... and the forsythia, and the croci ...
Searchers say Vivi was seen today at 11 a.m. at the Queens Botanical Garden. This means Vivi would have crossed busy Main Street to get to the 39-acre garden, which is in line with an east-westerly greenbelt that Vivi seems to traverse in her jaunts around the neighborhood.
Vivi's owner, Jil Walton, says it is not surprising that Vivi is drawn to the bustling Asian community to the west of Kissena Park and Flushing Cemetery. The barn where Jil works in California is located near a similar community, and Vivi is likely familiar with its sights and smells.
Vivi's foray to downtown Flushing does not necessarily mean she has forsaken the more residential neighborhood to the east where searches and sightings have been clustered in the last couple of weeks. Not to mention the peaceful cemetery that has become a favorite, er, haunt: At 3:30 a.m. today, a man walking his dog near 46th Avenue and 163rd Street says his Doberman was nose-to-nose with the whippet through the iron fence of Flushing Cemetery.
To get a sense of the area where Vivi has been ranging, click here. To the immediate left of the red dot, on the west side of Main Street, is the Queens Botanical Garden. Flushing Cemetery is about an mile and a half to the east.
Comments (52)
This may sound stupid but, has anyone asked if the little girl who played with Vivi several days ago, could come back out and play with her again without older kids/adults around?
Perhaps searchers/volunteers SITTING on the ground near her "haunts" with great smelling foods....non-dominant body posturing.....sort of Hansel and Gretel following the path of great smelling foods.......Blessing to you all for your hard, insistent searching- Carol from Maine
Sighting at the Botanical Gardens should be viewed with caution. In Vivi's wanderings, she's sticking to the greenway which runs throughout Queens. The next "leg" of the greenway is Flushing Meadows Corona Park... which lies across a very dangerous College Point Boulevard (unless she finds the obscure footbridge over the Boulevard). This roadway is very wide, curved, and a major truck route.
If Vivi is hunting (rabbits in the cemetaries and Kissena/Peck parks), she won't find as much game in Flushing Meadows park. Perhaps some rats or squirrels. Someone may want to notify the DEP facility on College Point Boulevard, as she'd be in view of the construction crews were she to attempt crossing College Point Blvd...
PIEPER OR SOMEONE: I AM AT WORK - CANNOT CALL. ANYINE KKNOW THE PHINE NUMBER FOR DEP??????
Could a large net possibly be positioned in the area where the doberman and Vivi were nose to nose? Then ask the owner to once again walk his dog to this area several times during the night in hopes that Vivi might see the doberman and return to be netted and contained. Perhaps use some food to entice her as well!
Kathleen Stephenson
When my Italian Greyhound got loose (yes, ANOTHER one of my furbabies got loose on me when we moved again), he crossed a 4 lane busy intersection. I think what made his 10" of height visible was that we had a denim doggie diaper on him at the time, so I think people slowed down to look and ask "What the heck is THAT on that dog??". We found him as well, overnight, again....sleeping on someone's porch. He got loose because my mix breed ate the door and all the dogs got out. Too many lost dogs in the world.
Anyway, these dogs can make it believe it or not, across the roads...as long as people on cell phones, doing their makeup and drinking their coffee at the same time are not there too.
Has anyone contacted the Queens Botanical Gardens to put out a bulletin to their crews and guests?
Queens Botanical Gardens: 718-886-3800
4350 Main St
Flushing, NY 11355, US
Let me know if you want me to, and I will be happy to contact them from Memphis, TN.
Kathleen Stephenson
KATHLEEN - I AM AT WORK. COULD YOU PLEASE??????MAY A FAX NUMBER TOO - POST IT AND I WILL FAX THEM!!!!!
I just called Queens Botanical Gardens. the woman that answered said someone was just there and the place where Vivi was spotted is the Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Siri-Calif
DEP info... (718) 595 - 6600 (
Also, construction site run by E E CRUZ:
E.E. Cruz / Nab / Frontier - Kemper, JV
415 Fifth Ave. Pelham, NY 10803
Attn: Daniel R. Peterson
Phone: 914-738-0280 (718-661-3978)
Fax: 914-738-0026
Please send the Fax to Flushing Meadows see above Blog
Siri
Just talked to Queens Botanical also and got some info. They were aware she was there and are very eager to help find her.
There is an NYPD command post in Flushing Meadows Park, although I don't know if operational this time of year. Also, train and subway stations (MTA), as well as a large contingent of the Parks Department. Can't locate any phone #s... just 311. But bet the Police Dept. can contact Parks. 109th Pct. # 718.321.2250, I believe.
Pieper,
Glad you brought up that point with her travels along the greenway. I mentioned that in my posts last week that it seems she is traveling east and west along this greenway. I mentioned it runs along or near all her sightings. Bayside - alley pond, north cunnigham park, over the lie north along peck, then by kissena, passes through botanical gardens and ends in flushing meadows corona park. I suggested posters be posted along this greenway as it is a marked bike trail frequented by bicyclist, joggers, dog walkers. I hoped she wouldnt continue to flushing corona park b/c exaclty as you stated above, it is a horrible intersection to cross over into flushing meadows corona park. I clearly remember how difficult it was to cross into it and I was on a bike. The traffic is horrible there. Hope she heads back east towards the more residential area of flushing cemetary.
Just soke to a lovely woman named VIVIAN - VIVI for short, at Flushing Meadow Corona Park. I faxed her Vivi's flyer, she will post - she knew about "our" Vivi, but did not know that she was sighted near the Park this morning! DINA
Kalee,
Ironically, she appears to be heading for LaGuardia Airport, where the greenbelt ends. And none-too-attractively, either. That's all industrial, fairly nasty replete with totally wild strays in the junkyards and swampland (aka "causeways"). Perhaps the Iron Triangle (Willets Point scrap yards) have an association that can be contacted premptively? Just in case she heads their way. I wouldn't recommend posters there. Not safe nor very accessible.
Has anyone called the USTA Tennis Center yet?
Vivian at Flushing Meadow Park is going to alert the Park Commissioner and the maintanence crew. I gave her Bonnie's cell and Honi's cell so she can get exact sighting location. Vivian is a dog lover! DINA
Hi I called and left a message with the executive office at the B gardens and lest Bini's cell # with her so if there is a call back she would get it. I left the message that the lost whippet from JFK last month is in the facinity of the gardens and if they could put out an apb to staff and crew that would help us out alot. I also feel Vivi getting reconnected with all the action going on so this could be the best thing---we just need to breathe through the fear of dangers and when the thoughts enter any heads say "cancel cancel" right away and redo the thoughts with positive ones that align with the visualizations taking place (Vivi is safe, in a protective light and is on the verge of being captured safe and sound. We are sooo close I feel it.
USTA 718.760.6200 (Main Barn #)
DINA, BOTH NAMES VIVI...SOUNDS LIKE AN OMEN TO ME!
LET THIS BE THE DAY..
What's the distance from Flushing Meadows Corona park and Flushimg Cemetary? I'm trying to track her but it seems pretty far...maybe not for a whippet though.
I am calling the USTA right now. My daughter was a nationaly ranked tennis player for years and I know who to call.
Been to the Open many times.
Not very far, Gail. Especially is she was indeed on Bowne Street yesterday. Perhaps 2 miles, tops, between Bowne St. and Flushing Meadows park.
IF SHE'S DEFINATELY AT FLUSHING MEADOW-CORONA PARK MY SUGGESTION WOULD BE TO GET WITHIN THE AREAS OF THE ROOSEVELT AVENUE ENTRANCE AND LAY LOW!! THERE'S A GOOD CHANCE SHE'LL BE COMING THAT WAY. THAT IS EXACTLY WHERE THE QUEENSBORO DOG SHOWS WERE HELD THIS PAST OCTOBER! THERE'S BOUND TO STILL BE SCENT OF OVER A THOUSAND DOGS ELIMINATING THEMSELVES DURING THE 3 DAYS OF THAT EVENT. HERE'S THE LINK FOR DIRECTIONS TO THE SHOW SITE: http://www.infodog.com/clubs/2005021701.HTM
I own several Catahoulas and they remind me of little Whippets in a way - smaller hounds - high strung. They are so smart that my dogs won't ever be trapped - they can slid out of anyting - and squeeze between even the strongest legs or gates. My suggestion, for what it is worth, is that one person needs to become a fixutre in her in little night cemetery. Sitting still even if she is spotted. Making no advances. Leaving little tid bits of roast beef (or whatever) as a peace offering - until Vivi decides to approach. It is like taming a wild animal and it can be done with patience. If Vivi is as fast as my Catahoulas - no net drops fast enough to catch a smart hound.
Accordidng to a previous message -
I just called Queens Botanical Gardens. the woman that answered said someone was just there and the place where Vivi was spotted is the Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Siri-Calif
Here are some telephone numbers I found that should maybe contacted and given flyers
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
(718) 760-6565
Queens Wildlife Center
(718) 271-1500
Shea Stadium
(718) 699-4220
USTA National Tennis Center
(718) 760-6221
World's Fair Marina on Flushing Bay
(718) 478-0480
World's Fair Skating Rink
(718) 271-1996
Thanks Pieper I got it. This dog needs to stay put for 5 minutes.
ANYONE CALLING AND FAXING HER PICTURE TO THESE PLACES? I AM BUSY TRYING TO GET NIGHT VISION BINOCULARS. THOSE ARE GREAT PLACES!!!!
I've called the 110 Precinct and the World Fair marina on Flushing Bay and left 917-647-4848 917-626-1374. They want posters to put up in there area.
Siri
CAN SOMEONE GET THEM POSTER
110 PRECINCT 718-476-9311 PLEASE SEND POSTERS IDON'T HAVE THEIR ADDRESS
SEE WORLDS FAIR NUMBER ABOVE
SIRI-CALIF
I just saw an article on the internet about the NYC Parks department catching a Coyote in Central Park after it was sighted one week ago. I e-mailed Mayor Bloomberg to see if there was anything that could be done through the Parks Department. Maybe that's already been done, and I am a nobody, so my e-mail could easily be ignored, but I'm trying to think of anything I can do from Ohio.
I'm trying to find the fax numbers but no luck
How about the Parks and Recreation? It's a 311 number for new yorkers.
JES we're thinking the same things..
New blog has me confused. I thought she was also seen in the cemetary last very early morning.
I think she was, I think she was just saying that she hasn't gone FURTHER west like to that Corona park or something someone had mentioned. OK, really going to work now. Terrie
Yesterday I made a comment that received no response . . . as an owner of a female whippet myself - active whippets on the move drink LOTS and LOTS of water. Searchers need to locate water features in the area and watch for her there. It may be the reason she was sighted today at the botanical gardens - there must be a water garden there and she went there when she was thirsty.
See new article by Denise -- move up to post!
I believe the new blog is just to clear up the story that is saying she had moved further to Flushing Meadows Park and has nothing to do with the sighting at 3:00am or 3:30am this morning
Just emailed Vivi's flyer to 110th Precinct and Worlds Fair. DINA
SWITCH TO THE "PLAYING TELEPHONE THREAD"
Just got off the phone with Ryan Ferrera, groundskeeper at the USTA Tennis Center. E mailed Vivi's picture and all pertinent information. He said he'd tell the security pesonnel there as well.
nice job, loretta!!!!
Darlene- where can I get a copy of the flyer to e mail to Ryan??? I ned it now and am so nervous- don't know where to look.
I am so frustrated being South of Philly. I KNOW That tennis center like the back of my hand and could be useful there.
Darlene,
According to the Dick's website they do carry the goggles. I can call the new Dick's store here in North Jersey and see if they have any and whether they do store to store transfers. Let me know if that will help.
IF ANYBODY GOES TO THE TENNIS CENTER
Once Vivi is sighted - and the searches are close - then what? Could it possibly be that leaving too much food, will not help her capture - if the logic is that when hungry she will go to people. If mana falls from heaven, then who needs people? Just a thought.
Again, no one would ever put their hands on one of my hounds - they are just too smart and too fast. Does someone have a dart gun and will tranquilize the sweet dog from a tree? (A Pro animal person from the zoo?) Exactly what happens, when the "hunters" are three feet away from little Vivi?
We need to remember the delicate systems the whippets have which means the tranquilizers might not be the drug that is good for whippets---and in her physical condition in question it might do more harm than good or the whole situation scare her off where then later the tranq takes effect and there she'd be---but no one would no where--- and unprotected because knocked out by the drug. When I grap stray cats by hand with the special big gloves, I ask the divine forces (God) to let me know the exact mement to grab and then I continue to breathe calmly, holding my thoughts to slow, comforting, and non-aggressive (I don't think "catch") and when the indication comes, I grab. It has worked every tine. I am holding space for this to take place---that there are no issues around Vivi's capture. We jsut need to increase the sighting frequency.
Thanks Gale, always words of wisdom
Siri
It can't be said strongly enough -- DO NOT USE TRANQUILIZERS on her!
Wild thing, I think I love you, run Vivi into someone's arm's to take care of you....JP Sacks
Hey JP Sacks: Move onto another blog, this one is very old! Click on the "archives" for October and you'll get into a current blog for Vivi!
Anyone find him yet?