Animal House

If you want to donate for the pet detective, please send a check to Lois at:

Lois Baker (make check payable to Lois Baker)
PO BOX 211604
Eagan, MN 55121

Or donate to the Bobbi & the Strays website.

I just wanted to know, for all the people who say they have seen Vivi, does she still have the sweater on that was on her when she got loose? If so then that would explain being positive it was indeed Vivi they saw. I hope and pray that she can be caught soon. I am worried about her overall health.

I pray for Vivi's safe return. She & her people are in my thoughts daily. The people who are out looking, posting flyers, etc. should be commended for their hard work & dedication!

Take care,
Pat
Mich. WRAP

FRESH WATER in bowls placed in the area where she's been sighted, may help her as the weather is so dry now. DRY DOG FOOD in bowls as well...she has to stay healthy enough to continue until she's safe in her owners arms. DOWN BLANKET in the cemetery and park will give her the chance to cuddle up and stay warm. VIVI, we all love you and are here for your safe reunion with your family.

I just spoke to Bo, who is still in NYC wandering around the area before he leaves town. He is SO grateful for us getting Laura out there. He has great respect for Laura. He was concerned that we make sure Laura is paid, and I Lois and I will take care of that. Bo was not aware that Laura had not been paid for her first trip out. The Westminister Kennel was waiting for an invoice from Laura, which was why she wasn't paid. They are getting that all straightened out.

Bo asked us to do one thing -- when we get any bright ideas that we want to run with, please clear it with Honi Reismann, who is the point person in NYC. Honi's telephone number is 516-776-0923 (cell) and 516-378-9081 (home).

Trust me, Bo and Jil and Paul are trying everything and they are continually amazed at the support Vivi has and the love that she has generated.

Does Honi have an email address also so she's not bombarded with phone calls. Thank you.

I do not have an email address for Honi. I think she's out and about most of the time -- probably doesn't get to check email too often.

I've been following this site for two weeks. has anyone suggested placing a story/ad in the two free nyc papers AM New York or Metro? Both ran Vivi stories back in February. Everybody in NYC picks these papers up at stands in the Subways and on the streets. AM New York phone # 212-239-5555 website www.am-ny.com Editor Vera Haller Metro 212-952-1500 email editorial@metro.us Editor Michael Ventura.

Because Vivi is a show dog, have the searchers been using her own experience to lure her? I would make some home-made baked liver bait for those traps...that is the bait she would have smelled in and around the show ring. Here in Oregon she would have been prey to coyotes, so in some ways New York may be safer! Hope she's found soon...

honis email...roxiethedoxie@aol.com

THANK YOU! I just wanted to let you know that I went to the PO box this morning and lo and behold that baby was LOADED. I am depositing the checks today which bring the total in Vivi's checking account to date to $4,000. I am quite sure that there will be more in the mail tomorrow and Wednesday and have also received emails from individuals that have said they were also getting their donations in the mail as well. I am working on a list (which I will post this evening) as to each individual amount and who sent it. I will only be listing initials, the check amount and the state the check came from. This way, you can check to see if I received yours.

This is such an incredible act of generosity and love. I am turning into such a BABY. I cried when I was opening the checks. It amazes me how much people love a dog they have never met...You guys ALL ROCK!

lois - yeah!!!!!

yes, Lois that is great news.
amazing what people can do when they truly care about something

i am out of here now. hey, lois - maybe this will stop you from crying - i am going to check the cemetary area again with tina and rosa....
SMILE AND WISH US LUCK :)

Any news on ViVi today?

Brian Rosenberg has come through again. He has arranged for ads to be placed in NYC publications. On Wednesday, an ad will run in the NY Post, and on Thursday, an ad will be in the Queen Courier.

Has anyone checked with the office at the cemetary about the statues in the cemetary? They might have a record of any "horse" statues like those mentioned by the psychic on the blogs.

Have there been any sightings of Vivi today? After so much this weekend, this is frustrating to have so little news today about sightings. I like others am concerned about her health from the descriptions at sightings.

Kathleen Stephenson

Someone mentioned the horse statue across from the cemetery last night and was going there again today. Said her light shined on it and for a minute she thought it was a dog I think. You'll have to search for that last evening.

Oh, another thing. I do not live in New York, but are some of the people helping offering a place to stay for the owners when they are there. Hotels get very expensive, and you also miss home-cooked meals as well.

I know this would save a lot of expense and offer more money for the search for Vivi also. I'm sure they would appreciate the hospitality as well.

Just a suggestion.

Kathleen Stephenson

Sweet Vivi!

Well at least we know she hasn't turned feral. Following a little girl acting like she wants to play and letting a man feed her bread are good signs.

But I worry so much about how her appearance was reported ... extra skinny with runny, pus-filled eyes. Poor baby! The man with the italian bread said that he had seen her before and asked his girlfriend if they should try to catch her and take her in and his girlfriend refused because Vivi "looked sick." Nice girlfriend! Uh, pardon me, but if a dog looks sick isn't that even more reason to help one? What a ^$)^#W@!!!

Vivi may you run into sensible people out there!

I think that is one of those things you have to let go. At least he saw her, fed her something and reported her.

Hi everyone ~
Yes their were sightings today one this morning and one about 2 hours ago . They DO have people looking as we speak . I honestly don't know anything else at this time and wouldn't want to say anything thats not true or incorrect . I beleive she was seen right around the Cemetary again. She must have a Vivi spot somewhere in there! I'm sure you will hear about the sightings soon , but yes she was seen again. I guess the 2 good things here are that yes she's still alive and will be fine once she's caught and gets the meds and stuff that she needs. The other good thing is that she is still in the same area. The Flyers ARE working ... You will here all the facts soon from someone who is there , I'm not . Keep the FAITH GUYS... one of these times someone will bring a steak or something that she can't resist.

Latest Sniffles Search Update from Ashley

Hello all.
If you get this e-mail and do not want to be on my
update list for any reason, please let me know. I am
finally getting around to organizing my e-mails and am
trying to respond to as many questions as possible,
but it is difficult as I have no internet access at
home.

We are still searching night and day for Sniffles and
have had many, many sightings in the past few days.
All of which are credible. We have narrowed the search
down to one location in bed-stuy and are leaving food
and water there at least twice daily, if not more. I
have left articles of clothing and other things that
might remind him of his former happy home.

Last night I was nearly attacked by a pit bull in the
lot where we have been waiting and I need to remind
everyone that is out searching to be very careful when
going out at night. The pit bull was let off his leash
and the owner was encouraging it to attack stray cats
and let me know that his dog would rip my face off and
kill Sniffles if he saw him. This dog charged me and
nearly got me.

Sooooooooo..... About the humane traps, if anyone can
possibly go and wait in their vehicle tuesday night
with Kaaron, she is willing to do a
stake-out. Otherwise we just dont feel safe leaving a
trap out for anyone to come along and grab my dog.
Um....I am at work right now and cant really
concentrate on the details. I know there is more. If
you have any questions please e-mail me! I am going to
internet cafes and checking my e-mail at least once a
day to try and keep on top of things.

And thank you so much to everyone that has donated
time, money, flyers or just written a kind and
encouraging word. These things mean so much to me.
Thanks!
Ashley Perry

*********************************

If any of you want to receive update emails, please contact Ashley (autumnfaerie@yahoo.com) and Carolyne (sunnyedaye@yahoo.com) and they will add you to their respective mailing lists.

Ashley I am so thankful you are okay. That pit bull sounds terrible. Hope Sniffles stays away and also those poor cats.

As for Vivi, I hope she remains in that cemetary. Probably one of the safest places she could hang out away from home.

Kathleen Stephenson

*****FOLKS - PLEASE reserve this blog for searchers, volunteers and co-ordinators. This will allow them to get to information easily without having to sift through a ton of posts.

Keep posting on - Sunday Vivi sighting Flushing Cemetery

I would like to make a suggestion to the searchers today. If it is thought that Vivi is going into the cemetary or the park across the way from there at night that you get 3 or 4 humane traps in excellent working condition set up in the following locations and baited with a roasted chicken set as far back in the cage behind the trip plate as possible but not against the outside edge of the trap. Place one trap about 20-30 feet away from each entrance to the cemetary but INSIDE the cemetary grounds. When the cemetary closes at night, this will protect the traps from someone stealing or damaging them. The seasoned roasted chicken (Walmarts and Sam's Club make good ones) will give off a good smell for some time that may lure her into the trap. You can also cover the back 1/2 to 1/3 of the trap with a tarp, but do not cover it completely. By covering the back area of the trap you are only protecting her from grabbing the food through the wires of the trap making it necessary for her to go into it to get the food. Also if she is trapped inside, it will give her some protection from wind and rain till she is found in the morning. (Point also: If she is caught in one of the traps, do NOT open it till you have gotten a leash on her or moved the crate into a small closed area, as she may bolt from it when you open it). Since she is remaining in the area near the cemetary, I would also place a trap baited the same way near where the little girl's house is and somewhere in a secluded area just inside the park. Best bet would be to place a trap baited with the chicken at a location North, South, East & West of the Cemetary, giving the best option of her smelling the food and going to it should she decide to "hit the road again" and leave the area. I have been through this HELL myself with a lost whippet, and know from experience that she will not respond to her name anymore at this stage. Only soft melodic tones, getting down low and staying still, tempting her with food, and slowly gaining her trust will bring her in to anyone. She has reverted to a "wild" state to survive and that means she just doesn't trust anyone at this point, not even her owners. Under the right circumstances she will remember that people are not bad, but God only knows what has happened to her over the past 5 weeks. Delta security employees chasing her in their cars around the runway the day she got out certainly did not help matters and there may be other people who chased or scared her during her travels that we don't know anything about. Trust me when I say, that the one person that Vivi will finally go to will be the one that takes the time and patience to gain her trust back, not the one rushing to get her.

Did Laura have any suggestions about the actual capture???

I thought someone said to start posting here. It was so much easier when we used to post in the most resent Denise blog... now i'm having to look all over the place for the recent posts... it gets confusing with this new rule.

I was under the impression with each new posting. We bump down to the last one?

where is eveyone posting , I have 4 screens open and keep refreshing .
This is crazy............

KEEP POSTING UNDER VIVI SIGHTING FLUSHING until we hear further notice.

Oh Lisa!! I'm so glad you talked about he traps.
I have also been thru this HELL. We caught my bitch in a humane trap and we did exactly what you said. Don't put the food close to the back and DON'T cover the trap completely. They are very reluctant to go in a dark place. My bitch, Connie, went around the outside twice and pawed at the food. She finally went inside VERY cautiously and took that last step to make the door slam shut. I was sitting in my van watching the whole thing. But the trap that we set that was covered she wouldn't go near. Good suggestions!!!
OOPS SORRY. Not suppose to post here.

Dianne! I wanted to let you know first off that I FEDEXed (for morning delivery) 20 posters - these are big and very LOUD! I sincerely hope this helps!

Wow, Lois -- that's excellent!!!

Any word on Sniffles? is tonight the stakeout?

No other word on Sniffles. I think tonight is the stake-out.

It's very quiet on this blog. I wonder if that's good or bad? Hoping good news soon. Sitting on the edge of my seat......VIVA LA VIVI! Rosa

Here is the list I promised to you all!

M.G. - California $200.00 (lovely stamps)
S.C. - Maine $100.00 (4 greyhounds?)
T.E. - California $100.00 (love the horse card)
D.Q. - New York $100.00 (we could be cousins...)
L.K. - New York $57.00(nice artwork with the paw)
J.H. Massachussetts $100.00 (pretty greyhound card)
D.K. - California $100.00 (thnx for good luck note)
M.M - Rhode Island $200.00 (mother & daughter, pretty card)
M.P. - Florida $100.00 (your whippets are adorable)
M.A. - New York $150.00 (I wish your post it note were true)
R.H. - New York $100.00 (cute flower basket on label!)
D.K. - New York $50.00 (thanks for the green note and smiley face)
S.S. - Texas $100.00 (Frisco)
L.F. - California $125.00 (93003)
R & J D. - Michigan $100.00 (love the embossed hearts)
S.W. - California $200.00 (thnx for blank piece of paper...I'll print a poster on it) :)
B.V. Texas $100.00 (I'll be in Port Mansfield on Thursday)
G.O. Connecticut $25.00 (thanks for sending more...)
M.M. - Texas $100.00 (another blank piece of paper...:)
D.T. - Massachussetts $50.00 (cute dog card!)
L.S. - Florida $100.00 (I wish your post it note were true...)
J.J. - New Jersey $25.00 (thanks for the note)
A.M. - New York $250.00 (cute house label)
I.W. - New York $25.00 (three kitties? I thought two)
S.M. - New York $50.00 (love the letterhead!)
S.L. - Connecticutt (I can't wait for the America's little canine girl to be caught either)
J.S. - Washington $150.00 (aka B)
G.F. - Mississippi $100.00 (Hello Kitty!)
T.G. - Pennsylvania $100.00 (thanks for trusting me)
O.G.N. - California $200.00 (nice handwriting)
L.S. - New York $100.00 (you are an angel!)
K.N. - Virginia $60.00 (bank)
C.S. - Texas $100.00 (what's a domestic diva?)
M.L. - California $100.00 (you are wonderful too)
B.T. - California $400.00 (not yet deposited)

Thank you all. I'm sure there will be more tomorrow. For those that requested an email...I'll see if I can't get them out this evening! This is awesome. It would be great if she were found and we could get Laura paid and perhaps find another dog to save...?

I knew I would forget one...

N.S. - New Jersey $20.00 (beautiful dogs-dreamweaver&son)

I tried to take something a little personal so you would know who you are...

By the way M.G. from CA the "hearts" that flew out of the card scared me at first! Then I smiled!

Oh Lois, I feel so guilty now, I just popped the
check in the mail without a note, I just wanted
to get it to you q uickly. Well the intention
was good. I am waiting with anticipation of some
good news tonight

Pls Vivi come out, be seen, it is so cold out
little girl

Lois, thanks SO much for your work and putting the list together! What a great thing to see how we have all come together. My check to Bobbi and the Strays has still not cleared, what about anyone else? Just wondering what may be happening with that? Also, any new recent info on VIVI?

Lois,

No need to send me an individual e-mail since the list confirms you received my check. I enjoyed reading the individual comments. What a great idea.

The list is awesome! Thanks, everyone, for caring for Vivi and trusting each other.

Keeping hope alive in Pennsylvania...and getting NO work done! Oh well, that will wait for another day.

Teresa

Just did a poster and wanted to know if this is what you want before doing the rest...
http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/teamvivi/photos/view/15b3?b=1

We were thinking it looks like 'too much' info to read while driving by...it's one of the bigger posters like Darlene was talking about earlier, for the intersections...should we narrow it down to one photo under "LOST DOG/ $5000 REWARD" and one number in really big writing and the others smaller...no other wording.
We put the photos in the page protectors and put clear packing tape all the way across them and the numbers so if it rains they won't ruin.
thanks for any feedback...
Nicole

Shouldn't we put DO NOT CHASE on the poster. Most people would automatically chase if they see Vivi.

Siri

Lois, thanks for the heads up. I'll be looking for them tomorrow and get them to Rosa on my way home.

Siri, I'm thinking of adding that to the posters when I receive them -- Do Not Approach, Just Call The Contact Number Immediately or something to that effect. I'll give Bonnie a call in the morning.

Yes, I have that on there now...just is looking a little crowded with the pics and also have...
"last seen in Flushing"

Just wondering. Laura said she thinks she knows where viVi has been sleeping. Was their a trap put there. And also, the equipment that Brian is going to get, what is it and when will it be put out. Does anyone know.

I am thinking fewer words, how about
DO NOT CHASE
CALL: (numbers)

I am changing my signature since there are now two Karens

Good job Lois. No need to email me either. I see you got it. Thanks so much.

I'm glad to have an example to follow on the poster. I am going to make some this week. My concern is being able to jot down a phone number if someone is driving down the road. What about just one main number in big bold numbers. Go with one that would be the easiest for someone to remember and write down when they are stopped at a light. If all 3 are crucial, then I'll put them down.

I like the idea of luring Vivi and lowering yourself to the ground. Most dogs that are fearful do not like to feel that someone is over them. That's probably why Vivi was comfortable around the little girl.

ALL OF YOU ARE AWSOME THANK-YOU

Siri

I just read on the other thread that some were concerend about Vivi being locked out of the cemetery. I drove by tonight in the daylight - I love spring - and noticed that one of the gates at the main entrance is high enough off the ground that she could easily squeeze through. She's gone to ground and found herself a safe, sheltered sleeping place, whether it's in the cemetery or wherever. We have to start thinking like a Whippet on the lamb.

Lois, No need for confirmation email regarding the check. I saw my initials on the email. Thanks again for all your hard work.

Judy, all three numbers are critical since they are of searchers who are in and around the area. Timing is everything so if Rosa (#1) is in another part of town then Bonnie (#2) would be around and (#3) is Honi's number.

I am hoping we hear some kind of news soon.

Thanks for all your hard work, Lois. I can't agree enough with whoever it was who said what an incredible thing it is that this Blog has resulted in so much well-placed confidence in strangers! No need to send me an e-mail, as I saw my initials.

Diane,

I will overnight 25 posters to you tomorrow for arrival Wednesday morning. I'll do another 25 tomorrow night (bought the stuff, but my eyes are crossing ...) and send them for Thursday. I'll email the tracking number when I get it.

Rosa, haven't been on lately. What kind of news are you waiting on.

Thanks Jill. I look forward to receiving them. We are going to have this area so plastered that nobody can claim they don't know who Vivi is.

On any results of the two sightings from this afternoon. OR any kind of news fot that matter. I am a VIVI JUNKY!

Oh my gosh guys...I've already been notified of an error I've made...

I.W. - New York $75.00 (not $25.00)

I need some SLEEP - come on Vivi, you need some sleep too!

Sorry! Thanks for catching that I.W.!

As far as the checks we sent to Paul and Bobbi and the Strays, if I'm not mistaken, I think they are holding on to them to use WHEN we find Vivi...to pay for the reward. I might be wrong but I swear I read that somewhere on a previous blog (within the 1,000 or so "comments" :))

Thanks Lois, I was wondering if I should put a stop payment on and send it to you instead. I thought it might have gotten lost in the shuffle.

words of encouragement. My daughter in whippet rescue caught a whippet who had been loose for well over a month. The old 14 year old boy tryed to dart past her when cornered in a closed in area and she lassoed him with a leash!!! It was on thanksgiving day. She cryed and cryed holding the scared old dog in her arms. Now he is in his new home, a happy couch potato..Here's To you wonderful people : please hold on. soon you will recieve news that Vivi is safe, and with the ones who love her so. Then you can breath a siegh of relief, cry happy tears, and toast Vivi. she is one tuff girl!!!

I've just come back on after working..I don't see the news I was hoping for. It's cold and windy tonight but the wind is suppose to die down tomorrow and the sun will be stronger till the afternoon. Let's hope our little girl likes to sun bath. This is New England weather though and it can change with the drop of a hat.

I think they must be holding them also because they haven't cashed mine either. I wonder why they are holding them and when they willl be cashed. Hoping to hear some word on Vivi soon. I wonder how they missed her lastnight. I guess she might of been hiding somewhere? Or maybe somehow got out and then went back in. It's a mystery!

I will be out posting some neon posters if anyone is going to be around the cemetary. I shall be there all afternoon, let me know as I will put some food and treats under the fences in case she goes backin or is still in there. I will take a walk around in there just in case.

Yeah too bad Vivi can't write the screenplay because she is going to have a story she won't be telling.

According to the map she ran back towards the little girls house. That's one of the entrances to the cemetary.

Did anyone go back to the house with the horse statue?

I just got back inside from walking my dogs, and it is SO cold and windy out there (New Jersey). . .I'm praying that Vivi can find a place to rest where there is shelter and blocked from the wind. Maybe I'm watching too many episodes of Animal Cops, but isn't there any way to get Animal Control involved? It seems that the way Vivi is bolting from everyone when they get close, it's going to take something like a catch-pole to capture her. Is this a possibility?

A drop net maybe, a catch pole would never be fast enough. Probably more likely someone with a pocket full of hotdogs and a quiet, patient presence. And luck.

If you chase her or use force you will lose her to another area and we'll have to start all over. Laura has instructed everyone on how to lure her and we should heed her advice. Isn't that why we brought her here?? Honi will make there decisions.

Here is an update on Sniffles:

Hello all.
If you get this e-mail and do not want to be on my
update list for any reason, please let me know. I am
finally getting around to organizing my e-mails and am
trying to respond to as many questions as possible,
but it is difficult as I have no internet access at
home.
We are still searching night and day for Sniffles and
have had many, many sightings in the past few days.
All of which are credible. We have narrowed the search
down to one location in bed-stuy and are leaving food
and water there at least twice daily, if not more. I
have left articles of clothing and other things that
might remind him of his former happy home.
Last night I was nearly attacked by a pit bull in the
lot where we have been waiting and I need to remind
everyone that is out searching to be very careful when
going out at night. The pit bull was let off his leash
and the owner was encouraging it to attack stray cats
and let me know that his dog would rip my face off and
kill Sniffles if he saw him.This dog charged me and
nearly got me.
Sooooooooo..... About the humane traps, if anyone can
possibly go and wait in their vehicle tuesday night
with Kaaron, she is willing to do a
stake-out.Otherwise we just dont feel safe leaving a
trap out for anyone to come along and grab my dog.
Um....I am at work right now and cant really
concentrate on the details. I know there is more. If
you have any questions please e-mail me! I am going to
internet cafes and checking my e-mail at least once a
day to try and keep on top of things.
And thank you so much to everyone that has donated
time, money, flyers or just written a kind and
encouraging word. These things mean so much to me.
Thanks!
Ashley Perry

Nicole, is it possible for you to send a digital file of the pictures you used on your poster?

Does anyone know where Laura thought ViVi has been sleeping. I thought I read somewhere that they had found a place. If so, I wonder if they put a trap there.

I was just wondering about things like a catch-pole, that's all. . .just curious if that's something that's plausible in a situation like this. I'm just sitting at my computer reading the blogs and praying that Vivi is rescued tonight. . .just thought I would ask the question. One of my dogs is a pug, so I guess that's the polar opposite of a whippet. . .what do I know! :-) Lighting another candle for Vivi tonight and praying for her safety and for her to be rescued tonight. . .we all love you, Vivi.

Do you guys think that if ViVi sees Jill that she will not reconize her at all or her voice

Hi It's Gale the animal communicator and psychic healer. I thought I should let everyone know that I have been infusing light force energy into Vivi all night and today---and have been in deep meditation with her all night (so much for sleep)---I'll sleep after she is in our arms (the group). but I also want to mention tha the gayle that blogged yesterday about seeing the horse statue, and gets gut feelings---she most likely was seeing my energies that are working to surround the area and contain Vivi in the safe haven---my guides are many times on horsback and I have many horses that are in my healing energy field all the time. I am known for them, so if there are also statues of horses there too that's great but I thought the group should know that sometimes gut instincts are reading other things in the energies, but the field of work is a learning experience for alot of people to begin trusting and sharing so it's good that Gayle trusted her gut on it and shared. I also went into the operations department of the situation and opened publicity ways to get more exposure out to the public and I see that is working too. Hey- can someone with a Whippet go down to a TV station and try to get a segment on the news to get this on the airwaves? Just do it----hold it in your mind and just do it. Remember to breathe and jus tdo it. We are deep in the make it happen mode now and the forces are really vibrating high so let'shole this space to have Vivi step right in and surrender into someones arms. when wild deer are caught on ice and rescuers come to get them out of harms way they surrender and let the people help them to safety---let's visualize Vivi doing that rather than wiggling and bolting away. later Back to the force field. Bless everyone involved and mostly our Vivi.

Sorry...I'll try to re-do them...trying to help and writing is awful. If they aren't good enough we definitely don't want to hinder the search. My son and daughters sure had fun helping though...they tell me every day that we should watch for Vivi in our backyard because you never know how far she can run.
I'm not that great at blogging so will stick to reading the updates...my apologies.
thanks for everything and I sure hope Vivi is found REAL soon...I cry for her every night. You all are beautiful people.
Nicole

I would be surprised if Vivi would recognize any familiar face at the moment. If Jill could get close enough and have enough quiet time with Vivi she might have a glimmer of recognition, but sighthounds that have been loose this long tend to only think about survival to the exclusion of all memory. :((

thank-you Gale your words are very comforting and put emotions in proper prespective. I have seen Jil holding her like a baby and crying. Tomorrow may be that day. I feel all of our prayers are protecting her and she is able to find rest and food.
Now it's time to actually hold her and comfort her.

Divine Spirit please bring Vivi to a safe place that we can contain her.

Good Night all
I'll be praying
Love you all

Siri