Whippet fancier Jackie Levin sent this email update to Vivi's breeder Bo Bengtson, and has given permission for it to be reprinted here.
<<Dear Bo,
I wanted to give you an update about the Cesar Millan speaking engagement at the Bronx Zoo held yesterday. I am going to ask your indulgence in a bit of background first. The only NY volunteer who felt she might be able to attend was Gail Thomas. As time grew closer, she said she wasn’t sure if she would be able to attend, as she is so busy searching. I am unable to travel at the present time, because of health issues.
A friend of mine who has two of my whippets, no internet access and is handicapped in a wheelchair, decided she wanted to contribute to the Vivi search by attending. Until this point all she has been able to do is pray. This dear, 63 year old woman, Charleyne Kershner, took a bus, taxi and then another bus from Nazareth, Pennsylvania to the zoo yesterday. She felt that since she is in a wheelchair, she might be fortunate enough to be placed up front with easier access to Cesar. She went dressed with a bright yellow T-Shirt with Vivi’s approved poster on it, that she had made. She also took several hundred flyers.
Not only was she able to talk to Cesar about Vivi, but the large crowds at both the morning and afternoon sessions were made aware of Vivi’s plight. Most already knew about her and assumed she had been captured. Charleyne gave out several hundred flyers and made contact with many interested people who will keep their eyes out and also inform others. After hearing about Vivi at the talk, a gentleman named Glen Andrews from Animal Care and Control (website www.nycacc.org ) , which has chapters in all five NY boroughs, said he and his group are VERY willing to help when there is a sighting. He said his group helped look for her some months ago, but then he never had any more communication from the volunteers for help, so they assumed she had been captured. He can be contacted at gandrews@nycacc.org. He took quite a few flyers, as did several groomers who attended the speaking engagements. The rest were handed out to the dog lovers who attended and were very receptive. I believe she planted many seeds of hope in reuniting Vivi.
During the question and answer time, Cesar called on Charleyne immediately. She gave him a brief over-view of Vivi’s plight and his suggestions were as follows:
- It is imperative to keep her status in the public eye so she can be reunited if someone finds her and she trusts them enough to go to them. Especially so, because the audience reaction was that everyone assumed she had already been captured.
- He totally agreed that anyone hoping to capture her needed to behave in a very submissive way. Preferably turning their back on her, sitting down, no eye contact and no talking. Calm energy is essential.
- When she is sighted, because anything can cause her to bolt, it would be best if several people could go and form some sort of circular perimeter around her from a distance. This would be the only way to know the general direction she is traveling in, with hopes of getting ahead of her.
- He suggested that small articles of clothing with Jil’s scent on them be placed in plastic bags and sent to the volunteers who are searching and putting up posters. The item (socks would be inexpensive) should be kept in the bag, carried by the volunteer, until a sighting has occurred. If the volunteer is within "sighting" distance from Vivi, the bag should quietly be opened and allow Jil’s scent to be released and smelled by Vivi. He said it is important to remember that the very first sense that dogs use at birth is scent and this they still use first, even a sighthound. Also, if she stays in an area, then other items with Jil’s scent can be placed around the perimeter of the area and the center if possible. Remember dogs have about 220 million scent receptors, while humans have only about 5 million.
- Wild dogs often travel in circles and food can be the motivation to widen the circumference of the circle.
I realize many of these suggestions have been implemented, but I wanted to accurately state his suggestions, even if they are repetitive. Charleyne had brought another "Vivi t-shirt" with her, that she hoped to give to a NY volunteer, for more exposure. When she realized she was the only one there, she decided to present it to Cesar, in hopes that if he thinks of any more suggestions, he’ll have the number to call, right on his shirt! He was very kind to her.
I realize many, many people have done so much more for Vivi, but I thought you might find the special circumstances of this handicapped woman heartwarming. Although she is not an AWC member, as we are, she gives true meaning to our Code of Ethics which states, "Each member shall take all appropriate measures necessary to assist any whippet in distress in any circumstances."
Best wishes,
Jackie Levin Fyrefly Whippets >>
Comments (65)
I have been following the story of Vivi since she went missing and find this web site to be very inspirational. I know that sometime soon Vivi will be found. She is very lucky to have so many people searching and praying for her. I think of her every day and it amazes me how a lost dog can continue to hold thousands of peoples attention. God Bless You All and Never Give Up Hope!
Charlyne is a truly remarkable woman. It is because of people like her, and all the searchers, that Vivi will be found.
Thanks Jackie for sharing Charleyne's story with us. She is one determined lady! It sounds like she really got the word out to a lot of people which is exactly what she wanted to do. Here's one more person to invite to the Vivi celebration when the time comes.
Great picture, too. Please pass along my admiration to her.
Teresa
I stumbled across your blog while I was doing some online research. I continue to be touched by this story and sincerely hope that it will have a happy ending.
Another angel to add to the long list of vivi's volunteer angels. You all are truly amazing! God Bless You All!
Thank you Jackie (and Denise for posting this) and many many thanks to Charleyne to coming all this way to NY from PA- wheelchair bound no less. What a brave and determined woman. Makes one very humble.
Now Vivi- see what people from all over are doing for you?, the lengths they go to? Be a good girl, give up your wayward life and allow yourself to trust someone who will help you go home to Jil and Rick.
Please?
"Into Your hands this night O Lord I commend my spirit. Into Your ears I pour out all my troubles. Into Your loving heart I humbly confide my sins and failings. Watch over me during this night, that tomorrow I may serve and praise You. Amen" (morytura- prayer site)
Creator and Father to us all, we come to you still united in a prayer for little Vivi, Sniffles, and Biggie. Let us hear soon that they have been returned to their earthly homes. Thank you for the loving protection you have shown them, hold them in your loving and powerful embrace that no harm can touch them. Thank you for the healing that is taking place in Baby Girl, Madison, JL, Pamela, and Lance. Thank you for the healing that is taking place in your animals- CJ,Dante, Felice, Max,McGee, Murphy, Mylie, and Yoda. If someone has taken Apple Riley the Yorkie, let them take care of her, and please Father God send a special angel to be with that baby too wherever she is. Thank you for life giving pups like Teagan. Send special blessings on Susan's daughter who has celebrated her BatMitzvah.
Continue to nurture, and support her growth as an adult of faith. Bless all who like Darlene are enjoying a well deserved rest, bring them back safely.Greet all, human and animal alike, who will make the journey to Paradise this night. Let "Eddie" play with all of our babies who have gone before. Reward him, and all the animal companions who have brought us so much laughter! Let all who are homeless know Your love, and ours, too. Send your angels and saints to work with Vivi's angels, and bless them (and all animal rescue workers)beyond measure, for doing Your compassionate work. Special blessings to Jackie's friend, too. Let our faith grow as a result of this experience! Restore as we sleep, Heavenly Father, as we turn over the night watch to you! YOU ARE IN CHARGE! AMEN!
Candles, anyone? http://www/gratefulness.org.
Jackie Levin - since Charleyne Kershner does not have internet access, please pass along my comments on how I'm awed and humbled by what she accomplished by going to the Bronx Zoo to meet with Cesar Milan. She's an inspiration! Yes, sometimes one person can indeed make a difference! Quietly and without fanfare...as many of the Vivi foot soldiers are doing who do not post.
I got this story via email a few days ago. Kudos to Charleyne!!! Jackie, please give her my thanks also!
With love,
Tara
Yes Jackie. I think that goes for all of us. Please pass that along.
What an amazing lady!!!
Jackie -
Charleyne is a truly amazing and inspirational woman! Please let her know how grateful we all are for her extraordinary efforts on Vivi's bahalf. She is proof that passion and determination know no limits.
Lois T
what is silly to some is stupid to others
It is so wonderful that Charleyne got in to see Cesar Milan. Also, if you do get some of Jill's socks, you can soak the socks in water and put the water in a spray bottle and spray the area to spread her scent. A trick I learned while training for S&R. You can teach dogs to discriminate among scents by spraying different areas with this type of marked water - helps the dogs learn to stay with one person's scent. It works.
Now on another note:
The blog sense of humor only goes one way. Tsk, Tsk, Tsk. So many can dish it out but cannot take it. And your silliness is tolerated and encouraged but not mine? Shame, shame, shame. So gang up on me and call me a troll for being silly. Really, you are taking this all too seriously. It is just a blog for heaven's sake. I don't curse at people in anger, and considering the "hard time and insults flung my way" for many months, I would say that I am quite nice about it. We all have various viewpoints and ideas. You act like being silly is a criminal offense. Really - lighten up. Nothing else is happening for hours at a time - what is the harm in being silly - dead time. - and you know what dead time is? It is silence? And that calls for a funeral. Really? Where are your minds these days?
As a matter of reference, I never sent anyone hate e-mail. And I have much information that I could post and use about other bloggers, their identities, maiden names and birthdates, but I do not. Why? because it's not nice.
I would never do anything to hurt any of you, never. I might post something silly - so what. Being silly is not hurtful. Sending hate e-mail is, and trying to run someone off the blog because you don't agree with their viewpoint or posting, is being very self-centered and arrogant.
I have been insulted for so many months, and none of you seem to care too much about how unfair or hurtful that is. Except when one or two send e-mails trying to gather support or contact Denise in outrage, but never mind the hate e-mails or attempts to ruin my blog fun. So, a few are allowed to have fun and that is all. And yes, many that read this agree with me and I receive e-mails of support. But Kathleen Stephenson went so far as to tell me "I didn't receive any" and how could I? That is a very odd e-mail to send to me.
As a matter of information: Newsday cannot block Proxy ISP services. As far as doing helpful things to find Vivi, I do all those and give money too. I have sent many fliers to businesses, but with little information about Vivi being posted, it is really rather difficult to keep sending out to areas unknown. Maybe radio ads should be taken out or television ads with some of the excess $12,000 funds at Bobbi and the Strays.
And MaryL (aka Ruby) was the also one of the worst slinging insults for a very long time, which seemed to be acceptable and you like her for it.
But who really cares? This is a blog with various opinions and ideas. So many people have been insulted and run off by ridiculous antics, long before my silly posting, that taking the moral high road about your (?????) blog seems somewhat shortsighted if not totally blind.
Kathleen Stephenson is dearly missed and she is another one that is just taking blog junk too seriously. She is a sweet woman and so what if we disagreed on some stuff. All she had to do was stop trying to get me kicked off or make me post on another thread, or control what I post. I would have accepted an apology from her. Let's make nice and kiss and make up. All would be fine. In fact, all is fine.
I like being silly at times. There is so much harm in this world, a little silliness seems a needed break in all this at least for me, and if you think it awful, scroll past it. But you don't want my Psychic gleanings, and you don't want my silliness, then what do you want? I get the feeling whatever it is, just not from me. Well, I'm not so easily run off. I am certainly a lot nicer to those that I have private information about then they are to me. Think about that. And start treating people how you wish to be treated and the world and this blog will be a better place.
There now go find little Vivi.
Kathy in Colorado: So what Kathy, silly, stupid antics. I have a slapstick sense of humor. I could re-post many many silly stupid comments posted by "blog" favorites and all join in the fun.
But with me, it's attack time. I become some type of embodiment of evil or hated.
This says so much about mob mentality. They did a study of college students taking a test, can't remember exactly what test, but the students couldn't be late, and the testers put a man having a heart attack on the steps of the building the students needed to enter - and because they couldn't be late, no one stopped to help the man.
Human nature can be so unforgiving at times and even cruel - where there is little room for a different voice - even a silly voice.
I will pass along all of your kind words to Charleyne, thank you. But she's going to say, "It was nothing, this is all about Vivi, not me!" I, too, am inspired by her and consider myself honored to count her as a friend. She is inspired by ALL of YOU and believe me, each and every one of you are in her daily prayers, along with prayers for Vivi's safe reunion. If she lived in NY, I assure you, she'd be riding along with one of you every day, trying to help!
I'm not attacking anyone in particular but I'm sick and tired of hearing about stupid stuff like funerals for the dead blog, people threatening each other with nasty emails and the like - I want to hear about the people on this blog and their animals and what we can do to help in the search and capture of Vivi - I have learned a lot also about people on this blog and would never threaten to spread it around or the like. I could care less if you have psychic gleenings or anything else beyond the norm - I kinda like to hear about psychic stuff but keep it normal - trolls, Miss Dum Dum and the like are just plain stupid in my mind. My opinion - and like it has been stated - we all have that right
Kathy in Colorado:
Well, Kathy just scroll past. Don't read it. But no one controls what I post. Some can hate it, like it, dislike it, ignore it, doesn't matter, who cares? Adults get that privilege.
I will be silly, post psychic gleanings in my own way and my own terms, and whatever else I feel is suitable until again I am blocked off.
But I will not post private information about other bloggers or do anything to hurt anyone here including sending hate e-mails. And I will always support Vivi being returned to Jill. And as far as I'm concerned, Dead Air Time - or Dead Blog time - is free time to be silly or stupid or whatever to pass a few moments.
good point Sedona - glad you have all this spare time
Kathy in Colorado:
Sometimes I have free time to be silly - other times life is just a struggle. I find being silly a nice diversion from the all too serious world out there.
I'm so very glad that Cesar Milan gave some suggestions. I worry for Vivi and pray for her every day as do so many others I am sure.
So the games have begun again?
My dear Sedona,
I am confused, you say you have been insulted for months? How many?
you say quote"so gang up on me and call me a troll"
But we are all taking this too seriously?
then you say: As a matter of information: Newsday cannot block Proxy ISP services.
I will be silly, post psychic gleanings in my own way and my own terms, and whatever else I feel is suitable until again I am blocked off.
These are direct quotes from you, I feel you are contradicting yourself? Am I wrong?
A few days(weeks) ago I thought I read a possible petition legislation regarding "no pet left behind" during natural/manmade disasters....did I remember that correctly? If so, could someone re-post that petition ? With the flooding in the mid-Atlantic states I have heard there are shelters for people but no pets allowed. Stay dry Vivi!
I would think fresh clothing from Jil would be a very good idea and Cesar said pretty much the same thing. I enjoy his TV programs on the National Geographic channel, although some don't.
i
Sedona,
Are you kidding me with your response that you have info on the bloggers, you of all people. I am ashamed at you, a real estate agent in CA carrying on like this, why are you hiding under false names all these months, when do you find the time to do any work, or is your job sitting there wondering what name you could use today! We all know your real name do we have to post it here for all to see, grow up and start using your real name, it does start with an A does it not.
I am sorry it starts with an L
Good evening bloggers,
Just catching up on what's going on. Wow, we're back to the negativity again. This person with all the different names keeps saying they're not coming back but sure enough just when things get nice they seem to reappear again stirring things up. Guess they must be bored, but what a shame to keep oneself busy with nonsense.
O God of life, this night,
O darken not to me Thy light.
* O God of life, this night,
close not Thy gladness to my sight.
* Keep Your people,(and animals) Lord,
in the arms of Your embrace.
Shelter them under Your wings.
* Be their light in darkness.
Be their hope in distress.
Be their calm in anxiety.
* Be strength in their weakness.
* Be their comfort in pain.
* Be their song in the night.
(Ita Compline)
Creator, Father, Be a guiding light to us and to these little animals who need to find a way home:
Vivi, Biggie, Sniffles, and Apple Riley. Thank you for the protection you have given to Vivi, Biggie, and Sniffles--continue to keep them in the safety of Your embrace, and Your ever vigilant eye. Send them to the volunteer You have chosen to be their guide. Make Vivi's return Jil's Birthday present (and the present to all our volunteers with July birthdays.)Thank you for the healing that is taking place in Baby Girl, Madison, JL, Pamela, and Lance. Thank you for the healing that is taking place in your animals- CJ,Dante, Felice, Max,McGee, Murphy, Mylie, and Yoda. If someone has taken Apple Riley the Yorkie, let them take care of her, and please Father God send a special angel to be with that baby too wherever she is. Let Susan's daughter serve as an example to other young people of faith. Let them find a way to express their love of Your creation. Bless all who like Darlene are enjoying a well deserved rest, bring them back safely.Greet all, human and animal alike, who will make the journey to Paradise this night. Reward all the animal companions who have brought us so much laughter! Let all who are homeless know Your love, and ours, too. Send your angels and saints to work with Vivi's angels.Bless Bobbi, Charleyne, and all rescue workers. They, and the NYC volunteers serve as Your compassionate presense on earth. Let our faith grow as a result of this experience! Restore as we sleep, Heavenly Father, as we turn over the night watch to you! YOU ARE IN CHARGE! AMEN!
Candles, anyone? http://www/gratefulness.org.
Father God, please gather Yoda into your arms, and let him sleep at your feet tonight. Reward him for the nearly 17 years of love he gave Barbara Jean.
Keep your arms around Barbara Jean, and comfort her!
Let her know that all of us love and pray for her now and always!
Take care Barbara Jean, Be good to yourself!
Vivi listen to all your special angels and go home to Jil!
(Yoda "crossed the bridge" this night/morning at 12:30.)
Sharon, thank you for including my daughter in your June 28th prayer. It was touching. I am working on the synagogues lists. Charleyne is an inspiration to us all. Her going to the Bronx Zoo and talking to Cesar despite her hardships has made me more determined to do my part. We will get our canine girl. Hoping the rain finally leaves. Susan
This is wonderful! Thank you, Charleyne. You've boosted our spirits and have kept the Vivi watch alive.
HEY CAROL - glad you asked about the no pets left behind propositions and our so called "emergency actions" that will suppossedly not allow that. The REd Cross touts that we have a program for animals as does Nassau county for emergencies like Katrina yet there are NO places on Long Island -and I suspect anywhere- that makes provisions for our animals- our LI website says to make sure we can bring our pets someplace as the Red Cross and many emergency places will NOT ALLOW our pets- that's planning?
Anyway here goes:
Make Sure Pets Get Home Safely
With hurricane season on us again we need to make sure that our nation’s animals will be protected before and after a disaster.
Please tell your U.S. Senators to support the PETS bill and help make sure pets are cared for before, and after, a disaster>> http://go.care2.com/e/lfS/M3/jlpe
Responding to the need for better plans to deal with animals during disasters, Congress introduced bills in both houses. The House of Representatives passed a bill that would ensure that all states take into account the needs of animals when drawing up emergency and evacuation plans, but it does not provide any funding to increase shelter capacity, or states to be reimbursed for actions taken to protect animal life.
The Senate version of the PETS bill is an important improvement over the House version. This bill acknowledges the federal government’s responsibility to provide funding to help states and localities cover the additional costs of animal shelter, care and reunion. Without federal funding, states will be unable to put into place the systems of care and recovery we know are needed to provide for the needs of families with pets. It is vital that the Senate approve legislation that would require the federal government to reimburse states for the costs of rescuing and sheltering animals and reuniting them with their human families.
Please contact your Senators and urge them to make sure the final version of the PETS Act provides funding to increase America's ability to protect animals when disaster strikes>> http://go.care2.com/e/lfS/M3/jlpe
Sincerely,
Michael Lawley,
Care2 and ThePetitionSite team
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/666406628?z00m=90789&z00m=90789
and now please sign this to get Gov Pataki to sign the bill- it HAS PASSED both houses!
https://secure2.convio.net/aspca/site/Advocacy?id=2022&autologin=true
NEW YORK: S. 6913-A/A. 9292-A, PET EVACUATION BILL, PASSES BOTH HOUSES
The Legislature passed S.6913-A, which requires that disaster evacuation plans include programs to assist state residents with pets and service animals with evacuation, transportation and sheltering following a disaster. Please ask Governor Pataki to sign this important legislation.
Good news for Duke the bulldog!
Bullish future for Duke after deal
BY CARL MACGOWAN
Newsday Staff Writer
June 30, 2006
Duke, the English bulldog accused of mauling an East Meadow boy, was on his way to a dog-training facility yesterday after an agreement was reached to save his life.
The parents of 4-year-old Matthew Henriques, Duke's owner, Lawrence Kelly, and Long Island Bulldog Rescue completed the agreement yesterday after two weeks of negotiations. The deal headed off a dangerous-dog hearing in Nassau District Court, which could have led to an order to euthanize the 1-year-old dog.
"The matter was settled to avoid the trauma of involving Matthew and his mom in a legal proceeding," said Glen Faber of Woodbury, an attorney for the Henriques family.
Duke was immediately picked up from the Town of Hempstead animal shelter by Laurette Richin, executive director of the Stony Brook-based rescue group, and taken to Elite Animal Trainers of Islip Terrace. Duke will be evaluated and retrained and, if he is deemed safe, put up for adoption.
Under terms of the agreement, Duke must be adopted outside New York and cannot have any contact with children. If trainers decide he is unadoptable, Duke will remain at Elite Animal Trainers.
The agreement appears to end a saga that began April 28, when Matthew was mauled while taking a walk with his grandparents and younger sister. Two rottweilers involved in the attack were euthanized May 9.
Copyright 2006 Newsday Inc.
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/ny-liduke304800995jun30,0,371449.story
Michael and Lydia- thank you for posting this "no pet left behind" info again. I am sending the info on to all the pet owners I know. Vivi volunteers- thank you on my behalf, for searching when I can't...we all do our part where we are "planted!"
Hello everyone, I haven't had anything to add for quite awhile, but I check in every evening, hoping for good news. I'll be away for a week, with no computer. Please everyone have a safe July 4th. holiday!! God bless you all....God Bless America!
Please help Angels Gate - a animal hospice that does wonderful work here in Long Island -the town wants to shut them down:
Friend of Angel's Gate,
The Town Of Smithtown Town Board will vote Tuesday July 11th to amend the zoning code, in effect to force Angel's Gate from its home of 14 years.
Please come and be heard. The location is 99W Main St. Smithtown, NY. Or write and email the following people: Pat Vecchio - Town Supervisor at marlenew@tosgov.com
Council members Patricia Biancaniello; Thomas McCarthy; Edward Wehrheim; Joanne Gray, at http://www.smithtowninfo.com/email.cfm
Please stand with us in this fight for the neediest of animals.
I am going to forward this inspiring to a friend of mine. She is a Director of a local 2nd Chance animal shelter. She has over 10 dogs and 10 cats living in her and her husbands home.
Kay T.
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