaks our heart to think of her out there all by herself. Just pray that she is found soon, we just need her to hang in there. Hopefully she will let her guard down alittle and come out.Dogs are very smart people and I have no doubt she is strong enough to survive. Right now the family does not need all the negative comments they need our support, which I am sure they know that they have. Love you Vivi, we are trying to get you home. Thanks to everyone for pitching in, hopefully we will get somewhere fast.
To Irene Wilson,
You are speaking my mind Irene. There is so much about this that is wrong! I tell ya one thing, the authorities would NOT stop me from looking in restricted areas. And I agree Vivi is a trophy dog, that also serves as breeding stock. I have a very low tolerance for people of that nature. I am so afraid for Vivi, I can't even find the words. As one animal lover to another Irene Bless You my friend...
do you people think you can walk all over home land security....the port authority is still looking and checking the traps...if there is a sighting they will let the owners back in for another set of searches...if it were your dogs you might have had a nrevous breakdown by now....read pauls post and then tell me they arent trying everything...i am sure they are moving on the next step...there is a difference between woking hard and working smart...bonnie has had hundreds of people looking..nonstop..you can slam me all you want but get off the owners backs...they need support and compasion right now....you think tey are buying a new house and car with the money...they had to go home to prepare for the next move...paul is thinking of moving to nyc just for this...the pet detectives have all said this is usaully a long and drawn out affair...ask karen about her dog...1 freaking year to get her back.....the scent is gone ...2 dogs from dc spent12 hours looking...at what point should the pa say we have done all we could....it is one dog....why isint all the dogs missing from the airport just as important...delta is another story...they should be out there but the pa has been amazing...i would love to meet allof you at the fundraiser...or email me atbrosenberg@gchotel.com...lets debate in private so the vivi family doesnt have to see all the second guessing........brian
It's not just me and Irene ! Many people want to know what the next move is and I obviously understand . I will not be attending your fund raiser just because of the way you talk about this situation . I mean you know everything right Brian ??? I've already sent money . We just want to know where the money is going . I mean if this $ that we donated was just for a deserving rescue org. I could have gone down the street and gave to the other place ...you know ? I did it for Vivi and finding her safe no matter what! many of us are hopeful for a Pet Detective (which I beleive is why all these people are donating) . So fine they need more time that's somewhat acceptable , I just want them to find the dog. And let us know what they are going to do . For people who truly love animals we get like this because we can't imagine what it must be like for poor Vivi to be on her own , cold , lost , and sad. It's very hard. so this is not a letter written in ANGER but Conern . 14 days NOW ...
I can't believe I come home to check this blog and all I see is petty bickering about how your $ is going to be spent. Nobody asked for your donations. I seem to recall that the few of you who are objecting are the few who pushed so hard for this fund to be set up in the first place. For a pet detective who may not even get clearance to search the airport?Just because Karen Goin says she has clearance, that doesn't mean she does. Its not up to her,its up to The PA. For those of you who don't live in this city,heres an education. Things have changed post 9/11.What used to be open and free isn't anymore. Security is tight to this day and always will be.There are security measures in place now that you will never know about and couldn't even imagine.We are a target and if any of you think you can just go nosing around something as sensitive as an airport because your dog is missing, you are mistaken. You will be stopped and you will be arrested if in any restricted area.
The people involved in the logistics in finding ViVi are doing the maximum allowable. We all want to find her.
So if you are unhappy with where your $ went at the moment, Put a stop payment on your checks. Or even better...fly/drive here and join the search yourselves.There are many of us that are doing this at all hours of the day and night on our own time hoping for a sighting because we care about ViVi...not for a reward or where our donations are going. What is wrong with you all? You already lost sight of our one goal....finding ViVi. Just stop using this blog to complain and bash the owners and Brian and be patient.If a pet detective will be allowed, then I'm sure it will happen. Give these poor people a break. They've been thru enough.
Well, I for one support the comments Irene and others have made here ... we DO have a right to know what is happening. Donations are definitely being made for Karin, the pet detective, not for future rescue work of other dogs.
I support local rescue work locally, and don't have the financial resources to support everything I'd like to. BUT, in this situation, my money is being sent for Karin, the pet detective; NOT for future dog rescue work Vivi's owners will contribute to. I want Vivi found. She's there and she needs help. As others have said, time is critical. If the owners want her found alive, they need to stop wasting time and hire Karin.
Does anyone know if Vivi is insured so the owners receive compensation if she is permanently lost? Just wondering since she has an estimated worth of $15,000 to $20,000. It would be sad to think she's just a trophy dog.
I'm distressed to read on the AWC site the following posted by Bo:
"Some people have said that they ONLY want to contribute to Vivi’s search, not to assist in any general rescue. We are sorry, but the fund is not for Vivi exclusively but meant to benefit all lost dogs."
So it appears confirmed that the money we sent may not be going to help find Vivi by hiring Karin. This is very sad.
I am just disgusted by everyone's bickering about the funds. We all were drawn to this because we are animal lover's we obviously all have that incommen. I trust the owners are doing the best they can. I have a strong feeling Vivi will be found. In the process she has brought attention to all the other animal's who have been lost from other flights or just dumped. I had never new of this befor but now I do. My money was well spent.!!!!!! So Vivi's family has my money to do what they want with any two of these problems. We can't go wrong. Rosa
So many people have contributed so much in this effort to find Vivi. I get over a hundred email's per day about her and she's not even my dog! Fortunate for us, we do not have THE FIRST CLUE as to how Jil, Paul & Bo are feeling with the loss if Vivi and the obsticals they face on a day to day basis as well as the many phone calls and emails.
I DO KNOW about the problems with airport access.
I DO KNOW all suggestions are being considered.
I DO KNOW Jil, Paul & Bo are doing EVERYTHING possible at this moment to find Vivi.
I DO KNOW that there has been an outpouring of concern for Vivi from many people far and wide.
I DO KNOW how fustrated you all must be waiting for any news at all.
I DO KNOW Bo and Paul have been giving updates as often as possible.
I DO KNOW the Fund for Vivi was set up due to the overwelming push for many to give donations to help find Vivi.
I DO KNOW that this fund was set up because of the many people wishing to donate.
I DO KNOW how the donations will be spent as Bo clearly states this with the information about the address for the fund. There is no one set group the funds will go.
I DO KNOW, at this point, dealing with ALL of the different people, weirdos, ideas, concerns, psychics, communicators, volunteers, PA officials, airport personelle, Delta, my family, friends, job, as well as a flood of rollercoaster emotions and trying to cope with NOT having my dog at my side and knowing that all that can be done at the moment is being done, if I had to put up with people DEMANDING I tell them anything about what my next step was in finding Vivi, I would shut off the world. I would block you all out and take care of finding my dog myself.
I DO KNOW no one has the right to judge.
I Do KNOW that I'm so thankful to get daily updates and that our donations will be put towards the good of finding other lost, abused and homeless animals.
I pray to God no one ever has to go through what Jil, Paul, Bo and Vivi are going through!
I DO KNOW we are doing EVERYTHING we can AT THIS TIME to find Vivi.
And we will.
Bonnie, Thank you for your comments....I just wanted to add. I cry tears for Vivi often. The only thing that gets me through it is. I Vision a huge Vivi reunion and all other {whippets}, along with all other dogs who have been rescued because she brought attention to this situation. Keeping the prayers going in Michigan. rosa
Thank you Bonnie for sharing that with us. Meeting you last Saturday during the search was an honor. I can't thank you enough for all you have done to help organize us. My heart has just been aching so much since the day poor Vivi went missing and being able to help search, to circulate flyers gives me some comfort, knowing we are doing all we can to make this story a happy ending. So thank you again Bonnie and I will see you again this coming Saturday for the next search.
*Keeping faith & hope alive hre in NYC*
Renee
(We love you Vivi)
MY HEARTFELT APOLOGIES TO ANYONE LISTENING WHO THINKS I WANT TO BICKER OR SECOND GUESS VIVI'S OWNERS. PLEASE BELIEVE THAT IS NOT ANYWHERE ON MY AGENDA. I AM EMOTIONAL BECAUSE I DEEPLY LOVE ALL ANIMALS AND I'VE BECOME AN OBSESSIVE "NUT" ABOUT VIVI'S PLIGHT.
I AM SO GRATEFUL TO SEE HER OWNERS COMMUNICATING PLAINLY AND OPENLY THIS MORNING...SECRECY MAKES PEOPLE FEEL LEFT OUT! WE'LL CONTINUE TO GIVE YOU ALL WE'VE GOT, BUT TALK TO US BECAUSE OTHERWISE INCORRECT INFO HAPPENS...I MISUNDERSTOOD AND THOUGHT THEY WERE TRYING TO PAY FOR A "PET DETECTIVE"; HENCE I PUT TOGETHER WHAT I COULD AND SENT IT. I VOLUNTEER TWICE A WEEK AT A NO-KILL SHELTER AND DONATE ANYTHING I CAN AFFORD TO RESCUE CAUSES ALWAYS, BUT I DO LIKE TO PICK WHO I DONATE
MY MONEY TO..TOUGH ON A FIXED INCOME AND I TRY TO DONATE WISELY WHERE I KNOW HOW THE DONATIONS ARE REALLY USED.
BAD WEATHER IS COMING TO NYC IN THE NEXT HALF DAY OR SO....SNOW (PREDICTED AMOUNTS VARY, COULD BE 3") AND ALSO FREEZING RAIN. I'VE BEEN WORRYING ABOUT JUST THIS FOR THE PAST 10 DAYS BECAUSE I HOPED THAT SOMEONE LIKE KAREN GOIN WOULD GET HERE BEFORE VIVI'S SCENT IS TOTALLY WASHED AWAY. I AM NO LONGER EXPECTING THAT TO HAPPEN, SO MAYBE I WON'T BE WOUND SO TIGHT!
GOD WORKS IN STRANGE AND MYSTERIOUS WAYS. I FEEL THAT THERE IS A LESSON THAT VIVI'S TEACHING US ALL HERE...IN A WORLD WITH CRUELTY AND KILLING EVERY HOUR, DEEP CARING, COMPASSION AND LOVE IS ALIVE AND WELL. WE ARE ALL STRANGERS BANDING TOGETHER TO FIND ONE LITTLE DOG THAT WE'VE ALL GROWN TO FEEL IS OUR LITTLE GIRL.
HEARTFELT THANKS TO BRIAN, BONNIE FOLZ AND EVERYONE WHO IS WORKING SO HARD TO HELP. THEY ARE ALL AMAZING AND WONDERFUL HUMAN BEINGS.
PLEASE, EVERYONE, CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR VIVI AND HER FAMILY.
IRENE WILSON
Well said Bonnie and Brian. My check was in the mail yesterday - no strings attached - as I said in another post: This whole Vivi thing makes me so sad. My heart goes out to Paul, Bo and Jil, and of course, Vivi. The owners are caught in a catch 22 it seems to me. If it weren't for the media attention, they would probably have less hope of finding Vivi, however, b/c of the media attention, they are open to more criticism from people than they would be otherwise, and that just adds salt to the wound. These are just regular folks like you and me who just want their dog back! I have nothing but respect for all involved in this search and I can't imagine the pain the owners are going through with the loss of their beloved pet, not to mention the stress from being and staying in the public eye for the sake of Vivi. While I'm sure they are eternally grateful for the attention, I'm sure it's exhausting at the same time. I'm also positive that they would love nothing more than to find their beloved pet, graciously thank everyone who helped - then quietly slip back to their lives and out of the public microscope. Do what you need to with my money folks, I trust you and you've been awsome with updating us. I know you want Vivi back more than anyone!
Terrie in Michigan
I DO KNOW we were told cost was an issue for the Pet Detective...
I DO know WE ALL want Vivi found ...
I DO KNOW most of us Donated because the Pet Detective sounded good...
I DO KNOW Brian is having a fund raiser so everyone can get smashed instead of looking for Vivi...
I DO KNOW many people feel like they were done wrong...
I DO KNOW I really do feel for Jil, Paul, and Bo ...
I DO KNOW one of them should be here...
I DO KNOW they did NOT ASK for the MONEY but we all thought this was for VIVI and not all the other dogs ...
I DO KNOW if VIvi is found people would NOT be mad for you giving the rest to a "Deserving Org."...
And I also DO KNOW that the focus should be on VIVI right now but the owners are not here. FOOT work is required not phone work...
I DO KNOW MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY AND VIVI and I just hope we get some answers as to their intentions soon...
Finally I DO KNOW THAT IF YOU THINK PEOPLE ARE BICKERING NOW... in a few days it's going to get worse . WE DO DESERVE TO KNOW WHATS GOING ON , SINCE OUR MONEY IS JUST MAKING IT MUCH EASIER FOR THEM TO DO WHAT THEY HAVE TO DO TO FIND VIVI...
I DO WONDER... when are they going to decide what they are going to do ...???? And tell us, the people who donated for VIVI not all the other dogs...????
I DO KNOW ALL OF US WANT ANSWERS...
Funny, I don't ever recall reading a post from Bo or Paul stating that they were not hiring a pet detective because it cost too much. I did, however, read that they were considering hiring a pet detective and I read that that the costs of searching for Vivi were mounting. It seems that someone on this very site took the initiative of contacting the pet detective and giving her the go ahead to contact Bo and Paul. Maybe some of you should examine your own agendas before you start questioning the motives of others. It would seem that some of you are putting a little more importance on what you want to happen rather than what is best for the situation.
i am ashamed at what this blog has become....we all love animals and our fight is with the terrible people out there that abuse them and could care less about them....here some of you are..questioning our motives..i just spoke with the owners and they are shocked at these responses...i dont know it all...i know what they tell me...right now they are looking into the pa giving access to a pet detective and another round of searches...we are planning a press confrence next week before the fundraiser...i have hired 3 pr firms to send out the press releases...i am in for over one thousand dollars already and you people are questioning everything...then get off your buts and help bonnie or me find this dog.....you think i want people to get smashed and thats the end all....the fund raiser is more about media awareness than money..if no one shows up we are still donating thousands to the cause,...the reason they keep talking about the money going to a rescue or shelter is so you know they are not looking to take anymore than needed...if there is left over funds they want it to go to the next poor soul who loses their dog...are you people saying you only care about one dog that is lost?...i dont remember anyone saying that they will only send money if karin is hired....as of right now karin can not get in to the airports restricted area...the pa gave 12 days and man power for this...they need to get a new deal with the pa before hiring anyone....how about karin in nyc..sitting in a hotel waiting for the ok...your money would be burning up by the day..if we all want her than lets hire her ourselves and go to the pa and tell them we are in charge here....think thats the move?...i am sorry that you think i am a know it all...i am just doing what i do best..like bonnie is doing ..and bobby the sray lady is doing...thats all we can do right now...if you dont want to come to the fundraise , i understand...but who are you spiting....vivi......brian
Hey everyone...how about we go at this whole thing from a different direction. Everyone knows people in NY. I can't tell you how many people I have talked to in the past week that still know nothing about this poor dog missing. How about we start telling everyone we know the current situation, that there is a fund set up and a fund raiser too. Lets start some chain emails that everyone loves to send and tell everyone the story and that there is still a great chance to find this dog if everyone can redirect. We need to hammer the news stations to advertise the search on Saturday and who knows, that may really be the thing that gets her home. Also, dig around from people you know and ask "who knows someone at the port authority that may be able to help people get into the area and assist them with the search. For organized searches of each building and area will require a PA person, that is going to cost money so I can bet some of these funds will be better spent there than getting the detective. They can be paid to help too! Another thing that would be great, how about starting a blog on tricks that could draw her out of hiding?
I agree with you, Brian. This blog has indeed become a sad thing. It started out as a place for us to meet and share our feelings, prayers and hopes for Vivi, Jil, Paul and Bo. Now, it seems that some have turned on those who need our support now more than ever. Why? Because monies selflessly donated may be spent on another dog that is also cold, lonely and hungry? Facing the same dangers and fears that our dear Vivi now lives with? Good for you, Cherie and Brian (and anyone else doing something positive). Way to get this thing back on track. Come on people, snap out of it!
No one is spitting on Vivi , so stop spinning . I have talked to many people about this and they wanted to give their hard earned $ to help with Vivis search. We are not forgetting about all the other dogs , many people do forget about them though ... But I'd rather worry about the dogs that are cold and homeless in my neighborhood. I sent money for Vivis search not other dogs. And you want us to get off our butts and come help find Vivi if we live 10 hours away ? more money that many of us don't have . I DO LOVE animals and only want Vivi to be found . I do share my prayers with her family very much , but can't you see where alot of us are like Hello , whats going on here? We all gave money with good intentions and now we are lost as to what else is going on . It's like giving someone a phone with a fully charged battery and then the phone doesn't work cuz the battery died. We don't have a clue and thats wrong to all the peolple who are pitching in to help, myself included since I am a Cancer Patient and ALL my money goes towards treatments. I just want to make sure that all $ needed goes to Vivi first . Then you can worry about all the other dogs and cats. So again this is not to judge anyone but to be fair many of us just want to know whats going on and when Chapter 2 begins?
Paul Lepiane, thank you for sharing so much with us today. We're with you, all of us, but sometimes emotions and frustrations get in the way.
Just "talk" to us whenever you can. We continue to pray, tell everyone we can to be alert, even in my area where I doubt Vivi will appear, I've put up as posters as possible.
If I lost my pet in your circumstances, I know it would take a tranquilizer dart to keep me under control.
You have all of our prayers...a lot of the "criticism" is venting of the frustrations we all feel because we cannot find what we all now feel is "our little girl."
Irene Wilson
CHERIE, I THINK YOU HAVE SOME REALLY GREAT IDEAS WORTH TRYING....I AGREE THAT SOME OF THE PA EMPLOYEES WOULD MOST CERTAINLY BE HELPFUL IF THEY WERE GIVBN AN "INCENTIVE"...
FEW DAYS AGO I ASKED IF ANYONE HAD CONNECTIONS TO ANY OF THE LOCAL TV/CABLE STATIONS. IF SOMEONE DOES, A "HUMAN INTEREST", FILL-IN TYPE STORY WOULD BE SO HELPFUL. PROBABLY THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO WORK AT JFK WHO KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THIS...I SERIOUSLY DOUBT THAT DELTA IS PUBLICIZING THIS OR DOING ANYTHING OF ANY VALUE.
LOVE THE BLOG ON "TRICKS" THAT PEOPLE KNOW TO LURE A DOG OUT.
LET'S PUT THE NEGATIVE ENERGIES INTO SOMETHING LIKE CHERIE IS SUGGESTING...PLEASE TELL US MORE.
IRENE WILSON
Yep,
Let's get positive again!
I totally agree. This site is suppose to be somewhere we can go to get updates on Vivi and where we can all talk it over. I don't know about you but I am really glad I have someone to talk to that is as concerned for Vivi as I am. We need to STOP all the negative comments and work together. If you don't like what is going on stop writing to all of us and complaining all the time. Vivi's family is trying their best. It is real easy to sit back and say I would do this or I would do that. If you don't want to go to the fundraiser, don't go. Stop telling us about it because in the end it is only hurting Vivi. Do you realize how much money and media attention this will attract. Just calm down and save all your negativity. To everyone who is helping, thanks so much for caring about Vivi. I know this is a hard time but we all need to pull together, not sit here and argue. What is that going to solve,(wasting a whole bunch of time,that's what) I have all the hope in the world for Vivi. You know the family needs our support and positive feedback so they don't lose hope. We will find Vivi, and until then we need to be there for each other and try to find ways to get her home. To the family of Vivi, we all are praying and hoping Vivi comes home soon. We are here for you. Thanks Brian and everyone else who has stayed postitive!
Please, Please....... We all want the same thing. We have all shed tears over this tragic situation or we wouldn't be so emotionally involved. For 12 days everyone worked together tirelessly to find Vivi. It's only when money came into it that we see division, anger and despair. None of these will help to find Vivi. If able/willing to donate dollars, I'm sure it will help in the ongoing search. If unable/unwilling to donate dollars, time and effort can still be spent to find her. Everyone has their own views, but I petition that we put them aside and don't lose sight of what has brought us all together in this cause. That's VIVI! Let's do the right thing.
To her owners -- I pray for you everyday (for comfort, strength and ultimately finding your beloved pet).
Bless all who care, pray, donate time or dollars. -Arlene
JUST A REALLY QUICK THOUGHT AND MAYBE IT MAKES NO SENSE 'CAUSE IT'S LATE AND I'M TIRED, BUT IF THERE IS APPRECIABLE SNOW HERE TOMORROW (FORECAST IS FROM 4" TO 7") WONDER IF IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE FOR TRACKS TO BE FOLLOWED....I KNOW THIS SNOW WILL BE TOUGH FOR VIVI, BUT MAYBE SOMEONE WOULD SEE DOG TRACKS IN ONE OF THE AREAS?
MAYBE I AM LOSING IT ALL TOGETHER...JUST REACHING FOR ANY WAY TO TURN A SNOW STORM IN A POSITIVE!
IRENE WILSON
as far as tv connections....i have hired 3 pr firms for this...they are tops in the local and national game.....robert zimmerman....todd shapiro ...and word hamton....today hundreds of press releases went out....they are working all the angles...this is my top priorty.....raising the money is second to the media effort....it is a vehicle to get the press back on the story....the more people see vivi ,,,the better chance she will be spotted and recognized....it also puts pressure on the pa and delta...its time a polotician stepped up and got behind this....dog people vote to.......brian
I'm sorry I don't live closer to the area to help everyday but for all of you that do this could help....there was a comment made on one of the websites I read that said two volunteers approached people working on JFK grounds for British Airways, they STILL knew nothing about the missing dog. (baffles me!!) How about flooding the employee parking lots in the area with VIVI reward flyers. More info may need to go on the flyer like she is most likely "ON AIRPORT GROUDS in one of the buildings" this may get those people engaged in hitting the buildings who have the right access and work there already, the places we can't get to. It may really need to be spelled out to these people, plain and simple!! Something like...we are 99% sure she is still on airport property, was seen near one of the old storage buildings, will most likely be hiding so you need to uncover the items in these warehouse buildings like boxes, look behind all equipment, she'll need to be lured out and is most likely hiding, etc. She is VERY SCARED. Not just that there is a missing dog out there that got lose from JFK. Dog lovers like us read everything we can and research all the details because dogs are purely why we live!! Other people, will go digging just for the REWARD, (we need to tel these people how to dig) especially if they are airport workers not making such a great salary! Also, I can sometimes call my dog until i'm BLUE in the face, sometimes food may not entice her but...that dumb little squeeky toy can get that dog moving down two flights of stairs in 5 seconds flat....we need to think creatively. She may need a few of Jils, Pauls or Bos scent left around the buildings where she will need to track a familiar scent. Not only is she lost, shes lost any scent of familararity too. Hope this helps everyone! Keeps up the good work! I hope to be there on SAT for the search efforts!!
Thought I'd interject some positive whippet survial news to this blog. After the first weekend that Vivi was missing and I saw that the temperature had gotten very low in the JFK area I asked one of the veterianarians who I work with what the chances were of a whippet surviving in that cold. He said as long as it had shelter out of the wind - and at this point he's talking "woods" or something like that, not even heated cargo buildings, that he thought that the chances were very good that a whippet in good shape could survive nicely. So, I believe whippets are tougher than we think, (I think my 8-year old one is) and since we believe she's hanging in better shelter than the "woods" we should all have reason to believe she's alive and well. Maybe the coming snow will give some tracks to follow as a few have mentioned. Thanks to everyone who is doing all the hard work. Those of us far away can only send money, watch, and wait. You all are so great and caring, thanks!
I emailed Animal Planet and suggested this search as a possible show topic and wrote (business letter, snail mail) to the CEO of Delta suggesting that they turn this search into a positive thing- be the heroes remembered for finding her instead of the villains remembered from losing her. Just thought that listing what I had thought of to publicize this might give someone else an idea.
RIGHT ON, CHERIE! SOMEONE WHO OWNED A WHIPPET ALSO MENTIONED A WEEK AGO THAT "THEY ALWAYS SEEM TO RESPOND TO A DUCK WHISTLE"...SOMETHING MAYBE THE OWNERS WOULD KNOW BUT COULD BE TRIED ON SATURDAY DURING THE SEARCH! MAYBE SHE WOULD HEAR IT FROM FAR AWAY IF SHE'S HIDING WHERE THE SEARCHERS CANNOT GO.
I HAD HOPED THAT DELTA WOULD HAVE FLOODED THE ENTIRE AIRPORT WITH JUST THE KIND OF NOTICE YOU ARE SAYING..ENTIRE AIRPORT, EMPLOYEE LOCKER ROOMS, EATING AREAS, REST ROOMS, PASSENGER WAITING AREAS, AND I AGREE THAT IT HAS TO SAY MORE THAN 'LOST DOG'. FOCUS ON THE FACT THAT SHE COULD BE RIGHT UNDER THEIR NOSES IN THE AIRPORT AND ALSO NOT TO CHASE HER...APPROACH HER WITH TURKEY SLICES OR WHATEVER SHE LIKES IF THE OWNERS FEEL THAT SHOULD BE TRIED.
DELTA IS A TOTAL LOSER FOR ALL THE REASONS WE ALREADY KNOW AND WE WILL DEAL WITH THEM WHEN VIVI IS HOME. I CANNOT WASTE MY ENERGY ON LOSERS AT THIS POINT. FAST FORWARD!
CAN'T WALK LONG DISTANCES YET DUE TO RECENT HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY AND JFK IS VAST. HAVE PUT INFORMATIVE POSTERS IN MY IMMEDIATE AREA...VETS OFFICES, PET FOOD STORES, CARD SHOPS, 2 SUPERMARKETS, BAKERY, BARNES & NOBLE, COFFEE SHOPS,
3 TAKE-OUT FOOD PLACES, ETC. MY CIVIC ASSOCIATION IS VERY AWARE OF VIVI'S PLIGHT.
DO BELIEVE THAT VIVI WILL ONLY "COME OUT" FOR THE VOICE OF ONE OF HER OWNERS, NOT A STRANGER, SO WE NEED TO PRAY FOR AN ACCIDENTAL MEETING TILL ONE OF THEM IS HERE AND JOINS THE SEARCH. LEAVING THE OWNERS' SCENTS IS ANOTHER GREAT IDEA.
CHERIE, YOU HAVE SO MANY GREAT AND COMMON SENSE IDEAS. THANK YOU FOR BEING THERE. WE'RE ALL EMOTIONALLY DRAINED AT THIS TIME AND IT HELPS SO MUCH TO "TALK" TO PEOPLE IN THE SAME PAIN.
WHAT WE WOULD HAVE DONE FOR VIVI BEFORE COMPUTERS/E-MAILS BECAME A PART OF OUR LIVES!
PLEASE, EVERYONE, CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR VIVI WHO'S NOW BECOME "EVERYBODY'S LITTLE GIRL".
IRENE WILSON
as far as duck calls and toys that make noise...we wish it would be that easy....the problem that i was told is whippets go ferel after 2 days.....the chances she would even respond to paul and jil are remote....vivi now trusts no one...survival has kicked in and it is her against the world....just to clear up the donation thing....the money will go to finding vivi...we are using the jfk shelter as the charity for legal issues...any left ove funds would then go to other dogs...paul himself was not comfortable reieving money direct...it is a conflict of intrest and can result in tax problems...since ther was no time to set up a new charity he accepted the donations...now were focusing on bobby and the strays as the charity for vivi...anytime money is in the oicture it gets messy.........brian
Here are some numbers to get some calls going: This is not to go against the owners but it worked for getting attention on Katrina animals.
Headquarters:
Delta Air Lines, Inc.
1030 Delta Boulevard
Atlanta, GA 30320-6001
Telephone
404-715-2600
______________
JFK Airlines Terminal Numbers
Delta
Dom (800) 221-1212
Int'l (800) 241-4141
Delta Connection
(800) 325-5205
_____________________
The Port Authority of NY & NJ | 225 Park Avenue South, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10003-1604 | 212.435.7000
_______________________
Kennedy International Airport
1-800-AIR-RIDE
Police/Emergency Services
T: 718-244-4333
Lost & Found
T: 718-244-4225/6
Medical Services
Building 198
T: 718- 656-5344
Airport information
T: 718- 244-4444
JFK Airport Retail Business Inquiries
Corporate Headquarters
The Port Authority of NY & NJ
225 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10003
T: 212-435-7000
Press Center
Public Affairs
The Port Authority of NY & NJ
225 Park Avenue South, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10003
T: MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY: 212 435-7777
Human Resources
The Port Authority of NY & NJ
225 Park Avenue South, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10003
T: 212-435-7000
People will keep talking about it if we bug them about it. Please don't be negative to them, just keep expressing concern....it will help!
THE CEO AT DELTA AIRLINES IS GERALD GRINSTEIN. SUGGEST ANYONE CALLING THE 404-715-2600 (EXECUTIVE HQS. FOR DELTA), ASK FOR MR. GRINSTEIN'S OFFICE. I SPOKE WITH THEM ABOUT 8 DAYS AGO AND WENT THROUGH 4 LAYERS OF SECRETARIES BEFORE I GOT TO ONE OF GRINSTEIN'S "EXECUTIVE ASST" (MARK WEAVER).
MR. WEAVER DID CALL ME BACK AND WAS DEFINITELY DEFENSIVE, BUT I MADE MY POINT AND ASKED FOR THEIR HELP. (BLAMED IT ALL ON THE CRATE VIVI WAS IN WHICH WAS NOT THEIRS!) TOLD THEM EVERYBODY UNDERSTANDS A SCREW-UP, IT'S WHAT THEY DO TO FIX IT THAT MATTERS...THEY COULD HAVE COME OF THIS LOOKING LIKE HEROES, BUT I THINK THEY TOOK THE OTHER ROAD.
MAYBE IT IS TIME TO RATTLE THEIR CAGE AGAIN!
IRENE WILSON
GOOD NEWS FIRST...CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW BABY DAUGHTER, BRIAN! MANY YEARS FROM NOW, YOU CAN TELL HER ABOUT OUR SEARCH FOR VIVI AND HOW MANY PEOPLE TRULY CARED.
I'VE LEARNED SO MUCH FROM EVERYONE...DIDN'T KNOW THAT EVERY BREED OF DOG IS SO DIFFERENT FROM ANOTHER. PERHAPS 'CAUSE THE 3 DOGS I'VE HAD IN MY LIFE WERE ALL FOUND ON THE STREET. THOUGH ALL OF THEM WERE FOUND STARVING,2 WERE HURT AND THEY HAD BEEN SURVIVING ON THEIR OWN, IN ALL CASES THEY DID RELUCTANTLY APPROACH US AND IN 2 CASES JUMPED INTO OUR CAR WITH LITTLE PROMPTING. WE (AND THEY) WERE LUCKY THAT THEY HAD NOT LOST ALL FAITH IN HUMANS!
THEY WERE ACTUALLY ALL PURE BRED DOGS...A COCKER SPANIEL, GERMAN SHEPHERD AND A NORWEGIAN ELK HOUND.
MAYBE I STILL HAVE AN UNREALISTIC PICTURE IN MY HEART OF "LASSIE"...I HAVE TO STAY POSITIVE.
I DO PRAY THAT VIVI WILL RESPOND TO HER FAMILY'S CALL...SOMEHOW I THINK SHE'S REAL BUSY SURVIVING, BUT IN MY HEART I DO FEEL SHE VERY MUCH REMEMBERS THEM AND IS WAITING.
PRAY FOR HER EVERYONE.
IRENE WILSON
I wonder what excuse Mr.Weaver has for the eight week old puppy shipped from JFK to Montana on 2/27/05, who did not arrive as scheduled. This puppy was found at another airport in the cargo area still in its crate 24 hrs. later. I guess that too was the owner's fault. I think the next time I fly, any other air carrier, but Delta will be my choice.
Correction to the above comment. The puppy was shipped on 2/27/06, via Delta airlines from JFK to Montana and did not reach it's destination on schdule. Only after the owners spent many frustrating hrs. (24 hrs.) of fighting with Delta airlines, did Delta acknowledge that the puppy had been found at an airport in a diffenrent state. The puppy was located in a cargo area still in it's origianl crate. After this terrible ordeal, Delta offered the shipper compensation in the amount of $176.00, the original amount of their shipment cost. The owner's of the puppy, thank goodness, received their puppy alive but, not even an apology from Delta.
WAS JUST FANTASIZING ON HOW GREAT IT WOULD BE TO BE ABLE TO PUT THE CEO OF DELTA AIR LINES (GRINSTEIN) IN A CRATE, SHIP HIM ON DELTA AND HAVE HIM WIND UP IN SOME GODFORESAKEN DESTINATION NEVER TO BE FOUND AGAIN...I WISH!
IRENE WILSON