Vivi, the wily whippet who yesterday morning was spotted in the Queens Botanical Garden, was back near her usual stomping grounds near Flushing Cemetery by nightfall.
Search coordinator Bonnie Folz reporst that around 6:30 last night, a woman on Jasmine Avenue near 156th Street called to say that her daughter had seen Vivi in their backyard. The family leaves dog food outside for their own canine, and Vivi saw fit to partake. By the time the family got outside, Vivi was in a community driveway behind the house, and -- as is her wont -- sped off when approached.
The Jasmine Avenue sighting is about six blocks west of Flushing Cemetery, where some searchers believe Vivi beds down for the night. Searchers surveying the cemetery last night with night-vision goggles reported neither canine nor paranormal activity.
Comments (32)
Is the man who fed Vivi bread still involved ? He sounded like a patient, quiet type that Vivi needs around her
New post from Bo:
UPDATE AS OF WEDNESDAY NIGHT 22 MARCH 2006
Several more sightings of Vivi today, including one very early morning encounter when a man walking his Doberman saw Vivi on the other side of the fence at the same cemetery where she’s been before. Apparently Vivi came right up, stood nose to nose with the Dobe and reportedly seemed happy to see it. She has not as far as we know responded to any dog before this since getting lost, but Jil says that one of Vivi’s best pals at the barn at home is a Doberman.
Jil and Rick have continued to walk and call. Obviously the sightings in the same area are encouraging, but it must be frustrating for them to be so close without seeing Vivi.
I was hoping these updates could be kept brief but would like to forward some information from Bonnie Folz and Karin Goin.
SATURDAY STAKE-OUT
Bonnie Folz, who organizes the volunteer searches and posters, writes the following:
"On Saturday, starting at 6:00am, we will be conducting a Stake-Out, where volunteer ‘watchers’ will be assigned specific corners/blocks to watch. I will set up specific protocol to use once Vivi is sighted by one of our group to keep everyone on the same page when Vivi is seen. This protocol information will be given to all volunteers prior to Saturday. There will also be a few ‘floaters’ out to assist the ‘watchers’ and help with breaks where needed throughout the team of volunteers. I need to know by Friday afternoon who will be able to volunteer for the Vivi Stake-Out and what hours you will be available. This will be an all-day (dawn till dusk, so to speak) task. I’m sure not everyone can be available for the full day but ANY time you can be there to help out would be so very much appreciated.
"Once I know how many volunteers will be on hand, I will give out assignments of the corner/block to watch, so you can go there first thing Saturday morning. I will need to know who will be volunteering, what time you will be at your post and what time you need to leave for the day, so I can coordinate who will be where and all areas are covered at all times. Please email me this information using ‘Watcher’ in the subject line of your email. We will leave putting up posters and flyers till the evening hours.
"Once again, I cannot thank EVERYONE enough. You have all been doing a GREAT job. Hope to see everyone on Saturday. Keep the faith!"
Bonnie needs to be thanked at least as much as any of her volunteers, if not more, as she has the difficult task of organizing all this. Her email address is Pawsativebf@aol.com.
I am personally concerned that a lot of people out looking for Vivi might inadvertently frighten her and cause her to be more difficult to catch, but I know that Bonnie will address this, so everyone will be very calm and not disturb Vivi unless there is a very real chance of successfully catching her.
SUGGESTIONS FOR WHAT TO DO WHEN VIVI IS SEEN
It’s good that the focus is shifting to the crucial point of how to act once Vivi is seen. All the sightings are great, and putting up posters is necessary, but none of that helps if Vivi gets away because whoever is trying to grab her makes a wrong move. Unfortunately there is no sure right or wrong way to catch a now obviously skittish Whippet, but at Bonnie’s suggestion Paul asked Karin Goin for her advice. It follows here, with some additions from Paul and me. (We obviously don’t have the experience of lost dogs that Karin has, but we have several decades of dealing with whippets and other sighthounds, including a few panicky hounds in different circumstances.)
We hope that when applicable the following may also be useful for other people with lost hounds.
First, Jil needs to be with a driver who knows the area and can get her to where Vivi is spotted as fast as possible.
If anyone sees Vivi, the FIRST THING they should do is call Jil and tell her where they are so she can get there immediately.
Next, every volunteer should have some cheap raw beef or beef blend hot dogs to use as bait, at least 2 packages each.
If possible, the volunteers should select a place to park their car near a fenced yard that has a gate that is open.
THE FIRST AND BEST SCENARIO: Find a front or side yard with a high fence and a gate. Ask permission of the owners to leave a trail of hot dog pieces from the street leading far into the yard, so if Vivi follows this trail someone could shut the gate behind her. The hot dog pieces need only be the size of a large grape and dropped a couple of feet apart.
If that were to happen, the volunteer should wait until Jil gets there to try and catch her. If she is contained in a fenced area, you SHOULD NOT do any more until Jil gets there. Whippets are great jumpers and Vivi could get over a 6-foot fence if she panics.
If it is not possible to find an ideal scenario like this, THE NEXT BEST PLAN is:
Put about 1/3 of a hot dog on the ground somewhere near this yard (it shouldn’t be right in front of the gate). This is to slow her down if she comes trotting by. The volunteer should be in a car across the street and a little distance down the road, NOT right next to the hot dog. That’s too close and would scare her when anyone opens the car door.
Next, just ONE person should CALMLY AND QUIETLY get out of the car (leave the car door open, don’t slam it shut!) and walk parallel to Vivi or even away from her, calmly and quietly calling her name. DO NOT WALK DIRECTLY TOWARD HER and DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY AT HER. If she looks interested the volunteer should calmly make a big deal of dropping half a hot dog to the ground ("Oh, look at this delicious hot dog. I bet Vivi wants some" etc.). Make sure she sees it and then walk away about 30 feet and kneel down. If she comes and eats the hot dog, drop another piece and move away, but not as far this time. Remember not to look directly at her. Just be very casual, as if everything is normal and this is what you do every day.
Don’t toss any bait to her. Just drop it and walk away.
If Vivi stays around for 5-8 minutes you have a very good chance of her staying longer. Just stay calm, don’t rush anything, and keep feeding her little bits of hot dog. Even pieces the size of a large grape should keep her around. If she looks like she might eat out of your hand, let her, pet her gently and IF IT’S SAFE take firmly hold of the rope, or slip a leash quietly around her neck. (She normally would not mind this, but it’s hard to know if even seeing a leash might now scare her.)
If at all possible, THE BEST THING would be to lure Vivi into a fenced yard, so it’s posible to shut a gate behind her. Even better would be a garage or a shed with a door that’s easy to close.
If this is not possible, just try to get Vivi to get even closer and STAY CALM AND CASUAL, sitting or kneeling there hoping she’ll get close enough to pet, and, if she does have a rope around her neck, get hold of it and DON’T LET GO.
If Vivi is startled or someone tries to grab her but doesn’t catch her, it will just make it much harder to get her in the future. DON’T GRAB HER UNTIL YOU ARE SURE YOU CAN HANG ON TO HER! It is probably better to not try to grab her at all than trying to grab her and letting her go. It’s a very difficult decision, but once you have a leash around her neck, do NOT let her go no matter what!
If possible, each volunteer should have a slip lead like those used in veterinary offices. If you are lucky enough to get her to eat our of your hand, maybe you can slip one of these leads over her head.
If Jil gets there, she should follow the same guidelines as above and the other people should move away.
If Vivi is caught, get her into a car as soon as possible. Even Jil should put off hugs and kisses until she is in a car, as she might be all excited to see Jil and then still bolt away.
It probably helps not to wear flapping, large coats or hats that might look scary to a dog.
Since you are in a public street you cannot expect to be uninterrupted. If someone approaches you may lose your chance, but if possible ask people who live nearby NOT to come out if they see Vivi or hear you talking to her. The fewer people that are around the better.
Finding Vivi is difficult enough, but actually catching her might be much more so. We don’t know how many people have chased her, scared her or tried to catch her already. We do know that she is pretty wary of strangers now (although not of children) and very different from her normal, confident, people-loving self.
MEDIA
The media circus continues. Jil told me that she was at one point followed during her walking by five TV cameras (she got them to help with the traps, etc. and managed to shake them off when walking in areas where it was likely she might actually encounter Vivi). There has apparently been considerable newspaper coverage in the area as well. We have had calls today from local newspapers here in California (which is of no real help to us), and MSNBC sent a crew up from Los Angeles for an interview with Paul at "Countdown with Keith Olberman," who made the Vivi search his #1 Countdown ahead of stories about President Bush, Washington press corps veteran Helen Thomas and Bill O’Reilly... It’s frankly bizarre, but we have given up trying to understand why the story of our dog obviously appeals to so many other people and just accept the fact that the national publicity makes people who live in the area where Vivi is more aware of her.
Again, thanks for all your good thoughts.
Bo
Clipped from Bo's post. Note the hot dog info. Beef blend...
Do not buy the pork ones. Pork products can cause digestive problems in dogs and is not good for them, which is why Bo suggested Beef. I assume when he said Beef blend, he means blended with turkey or chicken.
Kosher hot dogs would be a safe bet.
If someone goes through a package of pork hot dogs in trying to lure Vivi, she might get sick.
Did someone find out anything on trying to get someone there to capture ViVi
MARTY: I EMAILED THE GUY IN BOSEMAN, MT ALREADY. WHOO WAS CALLING THE GREYHOUND GUY?????
Darlene--is Carl (pet-detective) out ???
Marty, I just spoke to Animal Control here. She recommends that we should talk to Animal Control in NY, they would be better to assist with this. A dart gun could be used by a PROFESSIONAL (VET
READ MY POST UNDER Q@A...MAYBE WE SHOULD MOVE THERE
Darlene:
Things are already in process regarding contacting the greyhound guy. Bo was given the contact information for Michael McCann last night, and may already be in touch with him.
I can't remember the person that said she was call the greyhound rescurer but she said she would to it today. Let's everyone take a deep breathe and remember that our mission here is get to get ViVi home safe and sound. We are getting so close and like Bo said we have to be patience. I know everyone is getting frustrated but but we have to keep the group together. Remember it was this same group that came together 5 weeks ago and look what has already been accomplished. It's going to happen
Brian - we try to keep the first thread free for important info to listed there, and we blab on the second thread - that's why we're here on this one now :).
Brian, we usually leave the last post open for the searchers so they don't have to go thru all the garbage to find what they are looking for.
Gail in CT
Which blog are we on now
You are on the right one - everyone is kind of all over the place in every way.
I was the one who contacted Grey Rescue for more searchers to help Bonnie Sat. They are making calls to their people and hopefully we will be able to get more bodies out for Bonnie Sat.
I was dishearted to hear that the City workers are instructed to take down the Vivi fliers - against the law. Can fliers be put on wood in yards, like the political signs, and in store windows? (probably being done). Or on private property so that the city workers can't touch them. Also, fliers might be put inside car windows (not to block any view, of course) but as a moving signs - at least on the volunteers cars - even magnet signs on the side of cars - but that is expensive. Be wonderful to have a billboard with Vivi's picture on it.
I read the comment about the Jesus Christ of trappers by Brian - it's like hiring scent hounds to find lost people - sometimes you don't find anything and then again, sometimes you are successfull. I guess that is why people try many different avenues - maybe one of them will work. Patience is the key - but patience doesn't mean not trying every possible method that is legal and safe and agreeable by the owners.
I was calling to find a number for Michael McCann last night--left a message---nice to hear he is in contact with owners. Also waiting for contact return information on trappers in the area---made a few calls around the country to find and location close to NY. Waiting to hear back. Will keep you posted. And ooops my fingers work so fast at times and I miss spelled Iva's las tname by typo---forgive me Iva Kimmelman. But I remember in the energy it's all fonetiks!! Will get back with infor ASAIH.
I'm sorry... I must be missing a comment about city workers removing the flyers. Hell, we have flyers on poles from tag sales two years ago... I have a hard time believing/understanding that Vivi's flyers are an "issue". And actually, these flyers are normally a beef of mine because no one ever comes BACK to remove them after a pet is found/yard sale is over! I usually end up pulling them down myself -- at least in my neighborhood.
Pieper - it's in Denise's first thread, the Q&A one. S
I'm so happy to see the post by BO about what to do if Vivi is sighted - an answer to my question of yesterday. It is possible that someone reading these blogs will be the person to get close to Vivi and now they have a plan on what to do that actually might work.
I caught a very fiesty Boxer once using several cans of Tuna and a bitch in heat - of course, Vivi is a girl so that won't work.
Oh, so wonderful to hear about the Doberman she likes - I love Dobermans - they are so sweet. Keep the faith.
Hey would a PODCAST help at all? I know they are a new form of communication but with iPods they are getting popular. I have a friend that has a pod show---let me know.
There was a Big Vivi story on "Good Morning America" Diane Sawyer said that she believes this is going to have a Happy Ending. Also in the Los Angeles Times there is almos one page article on Vivi and all the WONDERFUL PEOPLE who are out there in the trenches looking for her. SPECIAL BLESSING TO ALL OF YOU.
Were like a family we have our good days and our not so good days. We have a grumpy days and Happy days. Vivi will get caught by a kind person who will know what to do (SEE THAT IN YOUR MIND)
Love you all
Siri-Calif
If Vivi is following a pattern, there should be a sighting soon. Been one the last few days around 11ish noonish. Keep the faith.. And BREATHE!!!
Liz,
Thanks for pointing me to the thread. I find it really hard to believe that city employees are taking them down. NY isn't known for it's over-zealous municipal employees in general. Not meant to be a personal affront to any reading who may be so employed. Just a NY reality.
if vivi was seen at 630p last nite, she is getting through the fence of the cemetery somehow It closes at 5p.
It's not a solid fence, Maggie. There are gaps under the bottom rail all over the place -- especially at the gates.
Another thought to that could be that she did not return back to the cemetary (home) in time to gain entrance and spent the night somewhere else. Let's hope she is either getting through the fence somewhere else or will return home before the gates close today. I truely believe that she is equating the cemetary with home (quite and safe).
I'm very pleased to see Bo's update with the SPECIFIC actions to take.
My biggest concern has been that sightings aren't any good without a solid plan for how to approach and deal with Vivi. Otherwise, things can be made much WORSE.
I'm sorry no one but Carla responded to my post from yesterday (and she sent me a very kind email). I'm here if you need me, but I won't be posting any longer. You all know how to reach me by phone or email.
Good luck everyone (especially Vivi).
Yesterday time 4:31 there was a blog that said Laura had called the owners and if they wanted she would come back out. If there is no sighting of Vivi today we should call Laura immediately or call the owners and get her out here before the Vivi scent is old
Siri
I liked that idea I read somewhere about 3 AM, that maybe instead of calling Vivi's name only, they try calling the names of her Doberman or horse friends, or her family ? Worth a try ?
If they take the posters down people won't have the phone numbers ! Enough people don't know even WITH the posters.
They did some heavy tree removal work at the cemetary today... or at least I spotted it today. Maybe all the ruckus and change in the visual appearance spooked her away for the night? It's quite a bit warmer and less windy than the past few weeks, which is a blessing.
My daughter has been staring out her window for the past two hours at the spot where she saw Vivi last evening (3/22). As if she's trying to will her here again. If the owners are interested, I am more than happy to host a trap... and depending on the size, it might fit under my porch... which is where many animals have sought refuge in the cold.