Animal House

Denise - YOU GO GIRL - bravo for you to not only talk the talk but to walk the walk. Please drive the pottymouths away so that this blog can be what it needs to be - a place to learn about Vivi and her search.

Thank you. Now I can post and have e-mail too again.

yeah Cynthia- now I'm getting all the hate mail on my computer!

Hey-maybe Brian will even come back to the blog!

Thanks again Denise and Viva Vivi! Time to go home girl!

I would love to have Brian back. He's wonderful and Just Paul too. I miss them both.

Denise, job well done! This blog is for Vivis information, not bashing anyone.
By the way, the pups are so cute. Tell Lisa, stud owner, that Kim from Roberts said hi!

Lydia - sorry to hear you too had e-mail troubles. Things will get better, because we all love Miss Vivi, and good sense will prevail. I have a "feeling" that we are becoming a happy family again.

Denise:
Thanks for making the blog a "safe" place once again. I truly appreciate it.

I hope this question isn't too silly, but do people get a second chance if they make a mistake in the beginning? Bad habits might be a little hard to break for some. I believe in second chances. Maybe not third chances, but there's so much good that has been accomplished here, I sure hope everyone pulls it together and fast. Vivi needs us all.

No more negativity from me! and there has been some-very sorry to all its so easy to be a back seat driver. enough said-- on a positive note I thought the blood hound tracker, if it could be kept under wraps with no publicity (NONE) MIGHT BE A GOOD IDEA- might? if its low key by someone that knows feral sighthounds....peace to all- HB

Not one sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. (Matthew 10:29)
Creator, You breathe life into everything that comes into being. You care for all that You have created, You have supported and sustained Vivi, Sniffles, and Biggie for the last months, and we are so grateful for that. They are amazing and resourceful because You have made them. It is no mistake that we have united in Your name to honor You by helping them. Discouragement, and a feeling of helplessness have taken over the group. We feel a need to express our frustration, rather than give in to tears. We need Your help,Father. We need Your peace, Father. We need Your hope Father. We don't want to give in to discouragement, but we're slipping fast. Show us what You would have us do.
Show us how we should pray. You have gathered us together Father, to help Vivi. Show us Your will so that we may serve You, and honor You through Vivi.
We ask,too, that You continue to protect and support these dogs. They are as Francis, and John Paul II would have called them "our little brothers, and sister in creation". Help us to continue to support one another. Stop the injustice being done to the little bulldog who deserves temperment testing, not euthanasia.Thank You, for the healing You are doing in Madison, Susan, and Baby Girl. Thank You for the healing in Dante and Murphy. Send a miracle for Nell. Support Barbara Jean in Yoda's Senior problems. Welcome all who will join You in Paradise this night. Let us one day join You, and can we please have our companion animals,too?(It wouldn't be Heaven without them.)
Bless and support the courage and effort of Vivi's angels. Send your angels, St. Francis, St.Anthony, and all Your animal loving host, to guide, protect,
and support them! They are amazing examples of Your creation! We're pretty needy tonight God. You made us, You know us. Bring out our best, and suppress our worst qualities. Let our faith in You grow as a result of this experience. We Believe, Almighty God, help our unbelief. We turn over tonight's watch to You! We thank you, YOU ARE IN CHARGE! AMEN!

'Night everyone!

Denise: THANK YOU! (and I use the dreaded cap letters in a positive manner!!!) THANK YOU!! For your words and stepping in! Giving some guidance and direction. Yes, I would love to hear something again from Brian! Always enjoyed hearing from him. You all know that saying "you can never go home again".... well, I KNOW we all can (and Vivi will, for sure!!) and we can get back home to the positive, informative place that this site was intended to be!! Let's all get back there!! Let's go home! On a personal note, positive note, Denise, can we see some more puppy pics to bring us all up???? They must be darling and cute and full of fun at this age!! Would love to see some pics of those babies!!! Keeping the Faith, Marnie in CA

Like many, many others I check this site several time daily to find information on Vivi. I want (need) to know when she is found as I'll worry about her until then. And I do believe she will be reunited with her family sooner or later. I'm just hoping that it won't take 2 years, but if it does there will still be plenty of Vivi helpers out there searching and posting flyers and making flyers and sending money...

Thank you Denise for hosting this blog from the beginning. I thank you more than I can say for not just shutting it down due to inappropriate behavior. I, too, stopped posting. That made me sad. For me it is important to keep in touch with others who are worrying about Vivi. This blog is full of wonderful people who have done and are doing amazing things to help bring Vivi home safely.

Thank you for assisting us and for standing up to the bullies in the world for us.

Teresa G

Lois, Meri-Lou and I are working on developing the idea of door-hangers. We think it would be a particularly good idea, considering that Vivi may be in a new neighborhood. Would be a way to alert the residents that Vivi may be there and may be seen.

I think that is a great idea Elizabeth.

I'm curious, what do you plan on doing with the multiple family homes (apartment buildings) that have restricted entry and also who will be distributing the door hangers. Just curious.

Sometimes it's easy to get entrance through fenced areas. Gates are left open and pedestrian doors are unlocked, but of course, door-to-door solicitation is frowned upon if down right not allowed. Oh well, where's there a will, there's a way.

On another note, so many regulars are oddly missing today. I hope they will be back and aren't "x'ed" out - even if some where a little "raw" at times, they still did much good for Vivi.

Maybe they're taking a needed Vivi break to get centered and will be back in flying colors soon. I sure hope so.

Ladies - I believe the door hanger thing may be a great idea. Personally, I would come closer to holding onto a door hanger than a flyer handed to me in the streets. In fact, this is how I found my current lawn care service and garbage disposal service. Got their hangers and called them the very next day.

Go for it. It may not work for every situation, but it is worth a good try if you are willing to put forth the time and effort. I will certainly not "rain on your parade," we need to be open to every possible idea for finding Vivi - that is what this blog is all about.

Thanks for your help.

Hugs from Kathleen and Tinkerbell in Memphis, TN

I will email Bonnie the idea about the doorhangers. If you could get me a price, I will pass this info on to her too. I think it is a good idea. Wont hurt to suggest it.

I like the door hanger idea. The thing about NYC is that it seems like everyone is always trying to hand you a flyer for something, especially when you work or live in midtown and that gets kind of tiring. With the door hanger you don't invade anyone's personal space and they can pick it up and look at it when they feel like it, it stands out more than a flyer; and since it's more unusual to get a door hanger you might be more likely to look at it, or even keep it.

I got an email back from Bonnie, she says it sounds like a good idea. We will have to figure out what neighborhoods to put them in, how many we will need, and price?

Thanks Kim for taking the time to do this for Lois, Meri-Lou and Elizabeth. Thank Bonnie for answering so quickly also please.

I would be willing to design the artwork for it to save some money if you would like. I have done these before when I worked as a graphic artist in the art department at St. Jude. Just let me know if you need assistance. Will be glad to help.

We could actually print ourselves if needed (I think we used about 3-up on a page if I remember correctly). You just print on a very light cardstock paper (does not have to be expensive paper), have them cut down at a printers and the large hole added with a die cut. We could physically cut the small slit to the side ourselves. In fact, I wonder if any company already might sell these to run through printers (like with the Avery labels). I'll Google tonight and see about that also. If not, I can look for a good pattern to use.

Kathleen: You are so talented and so helpful. Thanks for loving Vivi and offering to help.

The door hangers are a great idea. They are easier to keep with you and the shape is more noticeable. I say go for it if it's workable.

I enjoy doing any kind of artwork, as long as you give me my computer to use. I am definitely not one of those fine art people (like Karen VA with her beautiful paintings). Wish I were. I am definitely a digital art person. I have an ongoing love with computers, music, art and animals (but not in this order). That is why I love web design so much also. My teachers used to tell me "sketch it out on paper first" for my web design, but just could never do that. I have to dive right in on the computer.

Posted this at the wrong blog at first. My, my!
--------------------
I'm going to e-mail this also, but Lois, Meri-Lou and Elizabeth, here is probably the cheaper way to go.

This is the blank door hangers (with the hole and slit precut) in sheets (2-up on a page) that can be run through any laser printer. If you are willing to go for black and white, I could do a bunch with my laser printer at work (2-sided baby). All we would need is to trim the sheet into two (and guess what, I also have access to a heavy-duty paper cutter to trim into two clean door hangers.

Here is the link.

http://www.blank-doorhangers.com/

Kathleen, blank-doorhanger info you unearthed is fantastic! Job well done! May I suggest putting "How to Approach" info on reverse? We also have to work on distribution. (Think Meri-Lou was also researching having door-hangers printed.)

You dont have to do every residence . As a suggestion you could do some percentage per block and at the bottom say "Please tell your neighbor"

Good Morning all. Has anyone heard anything on the bulldog pup Duke?

Agree with Kathleen that doorhangers should be supplemented with posters/flyers and if Vivi still in South Jamaica, handing out flyers at subway and bus stations may be good way of getting to large groups of people coming into and leaving the area, particularly in AM & PM. Only problem of course is getting the man (or womman) power to do this as most if not all volunteers have full time jobs. So we are back to considering hiring distributors, which was, I think, discussed sometime back and researched by?? (Beth, perhaps?). Additionally, lost & found ads should be placed in new sighting areas served by the local newspapers such as "Chronicle", et al. (Sorry for double-post...not sure which blog page we're all on now.)

Kay -
I read this morning in Newsday that there was a small demonstration at the Hempstead Town Hall Meeting last night. A court decision is expected today. Hope it's good news!

Thanks Lois

Here is the Newsday link. http://www.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/ny-libull314763311may31,0,1354481.story?coll=ny-linews-headlines

Based on the negative feedback I have received about the lost and found ads, I have taken out in numerous papers over the last month, I will longer be able to financially support this effort. If anyone wants to assume this responsibility and would like a list of the papers I have posted in, just email me and I will supply you with the list and the cost associated with each one.

Prayers for Duke that he is spared and turned over to the Bulldog rescue -

I still think the ads are a good idea. When I have rescued a dog or one just ran in my arms, I always check the ads first. Always. And then if I can't find a "lost" ad, I check around my neighborhood within a small area, and then I place a "found" ad. I do not drive around looking for posters more than a three-block radius.

Oh well, Vivi will be found and returned. It is just a matter of time. I refuse to allow negative thoughts to creep in and scare me.

Vivi is brave. I will be brave for her too.

Where are the old timers? Why are they missing in action? It can't be because Denise insists on the bloggers using respectful communications? Rules aren't necessarily the same as censorship, right?

A little reprimand is acceptable. Many blogs have rules of civility. Or am I missing the point? We can still speak our minds (or write it) but in an acceptable manner - works for me. Isn't that what living in a society means? Rules of conduct benefits all. Umm......(This is not directed towards any particular person. Just musings.) Perhaps they took up residence in another blog where "free for all" reigns. Umm.....

Cynthia they were either blocked for their uncivil comments towards others as Denise has spoken and warned about, or they chose not to post here anymore because they are acting like children because they were chastized for not playing by the rules, as well as chasing other volunteers who also cared about Vivi off the blog cause we didn't agree with them or praise them.
And if any of you are lurking don't you dare contradict me after what I've seen you post on another blog about Denise. Grow up!
Vivi is the one that's important. Finding her and reuniting her with her owners was and still is the goal. And we should abide by her owners wishes and the experts and go about getting her home that way, and if any new ideas are thought of they should be proposed, discussed and if suitable carried out. If not suitable one should not get miffed.
Lecture over. Tired of hearing myself saying the same thing. Let's just find this little vixen, Biggie and Sniffles and get back to our lives ASAP!
Lydia
ps- Cynthia did you get the files I sent you?

MaryL in California, I have been trying to e mail you but it keeps bouncing back. E mail me if you want. Thanks

Lydia:

Yes thank you so much for the link but it still didn't upload. I will have to fiddle with my security. Thank you for trying. Maybe I will get the links to work later. Vivi is so beautiful. One day I want to see her in person.

They are holding a Whippet event in Wheatland, which is near me, and I want to attend. I was hoping to see our little girl there.

If the regulars are being ugly to Denise on another blog, perish the thought, that is simply uncalled for. I don't know anyone here personally, but just common sense tells us that "rules" are important for law and order, even on a Vivi Blog.

Maybe these people are more invested in their "raw" language, than in co-operating. Umm????? Go figure. I give up - none of it makes any sense.

Cynthia Williams wrote:

"A little reprimand is acceptable. Many blogs have rules of civility. Or am I missing the point? We can still speak our minds (or write it) but in an acceptable manner - works for me. Isn't that what living in a society means? Rules of conduct benefits all."

Do you, of all people, consider a comment like this necessary?

Considering the bizarre, abusive, cruel, and downright vicious postings you have made in the past when thwarted, I consider you quite a hypocrite to even dare to post the above.

Right now, butter won't melt in your mouth. But in the months you have been posting here, we have had that behavior before from you and then you swing into viciousness. This time I hope the personality change to "nice and reasonable" takes for good.

I am speaking the truth (which can be proven) and am putting it in a civilized manner. If I am risking being "banned" for this, so be it.

Tara from LI

Really TJill:

Come on. So many people on this blog over many months have gone over the top with me for a very long time. We all are doing our best to put hurt feelings aside. That is what adults do.

So think positive and try to help the Vivi Blog move past a bunch ill feelings and resentments.

Up until Denise created some "rules", this blog had its problems and was ruled by a few people. And if we posted all the "outlandish" posts and dragged out the dirty laundry by these and others, we would fill pages and no good would come of it, not to the blog or to Vivi.

And I am for having all the old timers back. I hold no grudges. The playing field is now even.

I hope it is a nice day where you are, because where I live the sun is shining and prayers are being offered to bring Vivi home.

Cynthia,

Yes, it would be nice to get past the ill feelings and resentments! However, I just don't think taunting people who haven't posted lately is a great way to accomplish this.

Tara from LI

PS: Could it be that you miss them and really want them back so you are posting something you think will flush them out? ;-)

Cynthia,

So you do miss them!

As for this:

"And if we posted all the "outlandish" posts and dragged out the dirty laundry by these and others, we would fill pages and no good would come of it, not to the blog or to Vivi."

I agree! Don't worry. I don't plan on dredging up the evidence.

It is a beautiful day here too in the NYC Metropolitan area.

Tara from LI

TJill:

Believe it or not, I think many of those people did good things for Vivi and they probably still are doing good for her.

I also think rules are necessary. The blog is better for it.

So maybe it is easier for me to move past hurt feelings than it is for others. I do not know. I only hope so. The blog's past, for good or for bad, is history. Time to move into a more positive place.

Have a good day!

Glad you guys have sunny nice weather - we are having thunderstorms and yesterday there was hail and a tornado just east of me

TJill:

No need to drag up evidence of what I have said or haven't said. I'm sure our readers are capable of understanding the past comments just fine. And they are still available for viewing. Sometimes I read them too - just for the fun of it.

We have too much sun here. I love Colorado. My son was born in Denver. Today it will be 90 degrees in the valley. Not too hot.

If I could move anyplace, I'd move to Co. either that or Utah. Ca. is getting a bit crowded these days.

You are so lucky Kathy to live in God's country.

Psalm 63
A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah.
1 O God, you are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you,
my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.
7 Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.
8 My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.

The Three O'clock hour is a very sacred time in many religious traditions. Could any of you who are reading this within the next hour please take the time to pray for Vivi. Without being alarmist, or negative, there is no denying that the Summer will bring on many dangers of its own for Vivi. Reality often brings a need for God and prayer. "Luck" will have nothing to do with Vivi being found. God and human generosity will.
Believe it or not God enjoys it when we "pester" Him with prayers for a special cause. Sometimes it's the only time He hears from us. I think He hopes that when He answers those prayers, He might hear from us more often. Use your own words or last weeks Vivi prayer.
VIVI'S PRAYER
Prayer Just For Vivi-
Gracious Father, You are Creator of Heaven, and Earth, and all that has life and breath. We raise in confidence a prayer for Vivi. This graceful dog of Yours has reached a turning point, and may be heading into unsafe territory. Send her to the person You've chosen who can bring her to safety and home. Vivi's angels; Your human hands and feet in New York, are now carrying St. Francis',and St. Anthony, medals or cards with them. They are doing this to honor and acknowledge You, Almighty Father, and to pay tribute to our human brothers Anthony and Francis. These holy men honored You through animals just like Vivi. We thank You for sending us the miracle we have been waiting for. We thank You for keeping Vivi safe. Author of Creation bring this story to its happy ending. Lead Vivi to safety, Bring her home to Jil,Rick, and Paul. We ask in Your name, and in the name of Your compassionate Son, Jesus. All is in Your Hands Father, YOU ARE IN CHARGE! AMEN!!

***Now I have a very important request to make. I don't want to come on the blog to hear and read negative remarks about "Those Who Have Left Us". They have no voice to reply. There have been "rumors" that the hate e-mails have flown in both directions. I only hope and pray that this is not true. I cannot in good conscience see this go on. I am sure Denise acted in the way that she did so that everyone would get a fair break, and noone would have to read negativity about anyone.

For the record, Cynthia Williams holds no negative wishes or feelings about those that have left us. If anything I don't understand why they can't be a part of our Vivi Blog Family again. It is good to play by the rules of civility - me too. And this is nothing but a good "wish".

Thank you Sharon for your wonderful prayers. In my darkest hours your prayers have helped so very much.

It is really humid today in NYC. I couldn't believe it when I went outside during lunchtime.

Yesterday I met a whippet for the first time! He was really sweet, and alot smaller than I envisioned a whippet to be.

AMEN - Sharon for the prayer time reminder and the after statements.
Keeping the faith for VIVI and friends in Texas.

Amen Sharon

I saw a Whippet in person at the Vets the other day. I wanted to hug her, a big hug for Vivi. She was so beautiful.

The man commented on my Gray Catahoula. Saying how much they reminded him of Whippets, but he said Whippets were friendlier. I think they are more stately than Catahoulas. But I love my little Banjo very much. I was amazed at how "taller" the whippet was, had long legs. Catahoulas are, for the most part, smaller and stockier.

He said they were both agressive hunters. I know I can't really tame the wilds our of my dogs. Guess that is what he meant.

Amen to a beautiful prayer. I will continue to pray for ViVi

Jessa, was it male or female. The females tend to run a bit smaller than the males.

Sharon - You have the sweetest way of saying things. I would love to meet you someday. Wish you were in Memphis, TN.

I agree, the blog is quiet and respectful and there is no need to talk about the past. It is time to move on.

I want to mention one thing that I think might help people to understand the volunteers' reactions at times. Unlike many of us, these people are out there going into the filthy and dangerous neighborhoods, seeing stray after stray probably, seeing rats and other undesirable creatures, and probably afraid a fighting pit bull may come out after them at any minute. They do this without worrying so much about themselves, they are more worried about these pit bulls coming after Vivi, the diseases she is being exposed to, and other things. These people have been doing this for 3+ months now. I told one of them this morning that I think they probably all suffer some "post traumatic stress syndrome." These are people who dearly love animals - their hearts are not only breaking for Vivi but probably many, many more they cannot help. I imagine when they close their eyes at night they remember often what they have seen and cry. I am the first to say there is absolutely no way I could be doing this. I would be on heavy antidepressants by now for sure if I tried. So remember, when things get rough, these people are seeing things we are not seeing. They are tired, stressed and frustrated to say the very least. Before voicing any hostility towards anyone, try to put yourself in the other person's shoes. Sometimes the "walk" is not something you would want.

Here is hoping for peace, love and kindness to rule and everyone to merge on the reason this blog started - rescuing not only Vivi but other of God's creatures as well.

My goodness, I know this is long. Guess I went into "sermon" mode - but this is truly from my heart.

Hugs from Kathleen and Tinkerbell in Memphis, TN

Yes I am lucky to live in such a beautiful state - just wish I had some time to enjoy its beauty with my babies more

Amen Sharon - thank you

When the sun speckles the marshes with flecks of yellow, and Vivi peeks her head over the reeds and intensely watches a rabbit as it zigs across the open, even though she does not know our names, she thanks us for not forgetting her.

In her heart, she knows she is loved by so many. This love gives her strength.

************
This love for Vivi allows us to put the past behind and look to a bright future of Vivi home in Santa Barbara.

We are united by this love.

Amen for the beautiful prayer. It is a bit cooler here in Canandaigua and we actually got some rain. Is 70 degrees too much to ask for? and I don't mean for a low, I mean for a high. Just for a couple of days? Vivi, please find a nice volunteer----they are trying to help you sweetie.

Kathleen - once again - you've said it very very well

Yes Kathleen it is time to move on, but I feel it is important - since you brought it up- to mention there are others that are also out there seeing the very same things, thinking the very same thoughts - and they were/are nice- not lashing out, not asking for nor especting thanks. And some of these quiet people were kicked off this blog by those others! They are/were not the only ones out there and that is what is important to remember.
We are all in it in our own way- no one is more important nor less than the others.
Again -let's just find these missing dogs and go lay on a beach somewhere with pina coladas being served by scantily clad young nubile men!
Lydia

Diane: The whippet I met was a male. Kind of a light brindle and white color. He was so friendly! While I was petting him he was leaning into me so hard he could have knocked me over. His owner was really nice too.

Well, no one is going to be chased away anymore. So all the bickering and unhappiness brought about something good - a new and better place to share our love for Vivi.

No longer does anyone need to be afraid to post. And maybe a few will be attacked as the garden is weeded, but I think that too will be short lived. And then this new blog will bring out the best in us instead of defensiveness. Thank you again Denise.

One of these days we will rejoice together when Vivi is caught. This is a good thing.

Please, let it go. We appreciate your efforts. As Kathleen has said "Let's Move On!"

Kathleen - you have a wonderful way with words!

Please let's all remember that we are all just human beings doing the gargantuan task of locating and capturing a lost, hungry, scared and lonely dog who doesn't know that we mean no harm. Some of us work from afar, others right at the front lines, but no matter how we contribute, it gets VERY frustrating when sighting after sighting winds up a dead end. Nobody is perfect and sometimes people say things in the heat of the moment that might be hurtful. This is where God's love and watchful eye come in - to help us forgive others for saying things they probably regretted the minute they said it. Nobody on this blog is a bad person - we're all just human. The bottom line is - we are here for Vivi and all of God's creatures.
And this goes out to everyone - please don't let anything keep you away from this blog or helping Vivi. Any differences of opinion are just a temporary thing and are just not that important!
Lois T

Lydia - I like that scenario - haven't had a pina colada in a very very long time.

Lydia - I like that plan - let's catch Vivi for sure!

I can see your point, but remember different people react in different ways. Some people handle this type of thing much better than others. Sometimes we do not like the way people may react, but always remember God creates each of us very different. The fact that there are billions of people and yet each person is an "individual" with different genes, DNA, characteristics, etc. is a real testament to the incredible power of God in itself. And as my grandfather always told me, God does not make mistakes. Let's be very patient with each other and accept these individualities and know behind each one are very special gifts God gave them. I agree I did not like some the harsher comments, but then I tried to feel what that person was feeling at the time.

I know I have always marveled at my two sons. When they were small, they looked so much alike people thought they were twins. Now they look absolutely nothing alike and they are such entirely different individuals. But each one has his unique characteristics and ways that I love so dearly. And I marvel at how two children of the same parents can be such unique individuals - God is awesome indeed.

Let's try to look beyond any flaws and find the jewels underneath. There is good in everyone I truly believe.

Let's just agree to disagree and forget any harshness in the past.

Hugs from Kathleen and Tinkerbell

If I had a funny joke, I'd share it right now. I just haven't heard any lately.

nor have I laid on a beach or had ANYTHING served to me by a scantily clad young nubile male

My Samurai likes to suck on dish rags he steals from the sink. It is a real panic trying to keep him away from them. Usually he runs around the house with it dragging from his mouth. Then he chews holes in them. Why he likes soggy dish rags, I do not know. It's a game I suppose. I shouldn't chase him, but they are expensive and not chews toys.

He likes them better than bones. He eats ice too. I don't think it's a teething thing. He is 8 months old.

Thank you Lois T - But you put it much better than me. Guess some of us are volcanos and some of us are streams. Believe me, I was one of those volcanos when I was younger - there is something to say for old age. It has "definitely" mellowed me a lot. That and the love of God who gave so much for me.

I am thankful for many things in my life. But today, I am thankful for being able to post without being attacked or ridiculed; I am thankful the hate e-mails have stopped, and I am thankful that I don't feel resentful inside or angry.

I am thankful for my family and that God has given us animals to love. On this note, farewell for today. If I do have any Vivi visions, I will post on another thread for the sake of peace, which I believe in.

Bye for now.

This may get me thrown off the Blog, but if it does, so be it ...

It’s been a great thing that Denise has allowed this Blog to evolve as means for people who care about Vivi to come together. It’s been messy, annoying, time wasting, and a beautiful thing in total. People have come together from all over the country, united in their care and concern for a lost dog, and accomplished amazing things. People have been petty, mean, supportive and inspirational. Pretty much the range of human nature as I’ve seen it.

Given all this, I was initially glad to see that Denise was planning on putting an end to some of the nastier personal attacks. However, in the last two days, I’m sensing a different result. I’m still seeing people posting who have had a history of personal nastiness. While at the same time, other people who, while they have occasionally been angry or depressed, or critical of some “decisions” made by the official search organizers, have now had their ISP’s blocked. I went back through the past couple of days of posts, and don’t see what “sand they threw in the sandbox” after notice was served by Denise.

It seems that in reality, these people were banned for speaking truth to power. As a journalist, I would have thought that free speech would have been more important to Denise. Instead, it seems that she is not acting as a journalist, but as a shill for her personal friends.

Tsk, Tsk, yourself, Denise.

Jill, thank you for articulating so beautifully exactly what I'm feeling right now.

Oh my, and the beat goes on by yet another critic! And who threw the first stone? Please! This blog also has entertainment value - nastiness can be very entertaining - now its clean-up - and more people can post - all needed and wonderful. There wasn't much free speech with so many people being "ousted" by the in crowd and attacked until they were run off. Free speech by the bullies???

Yes, Cynthia and her various other "personalities" can be the only one to post on the blog anymore. I hope she enjoys herself.