Vivi's final disappearing act?
Missing show dog's trail, like the weather, has begun to grow cold, and some suggest it's time to close the case
BY DENISE FLAIM
Newsday Staff Writer
November 17, 2006
The search for the elusive whippet Vivi stalled yesterday in a Queens graveyard - fittingly, not far from the final resting place of that greatest of all disappearing acts, Harry Houdini.
Vivi, who escaped from Kennedy Airport in February after competing at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, ignited a massive search that marked its nine-month anniversary Wednesday. For much of the spring and summer, sightings called in to the phone number 877-JFK-VIVI helped volunteers track the show dog from Jamaica to Flushing to Glendale, where the last confirmed sightings came in three months ago.
Now, the trail has gone cold.
"It really is decision time" on whether to give up, said Oklahoma pet detective Karin Goin, standing amid a clutch of centuries-old tombstones in Mount Judah Cemetery in Ridgewood. Mount Judah's proximity to Forest Park, where there were multiple reports of Vivi sightings in late summer, led volunteers to hope Goin's tracking dogs would find a trace of the whippet there.
Instead, Dodger (left), a low-slung fellow of indiscriminate parentage, weaved methodically past urns and obelisks before jumping up on Goin to signal a definite "no." Reports about Goin finding fresh scent near Mount Hebron Cemetery in Kew Gardens Hills probably were overly optimistic. While the tracks belonged to Vivi, who has a predilection for traveling through graveyards, they could have been as much as three months old.
"Vivi isn't traveling around Queens anymore," concluded Goin, who gingerly suggested a less-than-storybook ending.
"Look around," she said, gesturing to traffic beyond the cemetery's gates. "I almost got hit by cars three times today, just stopping in the street for 15 seconds."
She fears Champion Bohem C'est La Vie, as Vivi is formally called, might have met a similar fate, though "a lot of people aren't going to want to let go."
Rosa Chile is one of them. Accompanying Goin on her Vivi rounds, the Hollis resident took time to hand out business cards with Vivi's picture. "I don't think she's dead," she said with conviction. "I think somebody's got her."
Vivi's breeder, Bo Bengtson of Ojai, Calif., said he clings to the "slender chance" that Vivi was picked up by someone who hasn't called, but sooner or later will. "I'll always hope for that."
For a chronicle of Vivi sightings since her disappearance,
visit www.newsday.com/ animalhouse.
Copyright 2006 Newsday Inc.
Comments (79)
i am sorry guys - we tried very very hard. we just don't know what to do anymore. there really aren't any options left. we need time to digest this and figure out what to do, if anything :( again - i am very sorry for everyone who has prayed and dreamed that we would grab our girl. we did our best and worked our butts off here. i cannot imagine what it must have been like for Bonnie to hear what Karin said. it must have broken her heart - just like mine has been.
Thanks Darlene. Though "thanks" sounds pretty small.
I am sure everyone feels bereft. I think we can continue to do things that don't cost money or that much time, such as send faxes to vets and shelters everywhere and keep her in petfinders, remind people she is still missing and such, and in the meantime there are many other's she can continue to lead us to, like an guardian angel, like she has done from the beinning. Perhaps some foundation or gift in her name. There are things we can do and it will take time to find them. There's also an ad running all week in the Daily News that Kathy still has to pay for and maybe someone far away will remember seeing something and call.
Darlene - we are all crying all over the country. I am going to stick with the belief that someone has her and is loving her and she is their little couch potatoe. I can't bear to think of what else might have happened. Everyone has tried so hard and done such an outstanding job. Karin is right - it's time to rethink this. Keep the flyers up and the ads running a bit longer - maybe another few weeks. Then it's truly time to let go. She's not out there, guys. If anyone could prove that, it's Karin. Again, thank you Darlene, and the rest of you - without you, Vivi wouldn't have stood the a chance at all. Love and Bless you all.
Darlene-You took the words from my mouth. I'm sitting here at work..just read your post and have tears in my eyes. It's truly unbelievable to think of all we have experienced together over the last 9 months..the good, the bad, the highs and lows....but one thing is for certain, I will always love a Whippet I never even met before, she will always be in my heart, right next to all of you, my new friends, who I have searched with, laughed with, cried with, spent countless hours with in every weather condition imaginable...Vivi has made a permanent place in our hearts, for ever and always. Ok, I think I have said more than enough..sorry for rambling, just feeling extremely emotional.
(hugs) to my weenie crew & all of my blog friends, both near & far
*We will always love you Vivi*
-Renee
I am heartbroken, but refuse to believe Vivi is dead. I think God has listend to our prayers, and she is being kept safe and warm. If only we just knew for sure, We could have some closure. I am still working with my good friend in rescue who is keeping her out of state contacts (shelters and vets) informed. We cannot give up untill we KNOW what has happend. VIVA LA VIVI!!!!
Karen - Bonnie's airline assault om animal handling.....
THE VIVI BILL :) has a nice ring, doesn't it?? we need to all pull together here. realize that we (the NY'rs) are not walking totally away - if there's call we still go. if we see or hear something, we will still pay attention.... there just isn't a reason to keep bringing the trackers in with nowhere to go and nothing to go on. that's my opinion only.... we are not dropping you guys, the blog, or the very very tiny chance that she may be there somewhere. if we have a reason to go, you bet your butts, we will still go. Just the official search has ended, i think. if there are clues, we WILL find them. just alot of the ground work, for some of us, will slow down. some of us will be putting on our thinking caps and trying to figure out wha t may have happened and where, while others will still post... it is now up to each of us to decide what role we want to play in this - - that's all. we are not disbanding by any means. we are still a tight bunch here and will always be that way. :)
Thank you Darlene for posting what must have been very, very difficult. We are all so sad but perhaps Rosa is right and somebody has her.I guess that's the best we can hope for now.
love you too, Renee******** ALWAYS!!!!!!
Margot - you know it was...
but i am not going into sad feelings and such now. it is hard enough already - no one needs to hear how terrible we feel here. we all feel terrible :(
thanks, Margot - you have always been a good pal.
Hey guys, Darlene is right we have not completly abandoned this, ask how many times her and I are on the phone at night talking about what to do next, we have places we want to check around, our wheels are alway turning. It ain't over till the fat lady sings. Tere are things we are still working on here
Thanks you guys. What a group
Hi karen you have been outstanding thru this with us. You are the voice of reason for us.
I'm sitting here crying as I write this and don't really know what to say other than I want to personally thank all of the foot soldiers who have been out there for so long helping find a dog name ViVi that we have all come to love. My heart is telling me she is still out there. I'm not ready to give up. Anyway, a heart felt thanks to all of you angels in NY
hi everyone and thanks for the wonderful words for the foot soldiers and i have to say thanks to all the out of towners who gave everything for this little girl. to darlene, debbie, and lois whom i have searched with and have become very good friends with - i am here and ready to do anything necessary - you know that!! we still have some things to do!! love all you guys!! (you too ruby!!)
Debbie: I will have to print that for my mom. She will never believe it.:) Thanks
Not sure I can type because of the tears. You have all been great and everyone has done so much. I really believe someone has her.
Keeping the faith that VIVI is safe and warm.
This is to all the searchers and bloggers:
Even though Vivi wasn't found, look at what has happened as a result. I get the feeling that life-long friendships have been made on this board - and that's not so easy to come by. Her search resulted in the saving of God knows how many animals. This little dog has brought people together that would have never met otherwise. Sometimes the worst of circumstances yield the best outcome.
All hope is not lost. I know I'll still be out there looking, as I'm sure everyone else will be, too. Hey, you never know. Stranger things have happened!!! LOL But, in the meantime, just remember all that this little dog gave to all of you. She gave you each other. Maybe in some strange way, this is her legacy. Maybe bringing you all together is the first part of a bigger plan.
You are all so special and I'm honored to have been a very small part of such a wonderful group of people.
Love you all!!!
Lisa E.
Lisa E - Beautiful feelings, I think we all feel the same way.
Keeping the faith for VIVI
I made the mistake of checking the blog before leaving for work and my drive in was horrendous - I could not get my mind off of Vivi and how heart broken all of us are or would be when we found out that the search ended with no really good news like we had hoped. I, as I'm sure all of you, went from as high and happy as I could possibly be yesterday to as low and empty as I am now.
These long 9 months have created a lot of friends, a lot of miracles for many furry friends, and a lot of heartbreak with the way that the blog tended to go at times. But through it all, we were still united by that one wonderful little whippet. The past 9 months have brought me a new understanding on a lot of things, but mostly has given me hope in humankind when I see how fast results happen when you get the Vivi group working on something.
I will stop rambling but want to stop on a happy note - remember Arial, the great dane??? She was found after three years. http://www.9news.com/storyfull-investigative.asp?id=15918
beautifully said, Lisa!!! do you guys think we will ever stop looking over our shoulder? this is PART of us now - it's not something you just turn off and on like a light. speaking on my own behalf, i still cannot look at a phone pole the same way!!!! i still look down each and every side street when driving... take a second look when i see something move... that won't change - Vivi will always have sets of eyes here. :) ...and hearts too!!!!
yeah, Arial :) thanks for warming my heart Kathy!!!
GROUP HUG, EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good Morning Gang -
I'm writing this through the tears but I need to echo what my fellow weenies said before me - We will still be around to follow leads and post and whatever else needs to be done. To all the out of town people who have devoted so much to help find out little girl - you guys are great and I love you all!!! To all the searchers - ditto!!! And to my fellow weenies - Adversity brought us together, but I thank God for bringing you into my life. I am so lucky to have you as friends!!!!
While my Vivi efforts will not cease, I do look forward to helping all animals in any way possible, especially by helping Bonnie get to the bottom of how airlines treat animals!!!
Even Bonnie emailed me this morning with the next out of town volunteer's suggestion and she got it from Karin Goin so even Karin has a little glimmer of hope in the back of her mind that calls may still come in. We know this little girl made for at least 6 months in that traffic on her own. What a survivor.
Darlene - did you ever get all of the blog printed out?
Just saw this on Otis:
Subject: CHAT: OTIS Update - Tucson (abused greyhound mix)
Ah, the wheels of justice turn so very slowly.=20
Wayne Dean who is accused of sexually assaulting and physically abusing
Otis a greyhound mix was issued a new attorney who didn=92t have his
act
together so the status hearing was postponed yet again to November 29.
Dean is in jail awaiting trial. At that time the judge will decide
whether or not the case will be plea bargained or go to trial. If it
goes to trial, it will most likely be in January.=20
Also Boston, another abused greyhound that was allegedly given away
from
Tucson Greyhound Park, now has a case that will be seen before a
judge.=20
I think with the latest on scummy - we need to get a letter writing campaign going again to make sure he can't plea bargain his a$$ out of this......
I agree with Rosa C. until proven otherwise. She's either still out there or somebody has her. I won't give up either.
If anybody out there wants to keep posting and needs flyers, let me know.
Well at least the guy is sitting in jail. I hope he is being fed gruel.
until april-ish love :)
still working on it as it sucked the ink out of my cartridge ;O
Lois T - love you too, darling!!!! we will still be the weenie bunch, right?
and Lois, you are right - these girls on here kick some serious butt!!!!! a big thank you for lending us such helpful hands and always supporting us during the bad times too. we owe you alot for all you have done. i have a ton to be thankful for on Thursday :)
already on the Otis campaign as we speak....
i have alot of frustration to get out today so why not aim it at that slimeball who hurt Otis so badly??? a perfect target for my anger!!!
Once again I've got tears in my eyes. Thank you searchers for all you have done. You went above & beyond the call of duty. I'm so glad I've found this website. You all are a great bunch!!
Girls - we still have a lot to do - from the sounds of the weenie crew - they are not giving up - so on with the poster printing and posting. Hope is still in the air - just because there has been no sighting of her, she is still out there - either alive of dead and we need to find her - if nothing else but for closure. Plus there are other things that need all of us until she is found. I'm trying to find out more about Boston that is mentioned in my earlier post with Otis.
Kthy - i will do whatever i can about Otis and Boston. just think kill.....
pam: thank you!!! we appreciate it :)
I am also sitting here in my office crying my eyes out. My hopes have always been so strong for Vivi, and I guess I will always remain in a state of denial and assume someone has her and she is happy. I just cannot consider the other option at all. Hurts too bad!
Wherever Vivi is, she has given all of us a legacy we can be very proud of. We have made friends, we have learned the power of love and prayer, we have learned to have love for ALL of God's creatures (big or small), we have seen good friends get new jobs and celebrated this, we have been there for each other when we either lost a loved one or a pet, you have all witnessed the miracles and healing with Madison and Sparky (which I thank you so much for), and perhaps the greatest legacy of all that Vivi and God gave me was how to rescue and help animals even with my disabilities. You will never know how long I had been searching for this legacy.
Vivi, wherever you are, I loved you and will always love you. You will have a very special place in my heart forever. And some day I will meet you at that Rainbow Bridge finally.
Thank you everyone for what you have done for Vivi and all of these. Another favorite Bible verse, "For as much as you have done it until one of these, you have done it unto Me." I know this verse means our good deeds reward God, but your good deeds have rewarded Me as well. Love you all.
I'm still on the bandwagon for whatever needs to be done (whether it's Vivi or anything else that comes our way.) Just let me know!!
Where ever VIVI is, my belief is w/someone, I believe she would still want the Vivi teams to stay together and do whatever needs to be done for others as well as keeping her name and picture around. This blog and the search for Vivi has been one of the most rewarding things I have seen happen in a grey world. This group is the best.
Keeping the faith for VIVI alive in Texas.
I am not going to post my visions now, out of respect for the sorrow expressed here. I will at a later date.
Pam and Cherita - I am with you on this. I believe Denise would be more than happy to see us continue the work we do to help other animals (and Vivi if there is a sighting). Heck, Ruby has become a good Petitioner and promoter of animal rights too. We cannot let Ruby retire from this. You go girl! Look at all the good that has become of this blog.
I posted this last night, but I feel we need a happy ending right now. This doxie Bailey, and her fairy-tale ending, is a direct result of Vivi and this blog. Vivi would be proud I'm sure.
-----------------------------
This is an update on one of the doxies adopted. Debra sent this to me, but I'm sure she would not mind me sharing this sweet story about Bailey.
Bailey was the doxie we were worried would not find a good home. She had lost a lot of her hair from what was felt to be a hormonal thing possibly. Here is the sweet story of Debra's follow-up on Bailey today. Get your Kleenex ready, you will be crying it is so sweet.
--------------------------
"The best news of the day...I called the guy who took Bailey..I said "I can't stand it anymore...I have to know how Bailey is doing." There was quiet on the other end. I thought uh oh..it's going to be bad... He said Bailey is running the house. I think she just lets us live here. She got so attached to the guy (George) she won't stay in her cage at night - she has separation anxiety from him and wants to be with him. They decided to let her sleep on her bed next to his bed and she was fine. Sometimes she even sleeps in the bed with him. He's taken her to work ... she did great. Slept all day until it was time to go home. He said her spay and teeth (major work) will cost him almost $800.00. They've done a blood chem. in preparation for surgery - they don't know results yet. (But it's routine for any dog over 7 yrs with us.) Still hoping the hair loss is hormonal. The best part - he said his other 2 dachshunds were not totally housebroken and had accidents sometimes. Bailey not only has not had 1 accident in the house since she went home - she herds the other 2 outside when she knows they're going to go. She's training them.
Poor little Bailey that was always lost in a crowd is the queen. He said she is quite probably the best dog he's ever had. Totally sweet. She spends most of her time in his arms with her head on his shoulder. I get choked up every time I talk about that dog. They're ALL special, but now Bailey gets her chance to shine.
What a special dog and what a special family to be able to see past her problems and give her a chance.
George also said he would take another if we needed him to although with Bailey's medical expenses (he wasn't complaining) a younger one with fewer medical expenses would be better.
------------------
All I can say is (sob, sob) bless Debra and the vets, George and bless little Bailey. What a wonderful, happy ending!
Vivi is not dead!
I would like to join in expressing the sorrow we all feel at this latest news.
It is amazing how so many people all across the country have been in sympathy with this cause from the beginning. All have felt the yearning and aching of all volunteers and foot soldiers to bring this beautiful dog home so she could live out her life basking in the love and safety of her owners' hearts and homes. I think a lot of us have even imagined her triumphant return to the show ring and maybe becoming something of a national celebrity. I know I did and still do hope for something close to this for Vivi.
A special thank you to those foot soldiers intimately involved in this search. Thank you too for allowing all of us across the country to live this search vicariously through your eyes and hearts. Your hearts must be heavy indeed. But let's all continue to hope for a brighter day, and for tears turning to smiles for the searchers and for Vivi.
kathleen - i read it last night!!! so lovely and such a hoot :) they are one blessed bunch, aren't they???
sedona - i am not going to argue with you so please don't take this as such, ok? if you see something, we need help NOW! please - we need something and somewhere to concentrate on. without it, you cannot say for sure she is still with us. again, not trying to be mean or fight - but this is it - we have to prove/disprove theories. so i am asking for your help if you have something concrete we can use. i am willing to listen to anything.
Amen, Lisa, Lois T, Diane T, Darlene & Debbie!
I am on my way out to go look for her now. Scent that "could be up to 3 months old" allows for the possibility that it may be fresher than that, hence that gives me enough hope to not give up at this point. Her scent went out to the highway where they couldn't take the tracking dogs for obvious reasons. My gut feeling is that she ran down that and eventually got off in one of the areas that they didn't have the time to go to with the dogs. Knowing the range of coverage she has done in the past this is a likely scenerio.
I don't think she is dead either.
Maybe when everyone involved has had time to settle down, a little more details of the blow by blow search can be given. Such as where dead ends were met, what Karin thinks could have happened, does she think her dogs would have picked up a death scent (heaven forbid).
Also what kinds of things have been checked routinely during the entire search effort, such as the pounds, street maintenance, etc who are responsible for picking up animal remains, and so on. Also a chronology of sightings and exact locations. This would maybe help those across the country come up with some other ideas on where to look for leads as to where she might be.
I don't like to think she is dead either. I do not claim to have visions but my mother did when she was alive. She was surprisingly accurate when it came to local events. Sometimes I ask her for pictures and I do occasionally meditate on Vivi, and I like Sedona just don't get a sense that she is dead. But that could be because I just don't want to believe it. I like Karin think it is miraculous that she has been able to negotiate NY traffic for at least the 6 mos they can verify.
Take care all
Darlene - I e-mailed Debbie and asked her to send it to you. I will not hold back but I just didn't want to blog it and be you know, attacked! or accused of being insensitive.
I want to do nothing to hurt the search. I don't have your work e-mail any more. Could you please send it to my Bluedobie01@hotmail.com and I will gladly send you what I know, what I am getting, and my thoughts.
Prayer for Trust
Father God, Brother Jesus,
when all is darkness
and we feel our weakness and helplessness,
give us the sense of Your presence,
Your love, and Your strength.
Help us to have perfect trust
in Your protecting love
and strengthening power,
so that nothing may frighten or worry us,
for, living close to You,
we shall see Your hand,
Your purpose, Your will through all things.
(St. Ignatius of Loyola)
Who would have thought we would receive this, when yesterday everything was so positive, and the news articles were pouring over the airwaves? I say this because who knows what we will hear tomorrow or the next day? I have not given up hope either.
All my love and thanks to the searchers!
Thank you Sharon and Betty for you daily prayers. Time will only tell, what will happen next.
I think Vivi is alive. I will continue to keep the faith.
One of the reasons I did not express excitement yesterday over what the trackers might find, is I was having visions that told a different story. Of course, I held back my opinion, as I believe all know that in my heart I only want Vivi safe and preferably found by our good foot soldiers.
But I believe something else is happening here to our little Vivi and not anything bad. I have sent many e-mails to Debbie just now for her to send on to anyone of the searchers that may wish them and I also am in correspondence with Diane Tamm and sent her too the picture I drew of this blond woman - that may or may not be of importance.
I will still do all I can, including helping with the ad, and fliers to continue to support the search. God bless. I truly believe Vivi is safe even though we don't know where that is exactly.
I am not holding back visions or my drawing or anything else. And I am not angry at the searchers. I feel grateful that we have such a wonderful crew of women in New York caring to continue to look for our little love.
(sorry didn't mean to post this under Bonnie's statement)
Libby - Thank you for your post above. As I have mentioned in the past, my grandmother, my mother and I often have had dreams that are premonitions so to speak.
For over a week now I have had dreams of a dog trotting merrily and fine, but I cannot remember the particulars when I awake. This is why I cannot believe Vivi to be dead. I have had this very strong sense of happiest and no problems from my dreams. I only prayer they are right.
And Sharon, I will not give up on her either. Prayers will continue every day. Thank you for your steadfast belief. Love you and Tinkerbell sends doggie kisses too.
Even though reading the posts was heartbreaking, I still have a feeling that she's out there. Where? I wish I knew!! I'm not giving up hope. Miracles can and do happen.
I just want to offer a bit of optimism.
Maybe the cold weather isn't such a bad thing. It seems as though when the weather was colder, we were getting sightings left and right. When my dogs are hot, all they do is lay around - sometimes so much so that I worry about them being sick. If Vivi is still out there, maybe the colder weather will force her to move around in order to keep warm. Plus, if she is afraid of people, there are a lot more people hanging around in parks and on the streets when the weather is warm. Another reason for her to hide out.
The funny part is, we are so used to searching for Vivi, that I think we would all continue "searching" even if she were found safe and sound!! LOL I often wondered about that... What would everyone do if Vivi were found safe and sound? Like someone said, you can't just flick the switch and move on. :-)
Love ya,
Lisa E.
Lisa E - I was thinking along those lines, too. If she's scared, she would avoid people if at all possible. I'm hoping something comes out of the ad that's being printed.
At the very least there feels like there is still some mission she sent us on that we wouldn't have found or that we still won't find without following her lead.
She isn't dead, she isn't gone, and I believe she can be found. Now how long that will take I do not know, but I believe fliers should still be sent to vets and conentrate on the areas on the east coast near salt water and within no wider a area than 3 hours drive (max 4) - that's my take on it!
Well said Karen, Vivi our "mission coordinator." I'm here to work and coordinate with her as long as it takes.
I'm not giving up either. I believe she's out there. Whatever I can help with, I'm ready. I believe in miracles. Dogs being found after 2-3 years attest to that.
Also if you wish a Vivi vision, just e-mail me. I'm not sending them out in group anymore - just if you want one when you want it, let me know.
You guys are making me feel better today.
Hey - Has everyone noticed we are all "united" once again, no arguing or ugliness, we all love this dog and that is what counts?
We are "Team Vivi," and we are changing the lives of people and animals while we are coordinated by little Miss Vivi. And we are a STRONG TEAM too. Miracles are happening every day.
Sedona, I really appreciate what you just said about not posting your vision on the blog! Thank you.
Ruby - You little Ruby shoes petition writers and animal rights leader, don't you go away. We still have lots of work to do on this blog. Thank you for taking the stand for these animals that cannot speak for themselves.
Now click those Ruby shoes and let's get Duke out of jail for the holidays!
Kathleen, Sedona too,
I don't have many dreams. I never seem to remember them if I do. But like I said, my mom was pretty gifted this way, and one of my older brothers who has since passed away also, had a bit of a gift. I never had too much time to try and develop it myself, as my life when I was younger was a mess of trying to raise and support decent kids, and dogs and keep all safe in a pretty bad home situation. But my life has calmed down a lot the past few years and I am taking time to try and get in touch with my real self!!
What I do is usually at the end of the day or so, I try to find a quiet place without interruption and think or "meditate" on a particular thing. In Vivi's case for me a picture helps concentrate. I just have to let the thoughts and images ramble. I don't discount them & write them all down.
I think it would help for all people directly involved and still actively looking to do the same. I believe we are all in touch more than we know, and you guys have seen the areas.
If someone wants to post or email an intersection near where the dogs lost the scent, that would help for some of us to google it and see what is in the area and see if any of it looks familiar.
I feel that all this rain could have made her scent a bit more faint. I live in Ohio and the weather has been really wet, and you guys usually get what we have a day later. I know rain and watering down your lawn helps reduce urine odor and the scent of girls in heat. I have to do this at home or my boys go nuts when my girls are in season. It does reduce the odor to hose down the area!! So we don't know really how recently she could have been there, and moved across the highway or something. I'm sure she comes out late at night when it is not so dangerous. So like all the searchers, I think she could still be around. I go back and forth on the opinion of weather she is free or in a new home.
I don't really know what to say here... this is very sad :( I have met so many wonderful people here and I just want to make clear that I'll never give up. In my opinion Vivi could be 100 miles away from Queens, I hate to say that but she's a quick dog and smart. Someone could have her, some say she met a different fate, wish none of us know that as a fact. I've also heard many stories of animals being caught after years of being gone, I'm always optimistic...Vivi surprised all of us when Karin came in the first time , she had gone quite a ways from the "suspected area" that we thought she was in, this could very well be the case again. I guess I'm just trying to put out the few pros that are left in this story. Don't give up, keep the faith... And THANK YOU foot soliders for EVERYTHING you've done, not only working your butts off to try to find Vivi but also taking time to become friends with us fellow animal lovers. You ladies are SO SPECIAL !!!
Is there a list of confirmed sigtings by date somewhere? I read somewhere for a list of sightings go to Newsday, but I can't seem to find them or does someone else have a website that lists them? I have been thinking of Flushing Meadow a lot lately for some reason.
Where was she last winter? If she had shelter there, maybe she is going back there again. In which direction did she move out of JFK? I have read a lot that lost animals travel in large circles or arcs, gradually narrowing back to where they started from.
I have a list of sightings. After I get home I will email you.
I hope everyone here, in spite of the uncertainty, has a nice weekend and will look forward to a good thanksgiving dinner next week, and will, as always, keep the good thought up for Vivi. We have laughed and cried together, been calm and upset, but for certain we are still here pulling for our little love.
I look forward to some good news as Vivi will be forever in my heart and in my soul - she is our sweet little girl Whippet dog.
Thank you Sedona, I hope you will have a nice weekend and Thanksgiving too, and everyone else.
Maybe good news will come yet. Keeping the Faith and praying in Memphis, TN.
Libby - the first hit by Sam's dog was about 30 feet south along the border of mount hebron cemetery. if you look on google, look for Van Wyke expy (678) at intersection of Long Island Expy EAST BOUND. right there, you will see the cemetery. again. about 30-40 ft right along the border Brando hit the 1st scent. continue South and about 1/2-3/4 miles down is where the other scent hit was, but not along the fenceline. before the jewel ave. exit. going southbound. you will see a large railroad yard to the west - that is the LIRR maintenance yard. give it a shot.
Ruby - you know your Pierogie loves you back :) xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxo
Bonnie’s post had me in tears all day. But after reading all the other posts on this board I felt a little better knowing that I wasn’t alone in thinking that Vivi is still out there. I don’t know if it’s because I can’t accept hearing that she may be dead or if I won’t believe it til someone posts facts to show that it’s true.
After reading Libby’s post I tried to apply logic instead of emotion to what I feel right now about Bonnie's post.
I don’t mean to offend anyone but I’m sad and honestly need to vent my thoughts…I don’t recall hearing of any area that Vivi frequented that wasn’t a busily trafficked area. If she was hurt or killed on any of the busy roadways doesn’t it make sense to think that anyone who could have witnessed the tragedy or saw Vivi alongside the road would have remembered what they saw. We’re all animal people and I’m sure that when you see an animal killed on a roadway it haunts you. Don’t you think that if someone legitimately saw Vivi it would be haunting to them and they would have come forward. The odds of someone seeing the incident or seeing her alongside or on the roadway are very good….NY highways are rarely without cars traversing on them….even in the middle of the night. Our NY footsoldiers did an excellent job of contacting the garbage guys and I don’t recall that any of them saw a dead animal 100% resembling Vivi (Please correct me if I’m wrong here). Diane K-M posted that if the scent led to the highway then stopped, why should that mean that Vivi went into the road and was killed? Diane is right-it could very well mean she diverted to walk along the roadway to a place she could safely cross over.
Vivi is obviously an intelligent dog...she survived the horrors of living in an incredibly busy area for six months….true, she could have midjudgement just one time, but I don’t think so. I don’t think she was killed on the highways.
The other option that someone has her is possible. Despite her being scared and skittish, remember she did approach the little girl, the Doberman and the fisherman. In the same way that she walked up to those people, why, if the circumstances were calm and nonthreatening, couldn’t she have walked up to someone who knew who she was and captured her. My thought here is that if someone has Vivi and they don’t live on an isolated island, how can they not realize that they have many years (Vivi was only 4) ahead of them of avoiding public recognition. Vivi’s story was widespread and touched the hearts of so many people. For the next maybe 10-15 years this person has to live in fear of recognition and most probably a conviction.
There is a last option…Vivi could be surviving very well on her own and as Chrissy said could be many miles away from the area that everyone thinks she’s circling in.
If you are harboring Vivi – SAFELY RETURN HER – CALL 1-877-JFKVIVI
If your car hit her – LET US KNOW SO WE CAN GRIEVE AND MOVE ON
If you saw someone hit her on the highway– DO THE RIGHT THING AND CALL THE ABOVE NUMBER
If you see Vivi wandering around your neighborhood – CALL THE NUMBER!!!!!!
If you see/know your neighbor has Vivi – CALL THE NUMBER
IF YOU’RE A WACKO OUT THERE AND THINK THAT YOU CAN PLAY WITH OUR EMOTIONS BY PLAYING GAMES ON THE PHONE, DON’T TRY IT. IT’S A FEDERAL OFFENSE.
Barbara P in Michigan
Lord, please be with Vivi wherever she is, and if alive please bring her home safely.
I live in Michigan and have been following the "Vivi" story since she's been missing. I was saddened when I heard the search was being "stopped", but heartened when I read all of the tales of the searchers not stopping. I am praying Vivi will soon be found. I kept up with the story, mainly because at the time, I found a young whippet puppy. She just walked over to me, and I took her into my house, and called the animal control people. I tried to give her to the dog shelter, the police, I checked ads, etc. The animal control officer asked me to "hold" her until the real owners were found. I named her "Gigi". After having her for a few months, I came to believe she was thrown out, because of all the whippet behaviors (jumping, counter surfing, toileting in the house). I also think she was abused (scars on her face). Regardless, no one ever claimed her, and she never left. So, keep heart, whippets can be caught (or they choose to be). Gigi (and I hope Vivi) is alive and well, and sleeping upside down in bed, under someone's covers, right now. I just hope and pray eventually they will see an ad, or a television news story on Vivi, and give her back.
Nice story Nancy..I have 2 whippets, I think they come with the UNDER THE COVERS THING BUILT IN..lol
I'm still hoping Vivi is alive, I'm hard to convince..
I've never had a dog do that before, when she started (right off the bat, I might add) I thought she would suffocate. I located a few whippet sites, and lo and behold, that IS normal behavior for a whippet! Now I can't sleep without her curled up next to me. Go figure. She's sleeping under my feet right now, which is why I think Vivi is OK and doing something similar with someone else. Whippets are survivors.