Animal House

I don't know who posted this but I was told the numbers were only 917-647-4848 or 917-626-1374. Am I wrong about this?

I think you can use any of these numbers -- the 516 number is Honi's number. The other one is Bonnie's number.

I was told to remove the 516 number.

HELP ANYONE!

I AM DIZZY!!!

Does someone or anyone know what numbers we are supposed to be using for postings and flyers??

Can't make more till I know they are garbage again!

Thanks much...

Irene Wilson

Irene, I was told to remove Honi's number and just put 917-647-4848 or 917-626-1374 and that's what I'm doing!

Wonder who is posting misinformation on Denise's site?

Whoever posted this info perhaps needs to rethink and make sure that everyone is on the same page here...telephone numbers are the most critical part of this search.

Isn't Bonnie going on vacation...so who would answer her phone?

I am not doing a thing till we get a definite and for sure statement from the "people at the top" as to what they want on these posters?

"People at the top"...can you hear us and help, please!

Thank you,

Irene Wilson

Wow, I am always amazed at how big Vivi looks in these pictures...have to keep reminding myself that she is a small dog...in this new poster, she looks like a large Greyhound. Looks a mile long!

Irene Wilson

The phone numbers on the AWC website are both 917. I would suspect those are the ones Bo wants used. I agree that the cropped photo could be misleading regarding Vivi's size. The show photo with Paul gives a more realistic perspective. Would it be more helpful for me to print flyers or send money. I'd happily do either.
Monica Bowers in Michigan.

Irene: You are right. A few people I stopped also mentioned this and were surprised when we told them how small she really was. Are we removing her name from the poster?

I think there has been some concern about her name - that people will call out her name and cause her to run. Honi told me that when Jil was here they had to remind Jil not to call out her name. That may be why they aren't using her name on the poster (although at least one still has her name). In talking with Honi, this is also a concern with regard to the number 1-888-77-FIND-VIVI. They are considering the 1-888 number, however, and will get back to me about it.

My dogs respond better to words like "cookie", "treat", "walk" etc. Does anybody know what Viv's buzzwords are?

Try giving a height on the posters---photos can be deceiving. Also--does the poster say "Call ASAP"? This calling half a day later is NO GOOD when you are searching for a speed demon like Vivi! I am in awe at this site and how dedicated everyone is to this cause, as well as Sniffles and Biggie.

There needs to be her name on posters if the 800lostdogs number is on it. How would they know what dog the people are calling on? Although it was mentioned earlier that Bo said NOT to use the 800lost dog number (i agree also) so it may be a moot point I just made. I think we should stick with original posters with original phone numbers. I believe this is stated in earlier posts as per BO. And as Sheila mentioned above, and myself in earlier postings, my whippet responds better to "key " words he makes association with, rather than his name.. Such as "snack", "cookie", "go for walk", "go for drive" etc. Wakes him out of a very deep sleep!

POSTER PHOTO

To whomever is making the posters, please contact me and I will send you a better photo of Vivi. It is better resolution that the file you are working with, and standing in grass makes her look longer than she is. I am the source of all the non-show photos of Vivi, but the files I originally sent were rather small as I expected they were for the newpaper and not enlarged on posters.

If whomever is making the posters will contact me, I can forward the file.

Also, I think on the posters she can be described as a "medium-sized dog".

Regards,
Carol

I thought they didn't want Paul's picture on the flyer? Maybe we should hold off as Diane posted she may have someone who will print up all the flyers we need for free.

Carol, how do we contact you for the better photo for the posters? thanks --

Gail -- I still think we should continue to make posters/flyers in the meantime -- they can't have too many. We don't know where she will be sighted next.

As I was printing out the flyers at work a co-woker said WOW she's a big dog. You can only fit so much on the flyer. I hope people don't think she's the size of a great dane.

Beth, I'm using the pictures you sent me, I can't print them in color but it's better than nothing. I agree, I think we should just continue on with the two numbers we have and not hold up on the flyers. Not enough flyers, no sightings. I just sent Diane 600 and they were gone in a day so just get printing guys they need them.

Monica, I'd say flyers right now, we still have money in the Vivi fund and we'll add more if we have to.

Whippets are about "knee high" - how about that for a size description?

Has anybody asked Jil about what kind of words or sounds get Vivi's attention?

Sheila C. - Better yet, just say that Vivi is 20" tall. That was what was originally stated when it was put in the newspapers.

Gail -- what is a "co-woker"? Hah! Just interjecting a little levity! We need Vivi to stick her nose out there.

Beth, Haha..it's a term used in the legal system didn't you know that? lol You know like when you mouth is full and your talking at the same time? LOL

BETH - here's the contact information for Carol that I found on her website http://www.carolbeuchat.com

cell - (520) 271-3161
voice & fax - (888) 453-0688

email@carolbeuchat.com

You can see Vivi playing ball with other friends of hers on this site http://www.carolbeuchat.com/vivi

I watch that slideshow every day. It's getting harder and harder, though.

Suggest you think about duplex printing new posters with other side listing info on how to approach Vivi, etc.

For those getting sick of the Vivi slide show, you can see Vivi at Westminster if you go to the Westminster Kennel Club website, go to Videos, then to Whippets under the Hound Group. You will see Vivi "stacked" with Paul, then later when he puts her on the table for the judge to examine and when she shows the judge how she moves. She doesn't look nervous at all!

http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/videos/largeplayer.html?xml=wkc2006.xml&video=hound|whippet

Carol

She is beautiful!!! They all are. Thank You Carol.

The reason she looks tall is a matter of proportion. She is made of long lines. In my fax letter I said knee high. I think there is more than one way to describe her height, just do it with as few words as possible.

I think the reason to use her name isn't so that people will or won't call her because they can do that name or not, but because it is almost like a brand, very memorable. Where's Vivi? Makes people care.

I was really sickened to here the comment the other day about someone wanting to rent a helicopter and fly low over the area where Vivis at, and shoot her with a tranquilizer dart just like they use to use on the TV show "Mutual of Omaha". I'm so disgusted and hope someone is just making a bad joke. Heres a little whippet joke you all might light.

Two Whippets named Mike and Tyler, were talking to each other at the dog park.
Mike: Hi Tyler, what's wrong, you're looking kinda down.
Tyler: Yeah, I've been feeling depressed lately. I don't know what to do about it.
Mike: Maybe you should go see a psychiatrist.
Tyler: Oh, I would, but I'm not allowed on the couch.

I've sent Diane bilingual French posters also. It could help with a Vietnamese, Arabic, African,etc. population. (Second language for them in my experience.) I don't know the total ethnic population for the area your posting-- but it is bilingual.

Is there some way we can agree on a page? This is getting very confusing. This might be a good post.

INFO. ON BIGGIE THE PUG:

PLEASE ANY INFO ON MY SWEET PUG WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED..WE ARE HEARTBROKEN WITHOUT HIM..FAWN AND BLACK 4YRS OLD...MAYBE IN BKLYN HE WAS LOST NEAR THE BQE..ANY INFO PLEASE CALL 347 432 2329
HUGE REWARD!!!!!!

Sharon (Michigan)
Don't know of any populations in this area where the French bilingual posters would be needed.
Good to know we have them, just in case! Her wanderings seem unpredictable and who knows where she could wind up...

Irene Wilson

Concerned Bow Wow: I did a thorough search in all the posts for the word "Omaha" before writing this reply, in case there was someone else who had made a comment like the one you mention, and I'm confident that you're referring to my post of March 22. Here's what I wrote:

"I think if there were a guy like 'Jim' from the old Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom who was an animal expert - that kind of benevolent 'tracker' - who understands animal habits and knows how to use equipment, including different kinds of traps, safely and humanely, I wouldn't have any objection to that kind of tactic. However, if we're talking about Mountain Men For Hire like bounty hunters, I'm not on board with that at all. Fortunately, with a $5000 reward, I doubt there would be any takers in any case, so we probably don't have to worry in any case. Those guys are all in Africa tracking Big Game."

I wrote that remark in response to several people who, at the time, were advocating the hiring of experienced outdoorsmen, hunters, and trappers to hunt down Vivi. My post was intended to suggest that a kind, concerned person like the guy I remember from that old show would be the only type of "trapper" I would be in favor of, someone who cares about animals, wouldn't hurt them, and was competent in setting traps designed to safely detain, not injure or kill.

Nowhere in my post did I mention anything about helicopters and tranquilizer darts.

If it's someone else's post you're referring to, of course please forgive my error, and shame on them for suggesting anything like that; however, since I couldn't find any other references to Mutual of Omaha, I presumed you must be referring to mine.

Thanks for the opportunity to clarify what I meant.

Just Paul, thanks for clarifying, I guess I read it wrong. Lots of people like to make jokes about this issue, and its SICK!!!!! anyway ALL APOLOGIES

Her are some laws about dogs that you might want to check out.

Dogs in Foxpoint, Wisconsin, may not bark profusely, snarl, or make any menacing gestures.

Madison, Wisconsin, will not allow joint custody of a family pet when a couple divorces - the animal is legally awarded to whoever happens to have possession of it at the time of the initial separation.

AND LETS HOPE Vivi HASN'T MADE IT TO Wanassa, New Jersey

In Wanassa, New Jersey, a dog is breaking the law if it is heard to be "crying."

Lets hope she gets home!!!

Thanks for the apology. Have you really noticed a lot of people making sick jokes about this? I haven't seen any of that. Maybe I'm not paying attention. In any event, I'm not sure how my post, which was intended as stone-cold serious, could have been interpreted as a sick joke, but I'm glad you mentioned it so I could clear it up. Hopefully there weren't a lot of people who read it and also thought I was advocating low-flying helicopters and tranquilizer darts. I have a whippet, and am very aware of how delicate they are, and know that darts aren't the way to go. Of course, if my little guy had been missing for 5 weeks, and I feared for his life out there amid all the traffic, I might become desperate enough to try anything. At this point, I won't pass judgment on Vivi's family for trying whatever they can to get her back, because who knows what any of us would do in a situation like this. I think they're doing exactly the right thing, which is asking the experts, and following their advice. It's just too bad the experts don't have any advice that offers the instant gratification of having Vivi back in their arms tonight.

Sorry I haven't been able to post on the "blog" much but work has been crazy. I am going to be making posters and they will only have the two numbers on them (I think they start with 917?) Anyway, does anybody have anything written up with "how to approach her". I can copy it into a word document maybe...

God, Guardian of All You have created, protect what you have made. Hold Vivi, Sniffles, and Biggie in your arms and in your sight. Continue to send your healing power to Dante, and Murphy. Bless your tireless searchers, and all who are the physical presense of your support and compassion. Help us, if necessary, to get out of the way, and allow Your divine intervention to work. Lead all the lost animals back to those who love them. And when it is our time, lead all of us (and our animal buddies) to Your Home!
Just wanted you to know that my Minou has been keeping me company with her head on my arm while I write this. This little Calico princess knew what it was like to be "on the road" before God sent her to live with me. Earlier this evening she was racing from one end of the house to the other--really scrambling. I figure I had mistakenly called her Vivi one too many times tonight and the "potato" became a racer.
'Night everyone. You're amazing!

If there is anyone out there who does not feel that the moneys that have been dedided on distributing aren't "fair" or I am missing someone that should be mailed a check, please let me know. Also, if you have last names for these people and/or mailing addresses, that would also be helpful.

Tina Potter/Rosa Chile $1,000
Darlene $500.00
Honi $500.00
Bonnie $500.00
Debbie $500.00
Diane Tamm $500.00 (I have her address :)
Bobbi & the Strays - Medium/Large Live Dog Trap (~$300.00)
Irene made it clear (CAPs and all) that she did not want money sent to her...

It's difficult to send someone money if I don't know their name or address. Please help!

Good Evening Everyone / Dante Update

Once again, I must thank everyone for all the support through this VERY DIFFICULT time. I am sorry that I am not able to respond to each and every email but I want to spend as much time as possible with Dante and Trotter.

Yesterday, Dante had his appointment with the specialist (Dr. Kipperman) and it was very eventful but not enjoyable. Dante had a total blood panel drawn, urinalysis, chest x-ray, abdominal ultrasound, spleen aspiration, kidney aspiration, and bone marrow aspiration. Most of these tests were not that difficult on him. He was sedated for the bone marrow aspiration. All of these tests were to determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of his body. Well, I have GOOD NEWS. The tests were all negative for mast cell cancer. The tumor has not spread at this point in time but, we are not out of the woods yet.

Dr. Kipperman is having the initial specimen (from the surgery) sent from my vet’s lab to his lab for a second opinion to see if it truly is a mast cell tumor grade 3 or if it might be a mast cell tumor grade 2. He wasn’t satisfied with the results and said that it needs to be checked again. If it is a mast cell tumor grade 3 then the life expectancy is 6 months to a year. If it is a grade 2, there is longevity of life. So please everyone pray that it is grade 2 and we can beat this thing. He may still need radiation therapy to ensure it is completely gone. I have to call him on Monday afternoon or Tuesday to find out the results of the second opinion biopsy and what the game plan is going to be. So yes, I am still nervous but definitely more hopeful then I was a couple of days ago.

Now, for the surprise twist that none of us were expecting. When they were doing the abdominal ultrasound on Dante yesterday they discovered that his left kidney is totally destroyed and filled with fluid. They said that it has no affiliation to the mast cell tumor and could have been like this for quite some time. They aspirated some of that fluid as well and sent it to the lab with all of the other tests and it came back fine. In talking with Dr. Kipperman today, he said that we cannot ignore the kidney but that we have to prioritize right now. We must take care of the mast cell tumor situation first then we can address the kidney. He said that Dante can live with one kidney, as he has been doing. As long as it isn’t a MCT grade 3, he will eventually have to surgically remove that kidney. The kidney is at risk of bursting if the fluid gets to be too much and it is also at risk of infection. I asked what could have caused this and he said that this does happen and most of the time it is unknown as to why.

So, Dr. Kipperman told me to take a deep breath, try to relax a little and treat Dante normally. He said that if he wants to go run around out back to let him. He said to try to make life as normal as possible and Dante a happy boy. There is nothing more that can be done until we get the results on Monday afternoon or Tuesday depending on when the biopsy is completed.

The prayers and well wishes seem to be helping so please everyone, keep praying for my baby. He is SO PRECIOUS!

Now for those of you curious as to the expense involved here, yesterday’s visit was $1750 and the initial surgery was $650. Ouch. And, we have only just begun. But, he is worth every penny. I love this boy with all of my heart and all of my soul. He is my baby!

Thank you once again for all the support it is really helping me.

I have been wrapped up with my boy Dante but I still check in to see what is going on with Vivi. She is very much in my heart! I think about Sniffles and Bigge as well. These animals are so precious and none of them deserve what is happening to them. I wish there was a way that we could easily bring them back to their families. Please know that I continue to think about the searches and those who are actively involved and pray everynight for them. I just don't have the time to be blogging quite as frequently anymore but I am with all of you in spirit. Keep up the good work and find these doggies.

(Lois) I do at school and will send it. I seem to remember a Denise POst or perhaps it was one of Bo's who had that in detail.

(Lost in the Woodside/Sunnyside area-Queens, NY)

Lost Pug, responds to "Biggie"
Family is heart broken
He was last seen on Friday, March 3rd on the corner of 43rd and 50th Avenue. A nice reward will be given to anyone who can return him. He was lost in the middle of moving. He's a small dog and needs his medicine. Last seen in Woodside wearing a blue collar. Please help-Please call 347-432-2329 OR 212-927-8561

Did anyone else see this? Hope that Jil does try to give Delta her input on Pets flying. This wasn't Delta, but it demonstrates, it's a problem bigger than just Delta's handlers.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060330/ap_on_re_us/american_airlines_dog_death

Concerned Bow Wow

I mentioned something about a helicptor also. My reasoning was someone flying over an area to see if Vivi could be spotted by air, not to harm her in any way. I figured this would be too expensive for the group

Rita

I continue to pray for Biggie and Sniffles, too. How hard it is to have all of them still missing, for so long.

Rita, I ran across your helicopter comment when I was looking for my Mutual of Omaha comment. Please be assured that it was very clear you were only suggesting a helicopter be used to locate Vivi, not to shoot at her. I believe you mentioned it in the context of the helicopters providing news coverage of the coyote-in-Central-Park story, and said you thought that would be a good way to spot her, except that it wasn't cost effective. Anyone who took your comment to mean anything else wasn't payiing attention.

Anyone needing a pdf/flyer emailed (full color/correct phone numbers and photos), please contact me and i will send over immediately.
Love you Vivi and searchers!

PUT POSTERS/FLYERS & NOTICES INSIDE YOUR CAR WINDOW...people will read it while you're driving, stopped at a red light...parked in the lot! Like a "for sale" sign...put FIND LOST DOG with a picture, maybe we should indicate that she is about 25 pounds, so people realize what size she is.

WITH ALL OF YOUR CARS THROUGHOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD...many will see, and no one can tear down the notice because it's INSIDE your car window.

If you place it on the back, driverside window, it will not obstruct your view while you're driving! You can put a NEON COLORED POSTER on your dash while you're parked, it can sit on top of the steering wheel...good luck, and God speed Vivi's safe return.

Am continuing to follow the search and to root for the hard-working searchers and supporters.

Lois, are you accepting more $, or do you prefer that we send $ elsewhere? Just want to send it wherever it's most easily accessed.

Brian, let us know if/when/what you'd like us to do to help in the fight with Delta.

One other thought to consider or discard: when it comes time for Bo and others to post info on how to safely encourage Vivi to approach anyone, it might not hurt to include one of the techniques used with frightened shelter dogs. Some have been mentioned already, such as sitting down and avoiding direct eye contact. One technique that may also help is to yawn silently and repeatedly (in a slightly exaggerated manner and while avoiding eye contact)
-- unless, of course, Vivi's anticipated mindset calls for entirely different strategies. (I realize that Vivi is not a shelter dog.) I only mention the yawning b/c I've seen terrified dogs go from cowering under a bush or hiding under a piece of furniture in the shelter's habitats find the courage to walk right up to a volunteer or staffer and begin engaging that person. It feels very silly actually doing it (especially with people watching you), but I've seen it work small miracles.

That suggestion, yawning, was on one of Bo's posts a while back, I think from Michael. But it is of course worth repeating especially since it sounds goofy to a someone who doesn't know about it. On my fax letter I compiled a list of things to do in case of a sighting beginning with DO NOT CHASE. Thanks for the reminder.

PS. Maybe if people are watching you they'll just think you are tired of following a whippet through every inch of Queens. :)

Also read that if one pretends to sit or lay on ground and pretend to cry, a dog will usually approach to comfort.

Karen,

Thanks for that laugh! That's the first time I've laughed in a while during the Vivi search. :-) Here's to positive developments on the Vivi front today.

Good to hear from you all today. I am feeling apprehensive in light of no recent news. However, I can always count on all of you to have good suggestions and to be positive and for that I am grateful.

To those of you who do want to continue to donate, you can send donations through Bobbi & The Strays, at their website. You can tag your donation for the Vivi search. Bobbi is an incredible person, totally dedicated to animals that need help. She will make sure your donation goes to the Vivi search. Lois and I are still exploring the vanity 1-888 number -- Honi is discussing it with the others and will get back to me. If they want me to set it up, I will, and I will let you all know.

I think the idea of putting posters on the inside of your car is EXCELLENT -- for anyone in the NYC area, keep the word out there. Please pray for a Vivi sighting today.

Karen,

I also laugh. I got a vision of all the searchers laying on the gound crying when they sighted Vivi. But Hey if it works, I would do cartwheels.

Karen, would you please fax me your info packet. Judi from Jersey commented about boy/girl scout troops and remembered have friend whose son a scout in a Queens troop. Will fax him info and ask if scouts could go out this Saturday if there is an organized search. Who could resist taking a flyer from a boy/girl scout! Thanks.

Alane, the searches/finders should all lay down, but some should be crying and some should be yawning.

It feels good to have a little joke once in a while, but then I think, how can we be joking when that little dog is out there.

Beth, I thought it was decided yesterday between Paul, Honi and Brian that any 800 number was a waste of time. At lest that's what Paul told me. Unless you're talking an 800 number that will ring directly to Rosa.

The vanity number I am working on will ring DIRECTLY to Tina and Rosa -- there will absolutely be no delay. Honi discussed this with the owners, and they are okay, as long as there is no delay. The other concern they had was using Vivi's name. They have asked me to see if we could get a number that uses "JFK DOG" rather than her name. So, I'm having the representative check on any available numbers. Believe me, we are not going to use any 1-800 number that would result in any delay in getting calls to Tina and Rosa.

Vivi wants wings so she can fly with the birds - I tell her that she doesn't need wings - but Vivi thinks she does - silly Vivi - she's a dog.

(Psychic insights can be past, present, future, memories or dreams - and sometimes - just wrong.) Now keep up the good work. God Bless

Tell Vivi that she has wings and she's using them too well -- she needs to come back down to earth and be a dog that lives on a farm in California.

Let Vivi know that not all humans are bad and that some are trying to help her but she should be cautious not to go to just anybody.

To all Vivi lovers - Vivi is smiling at a bird flying next to her - she's winning the race - oh how she can fly.

(Psychic visions - can be past, present, or future, memories or dreams, the result of moon spots or blue vapors - sometimes just wrong.) Now go post those fliers and say a prayer.

The flyers I made up yesterday have the two numbers on it and say's "lines are open 24 hours a day" also "do not chase" can someone tell me if that's sufficent before I print them up? I'm afraid I might have blinked and missed something, Thanks

Gail in CT

Oh man---if they the psychic visions are wrong--then they are not being discerned before being shared---they are a waste if wrong. sorry Cynthia's psychic friend. It's just the way the professionalism works in the field of psychic work to support others.
It's nice to have sweet thoughts---but if information is being shared it needs to be sound. and the results of moon spots or blue vapors---someone is spending too much time astral travelling and is not integrated. sorry but this needs to be mentioned.
If you doubt your own visions they cannot be shared. There are universal laws that nee dto be followed when doing this type of work. Again, just sharing.

Beth,

Sent you an e-mail, but you're probably swamped, so I'm posting here.

Do you know if Bobbi and the Strays will get 100% of our contributions if we send a check rather than donate online? Perhaps I'm misreading the fine print, but it looks like the online system deducts 2-3% for the Network for Good (system support fees and the like). I know that's not a lot (and it's a standard in the biz), but I thought I'd ask.

Thanks, if you have time to reply.

Rebecca -- you can go ahead and mail a check to them. I understand that Bobbi and the Strays have set up a checking account just for the Vivi search -- you can indicate that you want your check to go to that account.

Marvy. Thanks!!!!! :-)

Beth - in looking at toll free numbers, it looks like 866-535-364* (JFK-DOG) is available with the last digit being anything but a 7. We could us the last digit of 8 (V). I work for AT&T and if you would like I would be happy to see what I can do to get the service.

Vivi's just told me she's on a swing - swinging - dog's don't swing.

So everyone out there - reach up into the sky and catch Vivi. Grab her by her paw and hold on. Enough of this racing stuff - time to come home. Everyone concentrate and bring her back.

(Remember vision can be past, present, or future, memories or dreams, moon spots or vaport - now post those fliers)

Look friends - the moon spots and blue vapors is just teasing - don't take it so seriously - really friends. I can be wrong - that's the point with the moon spots and blue vapors - it is a poetic way of saying I can be wrong. In fact, I hope I am. How's that for confidence. - Now go find the lost and missing little animals and think happy thoughts. Get a grip - I believe in rational people living rational lives.
Best to all of you!

Cynthia's Psychic Friend -- you say that you hope you are wrong regarding your vision. So, what is your vision? Does your vision suggest that Vivi has passed on? Not being psychic whatsoever, I'm pretty confused right now.

P.S. I want to be wrong about Vivi racing in the sky - I want Vivi back - I want her home with Jill - I do not like her racing about. I don't encourage her to race - I remind her she's a dog. I love little Vivi. Little Vivi is head strong, God bless her soul - God made her that way, not me.

So everyone - reach up into the blue sky and bring our baby home.

Good thoughts, love, and kind words to all you out there that love Vivi.

Still confused! You don't sound hopeful at all. Hmmm. Well, I'm going back to making posters.

No - I don't know what it means - I just want her home and not racing about like a bird - flit here, flit there, never anyplace for long. Birds are free creatures - no one owns them when they are in the sky - lets stop all this nonesense of moving about little Vivi. So when I am wrong and the birds land - good. Vivi will be sighted.

I'm ready for her to come home - aren't you too?

And maybe little Vivi is contemplating - to let herself be seen - maybe its a debate - I don't know at all. But for what it is worth - lets nudge her this way!

Now I have to earn a living. Bye all.