Animal House

Denise,
Thank you so much for keeping everyone posted. I was with the searchers today (Saturday) and was amazed, going into neighborhoods, to find people who'd never heard of Vivi and her predicament. I wish more people read "Newsday." I wish more papers would at least keep a small column with updates. Thanks again for your efforts.

Melanie Coronetz
member of DWAA (Dog Writers Assoc. of America)

my name is brian rosenberg i am a public relations and marketing v.p. at the garden city hotel on long island.....i have been following this story since day 1 and have been in touch with bonnie...it is key to keep this story alive...vivi will only be found when she lets us find her ..but it will take some one who knows the story to recognize her ..the media will loose intrest unless we keep feeding the press machine with current info...at some point delta must answer the question...what happened and why didnt you deploy 100 employees to look for vivi..this will make the papers..i am willing to handle the p.r. stradegy for camp vivi....i have a 3 year old whippet and 4 year old greyhound at home...bravo denise flaim..this blog keeps our prayers alive...thank god dogs are smarter than humans..she is alive because of her survival skills....we would not survive 3 days in the wild....keep the faith vivi we are here for you...brian

Did anyone ask this limo driver if he saw a coat on this white dog, I was under the impression Vivi had on a black coat. In other words was he able to give any detailed discriptions. I think the whippet featurs realy stand out, I get comments on my whippet all the time from people who are not familure with the breed. I would think something else besides white dog would have caught this man's attention, please if anyone knows any more I'd like to know. Rosa from michigan

Let's give Vivi's family some credit. These people lost their dog in another state. I would be horrified. They have homes, family and jobs. They all seem to be taking turns being here, it must be incredible hard. It dosn't mean they love their dog any less, they are doing the best they can, we need to support the decisions they make and keep praying for them. I still choose to think Vivi is in a warm cargo. Having a whippet myself, I know how they like warmth, I can't blame her if she is choosing the warmth rather than rooming around. I pray this is infact the reality. I am praying a novena everyday. After all this is said and done, Vivi will be are mascot for all lost pets and something good will come out of this. Love and prayer's Rosa

Denise, Thanks so much for all of the accurate information you are giving us. I found your article before I had made contact with Bo, the breeder. He gave me the website of: www.awc2006.com. in order to keep up with the search updates. I check both of your sites daily. It seems to me eventually she will be found. Though they seem like fragile creatures, I have an 8-year old whippet myself, they are amazingly tough and smart...and great hunters. Please keep writing so people are aware of Vivi's plight. Terrie from Wisconsin.

Denise~ Thank you SO MUCH for keeping us up to date! I check your site two times daily as well as the site Bo sent us. My heart and soul deeply ache for Vivi and we are sending prayers every day. I am trying to think how my whippet would react if this happened and I just cannot bear to think of Vivi scared and alone.

Hang in there, beautiful girl! We're all with you in spirit.

I went out this morning with my friend David (his first day on active Vivi duty)to check out the Cargo area A and lot , as assigned by Bonnie. We also drove slowly through the airport, then out along the rockaway Ave area to post some more flyers. We got 4 establishments to accept postings, including a 24 hour laundromat on Rocakway and Burnside AND the Dunkin Donuts on the corner of Burnside and Rockaway. David has asked for and spoke to the manager, she let us post 2 (back to back) on the door; it got tremendous attention, and that store is like Grand Central Station on a Sunday morning....
Yes, this story must be kept alive, people forget and lose interest quickly, I have met many people who are sympathetic but they are under the impression that "it's so long that dog is gone...starved"..whatever. Plus many who believe that she was stolen out of her crate ar the airport , all of this adds up to "why bother". There's interest in the reward especially by "non-animal" people.

Somebody Tuesday night (Bonnie?) told me about a whippet that survived a snowy winter in Vermont. That gives me hope, and we have mentioned it to all the people who assume it's "too late" I for one, never knew that the empty cargo buildings at the airport were heated (or that there were so many) Could food be left in the cargo area anyway just in case she's too cold/weak/frightened to trek to and from the marshes ??

I want the limo driver to have seen Vivi, but like the other person I'm very worried because "little white dog" is vague. Besides the cargo, we saw many surrounding neighborhood areas where she could easily disappear and hide..... Please: remember prayers, energy, "white light", St.Jude, Francis, Anthony WHATEVER/WHOEVER !

Thank God for this website.I check it several times a day.Everynight when I go to bed I just cry,just thinking Vivi is out there all by herself.I pray Vivi will show herself,that she knows people are trying to help.I am also worried just like with the story of Poetry,what if someone does see her when the family leaves,she will probably not go to anyone but them.What will happen?Thanks to everyone in New York who is keeping the story alive.If you are not an animal lover you have no idea what they can survive.We cannot give up on Vivi,we cannot let go.When you think there is no hope,something will happen if we hang in there.Love you Vivi,and to the family stay strong and never loose hope(Vivi would do the same)
I have e-mailed Delta and am tring to do anything I can from so far away.

My greatest appreciation goes out to all the volunteers and to you Denise for keeping us up to date. My heart goes out to Vivi and her family. I couldn't imagine being in their position. I hug my 2 whippets everyday and tell them how much I love them. Knowing that Vivi is out there somewhere by herself, scared and cold kills me. Please keep this story alive until she is happily reunited with her family. NEVER GIVE UP!
Note: The following is an email I sent to Delta: I understand that Vivi the whippet that is lost at JFK was to board a Delta flight when she got out of her crate and ran off. I am VERY DISTURBED about this situation and would like to know what Delta is
doing in regards to locating her. This animal is a family member that cannot survive in the cold or on her own. If Delta is not able to take care of family members and guarantee a safe journey then I have to wonder if I trust flying Delta at this point. I hope all measures possible are being enacted to find Vivi and that the search is not stopped until she is found. Please let me know what Delta is doing with regards to this
situation. Thank you.
Here is their response: Thank you for your e-mail to Delta Air Lines. We do everything possible to provide safe transportation for our customers' pets. Great emphasis is placed on the efficient and proper treatment of the pet, and all individuals involved receive detailed instructions on how to care for the animal. We know that our customers'
pets are very important to them, and it is a priority to ensure the pets' comfort and safety.
We appreciate your interest in Delta Air Lines.
Sincerely,
Lenolia Ewing
Online Customer Support Desk
http://www.delta.com

As far as I'm concerned, it wasn't even worth reading. They wouldn't even address the situation. Very disappointing. No flying Delta for me, they lost my business.

now that camp vivi is leaving we need to hire a pet detective to take over.....the reward money is big enough for people to care....we need to spend this money on professionals who do this for a living...the port authority should give them access to the restricted parts of the airport...if vivi is found in the spring or summer i am afraid she will be a totally different dog by then and she will have to adjust all over again at home....if she meets up with a pack then she will become a different dog for sure.....lets do s fund raise at the gardencity hotel where i am a vice president..this will also keep the story alive...i will foot the bill.....lets hurry brian rosenberg

Brian I am in Indianapolis,but am willing to do whatever it takes to get Vivi home. I am willing to contribute to this fund for the PI.In the comments yesturday there was a lady who knew a PI in Calf.(Karen)what do we need to do?I tried to reach the site with the address the posted(www.missingpetspi.com?)but it could not be located.If you read the comment just posted it said the family is consisering hiring a PI,at this point what harm can it do.If you have any ideas let me know.Or if you talk to Bonnie and she has any ideas let me know. I have family and friends I could get to chip in also,whatever it takes to find Vivi.Thanks for your concern,we all need to work together.

I live in England and have been following this story since day one. It was
carried in the Sunday Telegraph today, one of the UK's major newspapers.
The article focused on the use of psychics, and quoted Vivi's owners from
10 days ago. I was very disturbed by the last 2 sentences of the piece. It
reports that " Bobbi Giordano, who runs the airport dog shelter, said dozens
of pets escaped while in transit at JFK airport. 'We feel terrible about this
show dog. But lost dogs are nothing new to us here.'"

Dozens? Either crates are being dropped or someone is opening them.
Certainly, without opposing thumbs, the dogs are not releasing themselves.
Perhaps the use of cable ties (which are easily cut in an emergency) should
be mandatory when shipping pets. They are easily obtainable and cheap
enough by the bagful. The VariKennels could have 2 or 3 predrilled holes
where the ties could be laced through and then into the mesh of the door for a
secure closing. I know this will not help Vivi now, but with the number
of dogs flying all over the country (and the world) this would, presumably,
cut those "dozens" down in size. I speak from experience...I flew 15 dogs
from Hawaii to England in 1994, without so much as a hiccup. I was
wondering, having read that the airport workers pursued Vivi in a truck
for 3 miles, has the area where the chase ended been thoroughly investi-
gated? Did they chase her in a circle around the cargo area, or did they
chase her to the perimeter fence and lose her? I wish I could help. Bo's
sentiments regarding all the other little dogs who have lost their way,
struck a very emotional cord, all the more so considering the "dozens"
referred to in the Telegraph article.

Joan Luria

JUST WANTED TO SAY FROM THE Q AND A ON THIS SITE IT SAYS THE OWNERS ARE CONSIDERING A PET DETECTIVE ... ALL I CAN SAY IS THATS AWESOME. THEY WILL BE HAPPY WITH THE RESULTS... LOOK AT KARIN GOINS REPUTATION , SHES BEEN MANY SHOWS AND RECENTLY ON TODAY (I THINK ) THE MORNING SHOW. IT SAYS ON HER SITE MISSINGPETSPI.COM. IT WILL NOT BE A MISTAKE TO HIRE HER AT ALL. I HAD A GOOD FEELING WHEN I READ THIS AND KNOW IT WILL BRING BACK VIVI. I KNOW THIS FROM USING A PET DETECTIVE ONCE A FEW MONTHS AGO THE OUTCOME WAS MY DOG WAS FOUND, IN A TOTAL DIFFERENT DIRECTION THEN WE THOUGHT SHE WAS IN . BIG QUESTION IS WILL PORT AUTHORITY LET KARIN GO WHERE SHE NEEDS TO GO . MY ANSWER IS I DON'T KNOW, BUT IF THEY KNOW SHE'S ON TO SOMETHING THEY BETTER LET HER IN . THEY HAVE TO TELL THEMSELVES OK SHE DOES THIS AND SHES A PRO LETS JUST LET HER DO WHAT SHE NEEDS TO DO SO THIS DOG CAN GO HOME AND WE CAN BE DONE WITH THE SITUATION . SO PLEASE JIL, PAUL AND BO HIRE HER SO WE ... YES THE WHOLE WORLD CAN BE HAPPY FOR YOU AND VIVI. WWW.MISSINGPETSPI.COM. PLEASE CALL HER , AND NO I DON'T WORK FOR THIS LADY OR ANYTHING I HAVE TALKED TO HER THOUGH AND SHE HAS HER OWN APPROACH AND KNOWS SHE CAN FIND YOUR DOG !!! IF SOMEONE SAID THAT TO ME AND I KNEW THEY COULD, YOU BET YOUR BEHIND I'D BE ALL OVER IT. PLEASE CALL HER .

To my fellow Vivi friends,

I'm sorry I haven't posted my story regarding the Saturday Search Party sooner but last night I came home emotionally drained with a skull splitting migraine still feeling so helpless that we couldn't find Vivi and knowing the temperatures were going to drop down to nearly "zero" with the wind chills. I continued checking all the various Vivi websites every few minutes, watching every news channel, praying for some word on her. I also made the mistake of watching Vivi's online dog show video (on the Westminster Dog Show website). I ended up breaking down in tears of course.

Well I arrived at the Vetport at JFK airport Saturday morning at 7:30am, I was a half hour early for the search, which was scheduled at 8am. Shortly after my arrival another searcher (Judy) arrived. We bonded while waiting for the rest of the group to arrive. Bonnie, the organizer of the search, is truly and amazing person. She did a wonderful job of filling us all in on the latest details and breaking us into teams of two and assigning us areas to "search" and "watch". Some of the volunteers searchers brought their own Whippets along to help out. I got to make friends with five different beautiful Whippets, it was fabulous. Judy and I headed out to our first "watch" location, then continued on to a large number of various locations, watching, searching everywhere and anywhere possible. The "needle in a haystack" term definitely rang true. That's exactly how we felt. There just weren't enough of us searching to possibly begin to cover all of the territory, but we tried our hardest. At one point Judy and I ventured to Hamilton Beach hoping to get a good view of the marshy area where Vivi's pawprints were found. We literally crawled over the large rocks and then squeezed under the "A" train bridge. I'm nearly 6 feet tall and the space under the bridge was about 3 feet high so it was a little tricky but luckily we made it. We took turns watching with binoculars for awhile, but we had to make our way back since we weren't sure what time the tide would rise and we feared getting trapped out on the rocks.

Later on we came across a partially open lot near British Airways cargo that had dozens and dozens of stray cats running all around us. We searched around for Vivi, thinking it might be possible she would hide out near there since there were tons of cans of cat food that people had left for the cats. I wished I could have rescued all the poor stray cats, it was breaking my heart to see them all out there in the freezing cold weather and howling winds. We continued searching, we managed to get access to *many* places I never imagined possible. There was one point that we were quite literally a few feet from a runway, not to mention a *huge* plane that was being fueled. Although I have to admit it was very disappointing to realize that many people that work right there on the runway and cargo areas don't even know about Vivi. We gave a flyer about her to one of the security guards, he looked baffled, said he hadn't heard anything about it until we just told him. But hopefully the efforts made by Bonnie and al the searchers will help spread the word, which will ultimately increase the odds of someone eventually spotting and more importantly "recognizing" Vivi and bringing her to safety. Bo (Viv's breeder) and Paul (one of her owners) stopped by the search party camp, so we had the opportunity to meet them. They thanked us all for coming out in the cold to help out and expressed how much they appreciated it. We searched from 8am until about 4:30pm, it was a long day but well worth every single moment. If there are more searches I will most definitely be there, willing and ready. I, like most of you, have slept fitfully and continue to cry and worry throughout each day and night, thinking of poor Vivi. I keep her in my thoughts, prayers and in my heart, always.

Keeping hope and faith alive here in New York,
Renee Polgar

I do NOT feel hiring an expensive Pet Detective is the way to go. The critical time has passed in the use of using scent animals considering the length of time and the environment at the airport; marsh, tidal waves, traffic, pattern of a lost person or animal in going in circles, etc. I know of no one who would attempt this after this long and under these conditions who is credible. If it was this simple we would not have anyone or animal missing, who someone wanted to find bad enough and if they had the financial resources. This has now moved into a long term situation, but with higher success in comparison to a child who is missing or abducted.

How people can contribute is to help or donate to their local animal rescue by giving of their time, money and helping those animals be reunited with their owners. Scan the lost and found ads in your community, scan the lost and found ads in your state and the surrounding states for a possible match. Dogs can travel a considerable distance from home, be picked up, transported, then escape again with the owner ever realizing to look several states away when the animal is picked up.

Help make microchipping all animals at birth be mandatory, make it mandatory each shelter and rescue organization scan for the microchip. Education is the key to stop the missing, stolen and underground market for these dogs. It is essential there be one clearing house for missing, stolen, lost and found pets in the United States.

Right now a family can spend considerable time and money in running all these ads in all the various locations (internet, newspapers, flyers, etc.) to never see their dog has been found, since the finder didn't post to the same site of the owner. Not everyone has access to the internet or to the papers who take in lost animals.

But, if they knew to take the dog to be scanned, it would save considerable time and effort in reuniting pets with their owners. If you have found a stray pet, the first thing is to take it to have the micro chip scanned free at a vet clinic or rescue organization to be able to find the breeder and owner. People move failing to update the information on file for the microchip, if the breeder information had to be retained, then they would be responsible for the care of the animal.

If you want to surrender your animal -- please do it responsibly versus dumping them. It is very difficult, if not impossible of knowing which pet has been dumped versus the one who is lost, missing or stolen!! All breeders need to take back all animals they have bred, produced and sold to reduce irresponsible placement, overcrowded conditions at shelters, and the number of animals being put down as they are no longer cute or wanted.

Rescue and shelters need to start taking in all pets without the additional burden or threat of the animal being put to sleep in so many days. They need to contact the breeder if the owner no longer wants the pet they produced and profited from.

I know of two friends who found dogs, took them to their local humane society or vet, then forced to pay for shots, boarding; to only go get the dog after 3-7 days and find the dog a new home themselves when they couldn't keep them and didn't want to chance the dog being put down. Both had taken in to many strays already to take in another one.

Everyone is not going to have the media exposure which has been given to Vivi. Not everyone is going to be able to afford to stay as long as they have stayed in a city that far from their home this long. They are not going to have the friends who are going to be able to take off work and help with massive searches in a strange city.

We need to consider and address a long term fix of this problem, so all pets are found and returned to their owners and so there is a universal way of tracking these pets. We need to make airlines be responsible, especially Delta. We can track packages across several countries, but have no means of tracking a living pet!! We can track cell phone useage, but not a pet!!! We need to move with the technology, so Vivi and her owners, breeder, friends and the community never have to be placed in this situation again.

Emily

I do Not agree with Emily at ALL . A pet detective could help very much . And in this situation it would just make sense. They are willing to give a $5,000 reward and so why not hire a pet detective , since no one has seen Vivi or found her . Please read her website before assuming she can't do this ... she's done cases after a few months and had success. Thanks Denise for keeping us updated.

Sorry to anyone who wanted to look at that website for the Detetive . It's www.missingpetpi.com. Not missing pets , missing pet.

Sorry to anyone who wanted to look at that website for the Detective . It's www.missingpetpi.com. Not missing pets , missing pet.

Thanks for the clarification Lisa. I e-mailed Brian (from the Garden City Hotel,comment above) I am trying to find out what we can do next to get the pet detective out there for Vivi. I totally disagree with the comment from Emily. Obviously she has given up but that isn't the way the rest of us feel. It is way too early, there is still hope. Brian is in contact with Bonnie and hopefully we can connect with the owners to try another route. Thanks for all the support and I feel we will be able to get Vivi home if we all pull together.Vivi is worth it, she needs us!! and of coarse we are all concerned with all of the missing pets across the US. I just found the homes of two labs that ran away last weekend.I feel I should put just as much effort into Vivi. Like I was telling Brian last winter someone dumped a Fox Terrier out in the country where my partents live.He would not come to anyone, but we didn't give up.He also could hunt as well. We finally put out some live traps and several days later he was caught.My parents now have him and we have named him "Trapper". This gives me hope for Vivi.Dogs are very smart and I want to try everything we can to get Vivi home.Thanks to everyone for not giving up,we need to keep up the news.

Thank you for this site to keep the public informed of the search for the whippet Vivi. I would like to add my condolences to her owners and breeder. They must not give up hope that she will be found. I hope that they will consider using the pet detective at www.missingpetpi.com. She appears to be well qualified and has had personal experience on losing a dog for months. I imagine everything possible has been done especially with the strict security regulations which, it appears to me, make searching the airport very difficult. However she may have ideas on procedures that others have not thought of. I do hope her owners will consider this option. I with my four greyhounds hope and pray constantly that Vivi is sighted and reunited with her owners very soon. I, for one, will never travel by Delta Airlines ever again.

What if someone, perhaps, could design "Team Vivi" shirts, or something like that and sell them on Cafe Press or similar and ALL proceeds could go to the pet detective?

I am not in a position to do this, but can certainly buy a few shirts....I would be willing to sell them out here in CA...being a licensed veterinary technician, I have access to hundreds of clinics and pet-lovers....

www.nyc.gov/mayor

This website has info as to how to send a message to the mayor asking him if he would allow greater access to the cargo areas. Due to my firewall, my message will not go through.

I took the advice of past writers, I have emailed Delta the following:
Dear Delta,
I am writing to say that I have heard about the story of the lost Whippet "Vivi" and I am VERY CONCERNED. I feel that Delta should make a public statement and organize a search effort because Vivi was lost on YOUR watch! It has been difficult for non airport personnel to get access to the airport, therefore your airline should be searching. There are many people out there who have heard this story and are no longer going to fly your airline because of it. I really think its time for you to stand up and take responsibility for your actions.

I will also be emailing the mayor. I dont have whippets, I have a Bouvier & Weimaraner and I would be a basket case if this had happened to them. I encourage everyone to write to the mayor and Delta. Every email counts. It will only help us get closer to fining Vivi.
Denise you are great to keep everyone posted. My greatest fear is that the press will stop reporting and people will forget. Thank You so much!

I also just emailed Delta, here is what I wrote to them:
I, along with MANY other animal lovers are truly disgusted at your lack of concern regarding Vivi, the Whippet that was lost 12 days ago due to your airlines mishandling. I have taken part in volunteer searches along with other concerned and compassionate people who want to do anything possible to locate Vivi. You not only need to continue searching but you also need to inform ALL employees of Vivi. As I found out during our volunteer search on Satuday many of the security guards did not even know about it. Truly unacceptable. Please do more for Vivi and her family and for all of us that are worrying sick about this. If you fail to take responsibilty and/or fail to make finding Vivi a top priority then I can assure you that I along with everyone I know will no longer use Delta. The word is spreading quickly about this horrific story and I will continue to spread the word until action is taken by Delta.

A very concerned animal lover in NYC,
Renee Polgar

I am awaiting word from Brian to find out what I can do next. I did e-mail Delta and the Mayor on this situation. If you go to the website given above and then go to the side where you can contact the Mayor click on that and scroll to the bottom if the page,you will find a link to click on his e-mail. We all need to respond so Vivi will have hope. I am praying for the family and for Vivi. I know how heart broken I am, I could only imagine how the family feels.We need to come together for Vivi. Hang in there Vivi we will find you. I will do whatever I can to assist the family in the safe return of Vivi.

HAS ANYONE SPOKEN WITH KARIN GOIN (THE PET DETECTIVE). IF SO, IS SHE INTERESTED IN TAKING ON THIS JOB? I EMAILED HER BUT HAVEN'T RECEIVED A RESPONSE. I WILL PHONE HER MONDAY MORNING.

To reiterate Terrie from Wisconsin's above comments, everyone should go
to the American Whippet Club's website for updates from Bo Bengtson ( Vivi's
breeder, whippet judge, magazine editor, author and journalist), or his
representative. It's www.awc2006.com.

Joan Luria

Spoke with Exective Assistant to (Gerald Grinstein) CEO of Delta Airlines 10 minutes ago. He has promised me a call back by the end of today with the info I've requested on search for Vivi. Took a calm and non-threatening approach, but advised him that the last thing Delta needs right now is adverse publicity and that's what they are going to get. Suggested that they have a potential public relations nightmare here, but if they work with us step up to the plate NOW, they could look like heros!

Told him the entire country is watching and I, personally, at the moment intend to never set foot on another Delta flight in my life....asked him to please help me change my mind!

Reiterated that time is of the essence and VIvi is alive and waiting for more help from Delta..her life was put in their hands and just what are they doing about it....be visible!

Will advise what they reply....I am heartbroken, but the frustrating part of it is to do nothing...I am trying to do all I can.

If anyone feels they would like to speak directly with the CEO's office, they can call 404-715-2600 and go through the barrage of "secretaries" till you fight your way through to the top!

Please pray with me for Vivi!
Irene Wilson

My thoughts and prayers continue to be with Vivi. I'm sorry I was unable to volunteer personally in the searches (I'm in Wisconsin), but God bless all who have helped in so many ways.

I remain convinced the pet detective Karin is the best option, and should be pursued as quickly as possible. Karin would undoubtedly have the expertise that is needed in this situation. She's reputable, and has a high success rate.

Waiting for Vivi to be spotted seems harsh; it puts the burden on Vivi. She may not even be able to put in an appearance; it may be beyond her control to be spotted. It's imperative to remain proactive rather than reactive.

I do hope the owners will set up a donation fund for Vivi's rescue costs.

Thank you Denise, and Brian and all the other wonderful and good-hearted people who are keeping this alive. I know Vivi is waiting to be found, and you all are inspiring with your ideas I read here.

I'm heartsick to know that Vivi's owners and breeder have gone back to California and poor Vivi is still here...somewhere.
While I'm trying to understand that they "needed" to go back to CA, I know I could never hop on a plane and go 3000 miles away from a pet that I loved.
I emailed Karin in the hope that she would contact Paul, Jil and Bo if they hadn't contacted her.
It seems to me that if Vivi's family isn't going to pay for a pet detective there's a whole bunch of caring people on this site and around the world who'd contribute their pennies to help recover Vivi. Many tears have been shed by all of us who don't even know Vivi, but genuinely care.
Let's hope Karin gets involved in all this.
Barbara

Hello Everyone: Karin is currently in touch with Vivi's owners. I personally spoke w/ Karin today and she really knows her stuff. She has special government clearances for search and rescue. If they decide to move forward w/this plan, they will probably need assistance paying for her services. To date, I haven't heard of a fund set up by a charity. The money should be filtered through a charity with a designated tax ID#. I have a good feeling about Karin and her abilities, but it's up to her owners now.

Hello,
I believe today’s posting from Bo states that he is looking into setting up a “Vivi Search Fund” and he will be posting additional information soon. Please put your energies / monies into something positive like this rather than the barrage of phone calls and emails to Delta. Paul, Jil and Bo are still working with Port Authority and Delta to continue to search the restricted areas of JFK while they are back in California. Even though it is done with the best of intentions, please do not let your continued communications with Delta jeopardize their already fragile relationship.

Laurie Great Job!!! I hope she gets a go ahead soon. I can't imaginge Vivi's family saying no. I am ready to donate to the cause as soon as I am able to get any information. Praying like crazy for Vivi. Thank God for such wonderful people all around the world. Rosa from Michigan

Thank you for the post Laurie. It gives me hope.

I certainly hope Vivi's owners will hire Karin right away. I've stated here (as have so many others), that I'm more than willing to contribute. I think it's critical this is done in a timely fashion, and that an organized donation charity be set up.

As I believe has previously been mentioned, the $5,000 or $6,000 (not sure which it is at present) reward monies would be well spent on hiring Karin.

I also hope the owners will utilize Brian's media knowledge.

My prayers continue for Vivi.

Thanks to everyone for their love and support.It is nice to know that their are others out there who don't even know Vivi are willing to help.Like I have posted before I will do whatever I can to help. Like Brian has mentioned now Delta knows how we all feel lets see if they will get the job done,we don't want to scare them away. I too am heart broken to think of poor Vivi all alone by herself.From the update from Bo today I sounds like he will try whatever he can to get her home. Everybody keep on praying and we all need to stay in touch and NOT give up so we can find her. I will keep checking the updates to see what the family wants us to do next. I'm really hoping Karin can help. We need to keep this story alive no matter how many days it takes until Vivi is home. Animals are very smart and special to alot of us,and they also can suprise people as to what the can survive. Hang in the Vivi,we love you!

I, like many of you have shed tears for this poor little girl "Vivi" and her family. Being a Whippet owner and former veterinary technician, I can really feel for everyone involved, knowing the possible outcomes of this tragedy. I hope and pray that Vivi is safe and warm and is found by good people very soon. If there is another search set up (which I assume will be if there is another sighting), I would be willing to come and help, although I am not at all familiar with that area of NY. As others mentioned, I pictured how I would feel to lose one of my Whippets when flying them (I had those fears when flying my dogs a few years back, thankfully they were fine)I just get sick thinking about a Whippet out in such cold, frigid and windy extremes.
Please let Vivi be found safe and sound! We love you Vivi!

Ok everyone they now have a fund set up :

Donations go to : Paul Lepiane
For : Vivi fund
Po Box 479
Ojai, California 93024
All funds not used for Vivis search will go to a deserving rescue org.
If everyone keeps their word and pitches in a little $ looks like they are going to HIRE KARIN GOIN : Pet Detective , hopefully to find Vivi . Source www.awc2006.com

Thank you, Lisa, for posting the above address. My check is already in a stamped envelope and will be in the mail box within 30 minutes!

Time is the enemy right now...Thank God, we have not had more snow here in NY...yet.

I continue to pray and hope that Vivi can hold on just a little bit longer.....
Irene Wilson

Same here,my check will get in the mail today. We *HAVE* to act fast, every precious minute of each day that passes decreases the chances of poor Vivi's survival. I have been crying every day and night worrying about her. Please, please everyone, HURRY. We have to do this as quickly as possible. It's still extremely cold here in NY right now so time is *definitely* a factor.

*praying for Vivi*
Renee

Just wanted to let everyone know that I posted the Vivi fund information on another site with a lot of Vivi lovers, so hopefully they will spread the word too and contribute. Here is the link for the other site, there are some very beautiful posts, I was crying as I read them:
http://www.newyorkology.com/cgi-bin/no_spam_please.cgi?entry_id=2020

-Renee

THANK YOU for the donation information -- my check is going out in the mail today. I think the pet detective is the best chance we have. Perhaps people can do some fund-raising in their communities to help raise more funds for the search. Let's NOT let this story die down! Keep talking to everyone you can about it, and keep praying for a happy outcome. Please, everyone, donate something -- even if it's just a small amount.

I've posted the donation information on several sites, including craigslist NYC. I've also contacted several NYC media outlets (newspapers and tv stations) with the information. Hopefully this new development will encourage the media to return to the story and keep interest high.

Here is some information on pet detective Karin Goin -- how she became a pet detective:

Losing Jack and Finding a new life
How I became a Pet Detective.
By Karin Chockley Goin

I certainly didn’t know it was destiny calling on that stormy night two years ago. From the first clap of thunder, I knew something had happened to my dear friend Jack. Little did I know this awful night would forever change my life and what I had planned for my future.

When I moved to Oklahoma, the ranch I purchased had two free wheeling country dogs living on it. They belonged to no one and they felt they not only owned the place but ran it, too. One of the dogs was a heeler cross and we became buds and compatriots. It was an unlikely match. As a K9 search and rescue handler I was used to obedience and working together with my canine companions. Jack, as I called him, did not do anything obedient and would allow some petting and companionship when he was not busy chasing rabbits or moles all over the countryside. He elected to stay living at the ranch and he made it clear that we should feel lucky he decided to stick around. I have to admit I was glad he did. He became my friend and I never felt I owned or controlled what he did.

In February of that first year, we had the worst storm I have ever experienced. At the first clap of thunder, I had a spontaneous vision of Jack trying to cross the river. I knew right away that something had happened. My family thought I was crazy as I ran up and down the pastures in gale force winds and rain, screaming for him. This was Jack, the country dog, he knew his way around storms and thunder and lightning but I knew somewhere deep inside me that he was in trouble.

He didn't show up for dinner and I spent most of the night driving, hiking and calling for him. He was not on the porch the next morning and I woke with a grief and panic unlike anything I have ever experienced. I had lost family members and friends but I had never experienced the grief and depression I was feeling that morning. I was inconsolable and unable to do anything, including look for him.

When my thoughts began to clear I realized, I was a licensed private investigator with a trained search dog and I had no idea how to find my missing friend. My search and rescue dog had been trained not to ever follow the scent of an animal and his training held; he would only look for people not Jack. I was a mess and did not know what to do beyond the “normal stuff everyone does”. I did not find Jack and I was convinced that he had been killed in the river trying to scamper back to the ranch house.

That night opened my eyes, and everything I had ever done or learned had prepared me for the change I was about to make, however at the time it was the last thing on my mind.

From the time I was seven, when other little girls were playing with Barbie’s and baby dolls, I was in my backyard pretending that me and my dog, Ace were performing in obedience trials at Madison Square Garden. By third grade, I had memorized all the breeds in the American Kennel Club registry and Ace could perform all the required tasks to earn a CDX title. He was of course a mutt and I was only eight years old with a mother who not only did not like animals but was also deathly afraid of them. I was destined to have a childhood with “periodic pets” but none that ever got to stay very long. My parents always thought that I was just going through a phase, but the years stretched on and my love for animals only grew. The first thing I did when I moved out on my own was to buy a couch and a dog, and not in that order.

In 1996 I began my education and career in private investigation. I like most PI’s was ready to go into the world and do background checks and surveillance of the unsuspecting. It was a glorious achievement but the feeling was short lived when I discovered that after all my education and training, the actual practice of investigating people was not enjoyable and did not set well with my ethics and moral code. It was a frustrating feeling which I soothed by volunteering for a Search and Rescue unit. Within a month I had been introduced to the K9 unit and was hooked. I had my first search dog in training by my second month with the team. It was everything I had always wanted, sharing a partnership with my dog in the great outdoors and helping people at the same time.
When I bought the ranch I had every intention of returning to search and rescue once I got the ranch up and running.

Then came that awful night in February, it changed everything and when I could finally breathe, I realized I had found my calling. I would research and learn everything I could about lost pet behavior and the various scenarios surrounding a pet’s disappearance

Jack did finally find his way home but not because of my fantastic investigative skills or through anything other than an act of God. In what could surely be an episode out of Lassie comes home, Jack returned after living through:
Being washed down the river one and half miles and getting picked up by a passing motorist who then lost him in a town 10 miles away the next day. The dog catcher then found him and brought him to his shelter. I talked with the man but never went down to his little shelter. Jack was there, but I was calling him a heeler and animal control was calling him a corgi cross. (I learned my first important pet finding lesson; always go to the shelter yourself). Finally, Jack was on the table about to be put to sleep when a rancher walked in and said, “Let me take the little dog,” and he and the vet tech snuck Jack out the back door. The records still show that Jack was put to sleep that day!

The rancher lived 50 miles north of me and I did not know him nor did he know of me. If it was not for my blacksmith, who was at the big ranch up north four months later, I would have went to my grave thinking Jack had died in that river. He didn't and when I went to pick him up, he looked at me as if to say, “What took you so long?” He jumped in my truck and refused to come out. He lives at the ranch today.
Within a month of Jack's return, I was studying behavior and planning how to train a dog in the search and rescue of missing pets. I owe it all to Jack.

Karin Goin is the owner of 7th Scent Private Investigations. She and her crew of canine search dogs travel the country finding missing and lost pets. She also offers coaching by phone for pet owners interested in conducting their own search for their missing pet. You can find them on the web at www.missingpetpi.com or call toll free 866-251-1599. You can email: karin@missingpetpi.com

Good Morning, my check is in the mail as well. Since Vivi is from the area where I live, I'm going to see if I can distribute donation jars in some of the feed stores and pet food stores. Every penny will help. I continue to be touched by the generosity and kindness by those of you who have posted comments... Laurie

I just made up a quick poster about the Vivi Fund, which I plan to distribute along with the "Lost Dog" Vivi poster to my local pet stores, animal clinics and basically any store that will allow me to put up the flyers. If anyone wants to print out the flyers please go to myspace blog page: http://blog.myspace.com/8957422
IF we all pull together I think we can really save her, we have to, we just *have* to, or my heart will break into a million pieces.
-Renee

For those in the NYC area, here is information regarding the next Vivi search event:

Vivi's newfound local friends continue to plan more organized searches for her. The next one is:

Saturday, March 4, at 8 a.m. at the Vetport, Cargo Area "C," Bldg.#189, on the N. Service Ct. between Pilot Rd and Cargo Plaza. Contact Bonnie Folz at pawsativebf@aol.com for more information.

Delta strikes again:

Dog breeder Robin Schulder was wondering where oh where her little dog could be yesterday. The pup missed connecting flight from Salt Lake City to Montana.

We all know how easily airlines can lose suitcases, packages and golf clubs. But a real, live puppy?
For 24 hours, Delta Air Lines couldn't find an 8-month-old purebred flying from New York to Montana, leaving his frantic owners fearing the worst.

The tiny English bulldog finally arrived at his Western destination yesterday afternoon, dehydrated and frightened.

"He was forgotten about," fumed Robin Schulder, the Queens breeder who placed the $2,500 pup on the flight Monday afternoon. "We're talking about a live puppy, not a luggage case."

The incident was the second involving Delta and a lost dog this month. Vivi, a prize-winning whippet, disappeared Feb. 15 after she got out of a crate being loaded onto a flight to California.

In the most recent case, the bulldog was supposed to arrive Monday night. But when new owner Sheila Howell showed up at the airport in Bozeman, Mont., airline officials knew nothing about the puppy, she said.

Schulder's repeated calls to Delta yielded no other information.

"It was pretty upsetting," Howell said.

She and her husband had seen pictures of the little bulldog via e-mails from Schulder. But they were waiting to name him until they were able to set eyes on him.

The couple stayed at the airport throughout the night, hoping for news that never came.

It wasn't until yesterday morning that Delta officials figured out that the pooch - who traveled in a tiny crate - was in Salt Lake City. His flight from New York had arrived too late to make the connecting flight to Montana.

Airline staffers in Utah put him on a plane to Montana, where the Howells were waiting.

"The animal was taken care of overnight," said Chris Kelly, a Delta spokeswoman. "He's absolutely healthy and just fine."

But Schulder isn't convinced.

"He was really hungry and thirsty," she said, after speaking to Howell, who promptly brought the pup to a vet.

Kelly said the airline was conducting an investigation to find out what happened.

Schulder said Delta pledged to refund the $176 she paid to ship the pup to Howell.

Still, said Schulder, "I am never using Delta again."