Animal House

In the NY Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/10/sports/othersports/10dogs.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Karen,
Thanks for posting this link to an article that I find completly FUSTRATING! WHY would they NOT ADD in this article the location of the area the AC believes she is in???? This could have been a GREAT WAY to REACH out to people in that area to be aware of her.
NO instead it sounds like Vivi is on a picnic with her puppys, meeting new friends and being fed! NOW people are going to assume she doesnt want to be found because she has issues to work through??? AM I IN THE TWIGHLIGHT ZONE???
WHAT A JOKE! I really feel sick about this. NOT what I expected! HOW could she NOT want to be found??

I would imagine she is in STRICT survival mode and her show dog days are the LAST thing on her mind, specially if she is trying to care for pups. I am sure its food, water and shelter she is thinking about! SO WHY NOT post the location she is believed to be in? wouldnt that be more eyes out there for her. OR DO we want to believe she is OK out there struggling?? NOT ME! I believe she would want to be found, warm, fed and safe!
I just had to vent about this.

Hi Rosa,
I think the piece in the times was sort of a slam to those of us still determined to find Vivi. There was an "amusing slant" when the AC's were talked about and that Vivi does not want to be found. Poking fun at the whole idea. At least that is what I got out of it.

Hi Mila,
I agree with you! It hurt to read that. I didnt care for it at all! I worry for Vivi daily.
VIVA LA VIVI!

Do you wonder why the NY ladies and Bonnie do not wish to post updates on the blog? This is the reason. Just this type of logic above.

Okay, I suggested maybe we should give the animal communicator who helped with Tulip a try. I helped Debbie find the lady who posted on the blog about the communicator through e-mails and phone calls, then I helped Debbie and Monica get in touch with the animal communicator, Sue Becker. Did this while sick at home with the flu, high fevers, pneumonia, etc., when Debbie e-mailed me for help. I wanted to help Debbie and Monica help Vivi.

For the record, Sue Becker is not some fly-by-night. Read her info on the internet. This is a very well-educated lady who appears to be very good at what she does. Also, all involved were very nice and helpful on the phone as well (they wanted to help Vivi too). I connected Sue Becker with Debbie and Monica's phone numbers, and they worked with her just like people had asked.

Then everyone kept wanting to know the details. Well the details are in this article - and why not accept these and be appreciative for those out there "doing something out of the box" to try and help Vivi. Debbie and Monica have been working hard with Sue on this, I'm sure. Sue also offered to please call her immediately if any new sighting came in on Vivi from posting the new area. I won't reveal her charge (if there was any), but she does not make a living out of these VERY low fees for her help. That was impressive in itself after the money thousands which have been spent to no avail!

Now what Sue has reported IS being shared in this article:

"Vivi the whippet, the prize-winning show dog who vanished two years ago at Kennedy International Airport, is alive and well and living in Brooklyn. At least that’s what the animal psychics say. These are the professionals who claim to tune into an animal’s thoughts through telepathy the way another person might find a radio station." (location)

And what she has reported receiving from Vivi as well:

"Eventually, the leads began to dry up. No firm sighting has been reported since last August. But according to Sue Becker, another pet psychic who said she last spoke to Vivi a week ago, there’s a perfectly good reason for this. Vivi would rather not be found — and she’s very good at hiding.

She doesn’t want to be a show dog anymore,” Becker said. “She just wants to be a companion now.” (Sue Becker's communication with Vivi)

Why is it so difficult to believe Vivi might not want to be a show dog? Rick himself talked to me extensively about her times on the property each day with Jill while she trained horses, how she roamed the property, chased wildlife, visited the people working at the barn to share a taste of their lunch, and even went on hikes and trips with Jill and Rick in lieu of being at a dog show. This dog LOVED this life from everything Rick told me. Maybe she would LOVE this life again, but not the show ring.

All I am trying to say is we suggested this on the blog, many seemed interested, the ladies and I pursued this, Sue Becker helped us, and now the "reporters and workers" are being ridiculed. If anyone else thinks they can do better, I'm sure the ladies in New York would much appreciate anyone coming there and helping. I sure would too. Wish I could go! We all want her home and safe, and I can say I also want her home and HAPPY too!

Also, the ladies have been having a HORRIBLE time getting any press coverage for Vivi. This was a good article in my honest opinion, and the title states "this info is from a telepathy point of view." The writer was careful to state also this info was from psychics. What more could we ask for - free press coverage, people trying to help, a great picture of Vivi, and the location of Brooklyn mentioned as well.

Okay, I have now vented also! Sorry if I sound a bit angry because the Southern Belle in Memphis is a little irritated to say the least about this. It always heads to this when the info is shared, and if I were Bonnie and the others I would not post "one more thing on the blog" after some of these statements. I also approached Debbie and Monica about wanting all the info shared on the blog, and they were so agreeable. So many nice people were really wanting to know, and I wanted them to know everything. Sorry ladies in New York, won't do that again! Also, will stay in bed sick next time instead of trying to help - I feel it was not appreciated for sure now.

Kathleen, Are you referring to my post? So I find it hard to believe that Vivi would rather be out struggling to survive in this cold and caring for pups rather than being found and risk being in the show ring? WHAT was so bad about that?? I didnt slam anyone. YOU always make a POINT to twist my words around!!!!!!

I find it more believable that an animal will do what it has to do to survive. My OWN OPINION is that she would want to be helped for own sake before getting put back in the show ring. AGAIN MY OPINIOIN. So it bothers me people reading may not want to look for her because if this article. AGAIN MY OPINION! so stop putting you OWN SPIN ON EVERYTHING!

THE point I was trying to make is why didnt the article mention the area she is believed to be in..AGAIN HOW IS THAT SLAMMING ANYONE??
DONT YOU THINK it would be in her best interest if people READING THE ARTICLE have a place to keep an eye out for her?? . WHAT IS SO WRONG WITH THAT??
Get a GRIP of your SOAP BOX!

This is a reporters view and take on things. You know things are never completely accurate when reported in the media, and if they are not involved day to day in this issue they don't really know what is going on. An then there is the reporter's editors that get hold of it also.

It is someone unfamiliar with the whole case reporting this and they have space constraints and have to use their own and their editor's own best judgment on what to put out there and what they think the public will be most interested in in order to sell newspapers Be glad for the publicity and if everyone is still putting flyers out there, people will recognize her again and know she is still missing.

This is the New York Times for gosh sakes. It goes all over the world. But maybe the particular edition Vivi is reported in is just the local edition I don't know.

Kathleen, thanks for your post on this thread. Everone wants to hear what is going on don't stop posting as everyone was asking for weeks what the animal communicator thought.

Rosa I think you have to allow for the slant the reporters put on this and their attitudes also. They can't help but be subjective,maybe they think this is all a bunch of hooey, but I don't personally. And the animal communicator, she has her way of expressing things in words and language also that may mean something slightly different to readers. It appears that she means Vivi is caught up in living the life that is hers for the last two years. Dogs live in the present. And also some dogs do get way stressed out at shows. The travel and grooming and presenting and the handler's stress all come thru to the dog. Many retire them fairly young because they see the stress on the dog. Maybe Vivi was not that far from being retired and only maybe going to be specialed a few times a year or so.

I think the press is good.

Best wishes for good health in the future to both of you Rosa and Kathleen.

Sure, the Times coverage has Vivi's name out there and that is very good. But, in my opinon only, no one new will be looking for her. No city, no location, no where to look if they were so inclined.
The mention of the AC's was done tongue-in-cheek (again, it is how I read it) and not taken seriously by the writer....and it is just his opinion. Shouldn't get so worked up about it but too many will read it and just move on.
I SERIOUSLY BELIEVE SUE and hope with all my heart that Vivi is in fact in Brooklyn and is under the radar because there are so many strays and people in that area are used to her being there now and a mention of a location may get people wondering and keeping their eyes open. We know strays do survive for years on their own.
Rosa and I were not slamming the AC's. On the contrary she gave us hope. Just hate the idea that it seems the AC's were discounted (as well as the toll booth sighting this fall)
Just me, Mila

ROSA:I completely agree with you. If Sue knows where in Brooklyn Vivi is hiding why wouldn't she reveal the location so Vivi could go home.

Vivi could NEVER be shown again because she is no longer the same dog she was. Neither in looks or temperament both of which are essential to a show dog. Those who dislike the world of show dogs, hopefully saw the Today Show this morning. The hotel where most are staying has:

A doggy Spa complete with a massage Parlor for them
A doggie concierge who caters to their every whim
An indoor potty area and someone has her dog in a stroller so he doesn't have to walk on the dirty streets of NY. After 2 yrs. I am sick and tired of people who know nothing about the world of show dogs giving their ridiculous opinions and that goes for AC's as well.

Hi Everyone,

I just read the article about vivi. First of all, thank you Kathleen for your help and everyone else involved. I must say though, without getting anyone angry, at first reading the part about vivi not wanting to be found, if I was someone not knowing this situation and reading that, I would tend to think that if I saw her on the street, people wouldn't try to help her but think, well, she doesn't want to be found, and leave it at that. Maybe what should have been added after that statement was that her owners and everyone involved in this situation desperately want her found and taken home. But, this is just my opinion, and I certainly don't want to offend anyone. Every effort to find vivi I'm sure is most appreciated by everyone. We all just want to see her home and safe.

Laura

Hi all -
there IS a very very good reason not to give specifics. you have no idea how many sick and disgusting calls come in BUT each is investigated. there are alot of twisted people out there and some, yes, i can see getting their jollies out of calling in harmful and hurtful BS. has happened before, leaving Rosa on the phone with me in tears with the sick story bouncing around in her head. the IMPORTANT thing - the places we were told are being posted, faxed, and mailed. only the immediate people who are going out, contacting the local areas, FOR VIVI'S SAFETY should know about the particulars. i'm not lecturing anyone here - i don't have the right to - but this swirling rumor and talk about NOT wanting the public to know or to help, is wrong. we all want her back and safe. that has and will not ever change BUT considering we are not in Mayberry, we have to, for HER health and safety, be careful. when someone would spot her, God willing that happen, they are not carrying around the paper - they see it from a flyer or a fax or a mailing. the right thing is being done, as much as non-professionals can do. i, for one, am very proud of my friends here, who by the way, had plans on the eve of the reading, and completely cancelled them at the drop of a hat for this. no, they are not heroes - they are doing the best they can and have sacrified alot more daily than anything being broadcast. i adore all of them, applaud them, and thank God i met them. yesterday, for fact, on the way to posting, they picked up a blind pit bull who was to be euth'd just for being so. we all broke our backs Friday to save him and they grabbed him up to now be in his FOREVER HOME - safe, warm and loved. if anyone could see the quietly kept miracles each day here like i do, you would in an awe of all of these girls trying for almost 2 years - some local, some not. BTW - sniffles who also was lost feb. 15th, 2006, is still being persued as well. none of them should fall between the cracks - none of them.

DARLENE: you know better than anyone I'm always on the side of the NY searchers and I don't need to know all the details... but when an AC claims Vivi doesn't want to be found because she doesn't want to be a show dog that just sounds plain stupid to me and I can't buy it. If Sue left out the show dog part and just said Vivi was in Brooklyn that to me would be a possibility.

Always praying for Vivi to come home.

Do you people not remember the bounty hunters that were out to get Vivi, one way or another, just for the reward money??? People came out of the woodwork to find Vivi and collect the reward, they didn't care if she was put in danger by their chasing her.

I can see Vivi not wanting to be found IF she is to be a show dog or have pups again..I also like to think, she is safe and warm and I'll never give up my prayers for her and my thoughts that someday, we will hear about her and it will be good news..

Anytime Vivi wants to come to California again, she's more than welcome in my house..No shows, no puppies, just love and pats..
xoxomaryl/rooby

Margot/Roooooooby: i have persoinally hear FROM 2 AC'S THAT IS INDEED THE CASE. DOES NOT WANT TO BE FOUND TO GO BACK TO THE SHOW WORLD. THESE WERE WAY BACK IN 2006. AND NO MORE PUPPIES EITHER. but, no one is God - no one knows for sure.... we go on hope and prayer that she is OK. and - Nicole, Debbie and I were by the field where those "hunters" were - first hand. this is and never was a joke. Rooooby, Vivi AND I WILL BOTH COME for love and pats.....
TIMMY

Thanks ladies for explaining the AC's comments. I put faith in what Sue has reported also. And I agree, we do not want Vivi in danger from any people seeking "just a reward." I think Brooklyn is enough the public needs to know to be on the lookout for her.

Roooby - If Vivi wants to become a Southern Belle, she is more than welcome to come to Memphis, TN, and join my three gals too. She could share Mom's dinner each night, sleep in the bed with Mom and the other three gals, play all day and night and run around the house (Onnie has passed her no chewing test and now has free roam all day and night - yea Onnie), take nice walks, and get lots of love and pats from the Southern Belle when she gets home from work. She could even visit at Camp-4-Paws and socialize with all the other VIP guests there!

All I want is for Vivi to be found and be HAPPY in her forever home like my three are - wherever that may be! Of course, I believe and would want it to be with Jill and Rick with her new friends and the horses!

Is the article in the NY Times accurate in saying Jill Walton and Paul Lepiane (sp??) are returning to Westminster this year with dogs? If so I wonder if there are any plans to tromp through Brooklyn where the AC says Vivi is hiding out. Maybe Vivi will catch a scent of them!! I don't believe, myself, that she would not want to go home if she were reminded of it with a familiar scent.

Libby - According to this quote from Denise in an article above, Jill will not be there. Don't know about Rick or the others though.

"Also, despite what the piece said, Vivi's owner, Jil Walton, will not be at Westminster this year, as she doesn't own any show dogs now. But she did recently get another whippet puppy, and we wish her all the best."

I received an email from ASHLEY saying someone sent her an email and a picture of Sniffles that she said is him. She lives in California now but claims she is flying in this week-end to check it out. Thought I'd pass it on since I think someone posted they are still looking for him.

Margot, did Ashley say where Sniffles was at and her plans for him. If it's him, then one miracle has happened. If you hear anything else, let us know. It's Vivi's turn.

Hi Susan: She didn't say but I forwarded her email to Bonnie.

I heard from Ashley today. She claims she cannot get through via phone or email to the place that has the dog they nicknamed "Charlie" that looks just like Sniffles. The place is called S.A.V.E. Animal Rescue. Here is the link to see "Charlie":

http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=10197688

I think it was Mila who originally found this link.

I think Ashley wants him back. Judging from the pics, she really thinks it is him. However, she now lives in California, so she has some planning to do in order to make this happen.

If anyone can get through to S.A.V.E., Ashley would appreciate it. You can email me and I will pass on the word.

It was not me who sent the SAVE link to Ashley. Ashley told me to NEVER contact her again about Sniffles way back in Feb 2006. She said she did not want to look for him anymore.
And in Sept of 2006 she said no one was looking for him or putting food out for him, that he was probably dead or someone took him in ( I had been emailing her to ask for some help from her).
So no, I did not contact her about Charlie. And never will.
Charlie is now safe after being on the streets but has much rehabilitation ahead of him. He has very obviously been abused, extremely underweight and is so fearful. SAVE is keeping Charlie/Sniffles safe. God Bless them for rescueing this lovely special boy!
We are pretty confident Charlie is Sniffles and the NYC gals will have a look-see. Imagine - 2 years alone and running scared (2/15/2006).
TEAM VIVI KEPT SEARCHING FOR DARLING SNIFFLES. NOW WE CAN CRY TEARS OF JOY!! I know I am.
HE SURVIVED 2 YEARS ON THE STREETS OF NYC AND THAT IS A MIRACLE!!!
THE NEXT MIRACLE WILL BE VIVI!!! SHE IS STILL OUT THERE AND SURVIVING - SNIFFLES DID!

Ooops, that was Feb 2007 Ashley told me to go away. For some odd reason Feb 2006 will always be uppermost in my mind.

MILA - I so agree with you. This dog appears to have gone through so much on the streets. He deserves the best now for sure. I will be sending S.A.V.E. a donation for helping this baby on payday.

For anyone who does not know, Mila has had alerts out for a shepherd mix like Sniffles at all the local shelters, etc. for the past 2 years. I know from her e-mails and conversations on the phone with her how dear the search for Sniffles has been to her heart for a long, long time. I want to thank Mila and praise her for her hard work for Sniffles. She has looked at so many heart-breaking animals in shelters trying to find this guy. With each find, her heart has been there to help that dog - whether Sniffles or not. She is truly the Saint for Sniffles (and many others) behind the scenes, and he and the others are lucky to have had her on their side for these past 2 years.

Mila, you are one dear lady and someday Sniffles will get to thank you personally! Bless you for all your heart-breaking and hard work for this miracle.....

Hi Everyone,

If this is indeed Sniffles I'm so glad he's been found and is safe now. Poor baby. I hope he finds a forever home soon. He sure deserves it. Praying for more happy endings with our other fur babies out there.

Laura

Why thank you Kathleen!! Your words are so touching I am in tears (again)!! I do feel very confident that Charlie is Sniffles.
But, ALL TEAM VIVI helped to find Sniffles. Remember Buster? You were right in there too!
Mila

MILA - May have been along with the others some, but you were the driving force for Sniffles. I tried looking in the shelters, and this Southern Belle could not bear the pain of all those sweet little faces.

How you did this I will never know. I know you must have cried many tears looking at those sweet faces each day. You are what we Southerners call a "Steel Magnolia!" Strong and yet having the beauty, sweet smell and tenderness of our wonderful Magnolias in the South! If one has not ever seen a Magnolia, they have this very fragile bloom and this incredibly large and strong stem. That's you Mila! Might be in Michigan, but you are still a "Steel Magnolia" in my book always ....

I cannot help but believe this is Sniffles from the pictures I got a long time ago from Ashley. Yes, he is a miracle - and Vivi will be next....

Wow! Sniffles has been possibly found? I remember when I first stumbled upon this blog all the searching that was going on for Sniffles besides Vivi. Way to go!! That proves if Sniffles can finally be found, then Vivi still has a very good shot!

Wow! Sniffles has been possibly found? I remember when I first started reading this blog and all the searching that was going on for that dog along with the others. Way to go! That proves if Sniffles can finally be found, then there is still plenty of hope for Vivi.

Sorry for the double post. The computer told me that my first post wasn't going through so I tried again and now there's two.

Yeah, Mila. I am so happy for you and Sniffles. Thank you God.

This is GREYt news ---- how long has Sniffles been at SAVE?

Such exciting news about Sniffles. I so hope it is him and he gets his forever home.
Now for VIVI
Keeping the faith in TX for all

Do you believe he has been on the streets all this time? Have there been sightings of him called in? It sort of sounds like SAVE and others are implying a human did this to him recently. If he has been on the streets for any length of time it is quite natural he would be this way isn't it?

Mila I know you have made heroic efforts on this dog's behalf and I have never spoken to or contacted his owner, but maybe she asked to break off contact because she just could not keep undergoing the constant stress of hopes being lifted and dashed over and over. Just trying to give the benefit of the doubt. Everyone does not have the same strength to deal with this stuff for years. That is why I and everyone should have the deepest respect for people who make such a committment to rescue animals and the people who have searched for Vivi and others for years. It is the same in working with children. There are times you just want to curl up in a ball and never go out and face the meanness in the world again. But you get up and keep going and doing it because you have to.

It takes special people and such strength despite the constant heartache and heartbreak you encounter over and over. Some people just don't have it for whatever reason. You can't spend your time hating them because it takes away from what you need to do and what you need to give to others that maybe can be saved and helped.

I hope like others this is the dog and that Vivi comes home too, and that Sniffles' previous owner has an awakening of sorts if she needs one. Hopefully she is sincere.

Mila, you never gave up on Sniffles. I remember you checked on a couple of pictures I saw on Pet Find that looked like Sniffles. I give you a lot of credit for going into the shelters and being able to look at those precious faces. I can't do it too often.
Thank goodness for SAVE and he is in a safe caring home. I can only imagine what he must have gone through these past 2 years. Please let us know how he's doing when the NYC gals see him and give him lots of hugs from all of us.
Libby, I can see your point also about how a person can shut down after a point dealing with a crises. Ashley seemed to be at a difficult point in her life when Sniffles was lost. Maybe now she has matured some and will commit to giving this baby all the love and care he needs.

People came out of the woodwork to help Ashley find Sniffles and she gave up on him, was rude and plain out, didn't give a hoot.
If it is indeed Sniffles, please, oh, please, let someone else adopt him. Someone who knows what the h they are doing.
A lot of people sent Ashley money because we were told she was without a job and broke. What did she do with a lot of the money? She bought treats and scarfs for the dogs.Does that sound like someone who was out a job and had no food in her house. The gal is a nut case as far as I'm concerned.
DO NOT LET HER TAKE SNIFFLES. If she couldn't go with people who offered to help her, why the big deal now about flying from California? I don't believe it.
Sorry, but thats the way I see it and I'll stick to it.

Hi everyone,

It is good news about Sniffles. There was also another dog, a pug, at about that time that was lost. His name escapes me, darn it. But does anyone know whatever happened with him? Just curious, going back to the beginning of the Vivi search was bringing back memories of others.

Laura

LAURA, IT WAS "BIGGIE"...I found a Biggie look alike but nothing came of it...I was hoping it was the little guy. A person where the Pug was didn't seem to think he could have traveled that far, how ever far it was. I thought someone could have picked him up and taken him any place in the U.S.
People that I know seem to think someone found Biggie right away and he's in a home and happy...Sad but that could be the story of dear little Biggie..If he's happy thats good.

Thank you Ruby!

I sure hope he is in a good home and happy. I saw on the news here tonight about a pug a woman had that her friend took and sold to someone. It turned out that they scanned the dog because it was microchipped and it scanned to be the woman's who it was taken from. Now the new owners who had the dog for about 1 1/2 years are fighting to keep the dog. The police took the dog away from them and returned it to the original owner but now are saying they shouldn't have done that. So now there's a battle over who is going to get to keep this dog. How sad.

Laura

Now I remember a little about the Sniffles saga. I think I missed the beginning of it but did read some comments about whether this girl really wanted him back or was just milking it. Back when the blog was really busy it was hard to keep up and if you missed a few days or a week it was impossible to read all the posts. So I missed a lot of Sniffles I guess. Hopefully it turns out well for him. And the little pug Biggie now that my memory was jogged a little!

I hope someone did find him too and he's safe. Pugs are popular little dogs, not my favorite but lot of people really like them. You can love all dogs but gravitate to certain types and temperaments for your personal companions I guess. The Pug that placed in the Toy Group at Westminster was really nice I have to admit even I liked him (or her?). There were a lot of great dogs though.

ISN'T HE BEAUTIFUL!

I will be transporting Scooby from Brinkley, AR to Memphis, TN on Saturday, he will spend the night with me and my canine family in Memphis, TN, and then on Sunday morning we will be heading to Jackson, TN where I will meet the next leg of his transport.

Jackson, TN was one of the places hit very hard by the tornados, so I hope to visit there and see what kind of donations they need too. I'll take pictures if I get a chance for everyone to see.

Here is Scooby:

http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=7876195

Oh for fun, Kathleen. Scooby appears to be a sweetheart. Especially if he's tolerant of cats. Mabel (my GSP) absolutely detests cats and is always on the lookout for the neighborhood cats to see if she can catch one. If you happen to take a picture of him at your house with your mob, send me a picture if possible.

Kathleen, Scooby is just so handsome! How good of you to help him on his way to a new home! Your house on Saturday night will be movin and shakin! Have fun!

If my husband saw Scooby he would want him. He used to have one almost identical except he had a female. He has her picture on the headboard. She really meant a lot to him. Scooby is a beautiful dog.

Thanks everyone. I think Scooby is so beautiful too. And Mila, my house will definitely be shakin' and a rocketin' on Saturday night. Hope I can get some rest since I will up and on the road by 8:00 am on Sunday.

I think we will do fine though. After all, as Darlene would say - what is "one more dog".....

Pam, I will definitely try to get pictures of all to share on the blog. I am making a file of the group of dogs I transport, and I will print these with the title "To Their Forever Home" added in Photoshop. My hallway is becoming the gallery of animals and family pictures. Got to get some horse pictures too! The horseys are missing in the gallery!

Please pray for the safe transport of Scooby by all these volunteers. We have some bad weather forecast for this area with even a possibility of tornados it seems.

Is it Sniffles? There is only one way to really know the truth!

We will never really know if Sniffles survived two years of being lost on the streets unless his former owner recognizes him and HE recognizes HER. I know when my dog who is almost 12 sees someone she knew and loved from several years ago, she recognizes them.

As for Ashley herself, I am one of the few who actually met her in person. For those of you who sent her money and now are bitter and feel cheated about doing so, I hope I can put your minds at ease. She is NOT a golddigger or grifter who used the money on herself and engineered Sniffles getting lost as a way to "rip people off." She drove a horrible old heap of a junk car none of you would be seen in. She dressed shabbily. She lived in an awful part of Brooklyn that none of you would live in either. She really did use the money on the several animals (dogs, cats, cat moms with kittens, birds) that she fostered and also the ones she took care of that were condemned to die in a horrible and depressing NYC kill shelter located in a rundown and dangerous section of Brooklyn. If you sent her money, believe me, it was not used on a glamorous lifestyle for herself. It was used to care for furbabies that would have ended up being put to sleep if not for Ashley. I cannot take in fosters, although I would love to do so, so I can honestly say Ashley does a lot more than me for stray animals.

As for the assertions that she turned on some of you who were only trying to help her. I don't know why. She never did it to me, but then again I have only kept sporadic contact with her. This girl was (or still is) suffering from anxiety and depression. Her breaking point was having a murder victim die in her arms which led to post-traumatic stress syndrome. (This is not just stories she told me; it has been documented in major newspapers and I saw the articles.) Unlike most of you middle-class ladies who probably never went a day in your lives without health insurance, she worked low paying jobs like waitress and nanny that gave no health insurance and she could not afford medication and counseling. For people who pay "co-pays" to see the doctor and "co-pays" that amount to a fraction of the cost of your prescriptions, do some price checks and see what that would cost in cash. Sniffles was her counselor. When she cried, Sniffles would lick her tears and comfort her. When her dog sitter let him off leash and he ran away, she was devastated. Then she had to deal with a HORRIBLE section of Brooklyn to try and get him back. I was personally out there with her and although there were a lot of people who took the flyers and were pleasant and helpful, there were also a lot of people who were quite verbally abusive and menacing. I saw her brought to tears by people who would tell her they knew the dog on the flyer and that pit bull trainers had used him as bait and he died a horrible death. Cruel people called her up every day and night (as her phone number was on the flyer) harassing her and telling her cruel stories of "your dog is dead."

So maybe she did give up hope and freak out. As for her life right now, I can only hope it is better. She lives in California now. Maybe the stress of living in New York was too much for her, a kid from Washington state. NYC is too much for many people.

Whether or not she will seek to take Sniffles back remains to be seen. Maybe if S.A.V.E. found him a good forever home she would just be happy to know that he is alive and not seek to claim him.

However, S.A.V.E. has not returned her emails or phone calls. She is afraid this is just another cruel joke and she got her hopes up for nothing that Sniffles is alive and wasn't eaten alive by a pit bull in training.

I am hoping nobody went and slandered her to S.A.V.E. as a “bad animal owner” because that is really not true. She legally adopted Sniffles from the NYC pound where she volunteered and then got a full time job, and I am sure they can find the paperwork to prove that she adopted Sniffles if need be.

I have contacted S.A.V.E. too via email and phone. The email was not returned. The phone number goes straight to voicemail where it won't let you leave a message because the "mailbox is full." What is that all about? This doesn't look to me like very reliable or responsible people running this organization.

I hope it really is Sniffles and he lived. I would feel glad for him and it would give hope for Vivi too, since she and Sniffles were lost on the same day. As for Biggie the pug, I don't know if he were ever found, but I will try and see if I still have the email of his owner and check with her.

Regards,
Tara

TARA: I agree with everything you posted. I was one who gave Ashley quite a bit of money....for which she always thanked me and even sent me some drawings from the little boy she baby sat. I think her comments on my space angered people but I doubt if many on this board have walked in her shoes and certainly I haven't. if S.A.V.E decides not to return Sniffles to her or at least let her ID him, for closure, I hope they show her the same compassion they show the animals they are caring for.

"Judge not lest ye be judged"

Margot

Whoever Ashley may be, then and now, the fact is she let Sniffles go. And she alienated the good people who were trying very hard to help her (while they were also desperately searching for Vivi) A mistake on her part and we all pay for our mistakes at some point in our lives. She had several opportunities to aid in this search for Sniffles. In fact, there was one dog named Buster that we had located in an on-line search that Ashley felt sure was Sniffles. She would not go to identify him, just said she did not want him but hoped he was adopted to a good home. We have had a couple of other dogs along the way we felt might be him but she would not even look at the pictures.
As for her poverty-I have been there myself and was for a long time. We all have our alligators. But we try to stay strong and survive. And work hard to change our circumstances.
PTS is debilitating, yes, and she did adopt Sniffles to help her through it, to lick away her tears. Hence the name Sniffles. In her immense gratitude to Sniffles for his devotion and love she turned her back when the search got rough.
SHE KNEW WHERE HE WAS BUT LET HIM GO.

You are right-this dog may not be Sniffles and the search will continue for him. But Ashley insulted the very people who offered her so much only to have their efforts and their gifts of money squandered as if they did not matter.

As for SAVE, I know they will find just the right home for Charlie, one that can help him to love and trust again. We can all be forever grateful for organizations like SAVE who rescue these animals, some near death like Charlie, and find them worth the effort to give them everything so they can LIVE.
SAVE will never adopt their animals out of the NY area. Charlie was found as a stray and had obviously been one for a very, very long time. He belonged to nobody-until SAVE.

Judging Ashley? No, we are just reacting to her treatment of us. It is cause and effect.
Just me, Mila

I agree Mila, Ashley was mean and rude to alot of people trying to help her.

"We are pretty confident Charlie is Sniffles and the NYC gals will have a look-see."

And what is that going to do? How are THEY going to know if it is really Sniffles? Obviously they can't. They never met the dog in their life.

"SHE KNEW WHERE HE WAS BUT LET HIM GO."

Another illogical statement. How did she know where he was?

"Charlie was found as a stray and had obviously been one for a very, very long time. He belonged to nobody-until SAVE."

So by that logic, I assume if SAVE finds Vivi, who has been a stray exactly the same amount of time as Sniffles, she will belong to them too?

Queston: Why did you keep looking for Sniffles when Ashley rejected you if you knew you would never be able to definitely confirm it is Sniffles and not one of the thousands of dogs out there that look like him without Ashley's cooperation?

Common Sense, use your common sense. Once an owner stops actively looking for a lost dog, it is legally a considered a stray after a certain period of months. This would apply to Sniffles, not Vivi.

Ashley knew where Sniffles was because he had been sighted in the same area several times by reliable sources. After an encounter with a bad element in that area, she gave up on her dog, even though the sighting calls kept coming in.

As far as identifying Sniffles, it would have to be done by picture comparison. No, we would never be 100%. No one could be, not even Ashley. He is not microchipped (or blood typed).
As for the continual search? Why? Obviously this poor dog needed someone who cared on his side. His beautiful appealing face haunts many still.

Darlene her husband and I were out searching for Siffles with Tara one night and to be honest noone menaced us or was rude. Actually I walked right up peoples stairs as they were partaking in some smoke, we met some people who were saying things but I said something right back and we were actually all laughing, something about my shoes being people shoes because I killed people who hurt dogs so I wore them on my feet. I've been in worse places looking for Vivi alone at night and never has anyone ever bothered me .

Sniffles was at a church parking lot and I believe Ashley was putting out food but stopped because she did not want to sit out and watch a trap, karen Goin even consulted her on what to put out and clothes with scents on them, sorry if it was my dog I'd never leave the spot but that's me I don't need sleep if my animal is out there alone. Whatever happened with the money being stolen from her car, nothing we can do now.

The law is correct if an owner is not actively looking for 3-4 months the dog is considered abandoned, we did research the law last year. If Ashley was actively looking then how come Mila is the one who found Charlie? How would Charlie get to Ca if it is him, I do not think SAVE would ever let him get on a plane. They would probably want him close if he is afraid and has been out for so long. If it is him let him get adopted into a home where he can be loved. I am tempted myself to have him if it is Sniffles. He will get chubby in no time with me. Ask the weenie gals.

Debbie, I remember those kids (late teens, early 20s) and one of them was the wiseass ringleader and you just kept shooting back comments until even he had to laugh! But remember we were waiting down the street from where those kids were and after Ashley talked to them she came up to us crying hysterically over what they said to her.

Mila, she was pretty mentally fragile and had a lot of problems in terms of jobs, etc., then. I feel bad that she was so unresponsive to your efforts, but people with untreated mental problems can be pretty unpleasant to deal with.

I just don't think she was a grifter ripping people off for her own gain and I think she used any money she got to take care of animals, not for her own enrichment. I think she has saved some furbabies from being put to sleep by fostering them, even in her bad mental state.

I would like to explain to Ashley that SAVE may not see fit to return Sniffles to her (if it is him) and they may not have to according to law since she stopped looking for him and that can be proven. Can anyone tell me what the name of this law is and what section of the law it is under so I can be precise and correct in what I tell her?

I am a little worried about SAVE as the don't return emails and phone calls. I know that often these little organizations are overwhelmed with people who want to give animals to them, but when people are inquiring about animals they have to adopt out, wouldn't they jump on it?

I hope Charlie has a very happy ending and finds himself in a great forever home!

Tara, I also e-mailed SAVE after reading that it might be Sniffles and wrote about the 2 yr search for him, everyone who helped and Ashley's situation. No response yet. They might be overwhelmed but other Rescues I have contacted big and small do get back to me within a few days. From the picture of Charlie, I think it is Sniffles.
Debbie, I think he would have a fantastic life with you and be spoiled rotten which he needs. In my book, you and the weenie gals have been my inspiration to get involved in helping our furry friends of all types, dog, cat, horse, etc.

I do not know Ashley except through my dealings with her regarding Sniffles. I hope she is happy in CA and has has recovered and is stronger now. No one here wishes bad things for her, that is not what we are about. While we are all still in disbelief and upset about her actions our focus has and is about Sniffles and finding him.
Regarding SAVE and Charlie: Sniffles or not, Charlie is part of the SAVE family now. They will decide what is best for Charlie. I do not know why they are slow in returning correspondence but think they will. They are all about the dogs and cats in their care.
Mila

Mila, YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
For all you have done from so far away. You stayed on this Sniffles mission for 2 years and thats what COUNTS!. Its renewed so much hope in me regarding Vivi as I am sure it has in many of you still out there praying for our girl. It's this kind of determination that will help us one day find out what has happend to our brave little whippet!
Our focus should be to celebrate that we may have found a lost fur baby from 2 years back, so lets NOT take the JOY out of this.
Viva La Vivi!
Rosa

WE ALL ROCK, ROSA!!!
Celebrate? You bet!!!
We are all TEAM VIVI STRONG!! Never give up, never give in and Keeping the Faith!
Now, it is Vivi's turn!
Viva La Vivi, Rosa!
Mila

I'll never give up until Vivi is found. And what a celebration it will be. I can picture our Canine Girl reuniting with Jill and Rick and her horsey buddies. And then meeting the terrier and the Whippet baby. This would be the best gift for all of us. I'm in this for the long run.

Hi Everyone -

The transport of a German Shorthair Pointer, Scooby, has finished it's first weekend of traveling. He started in Dallas, TX and is now in Lenoir, TN for a week of boarding. Next weekend, he will start his final weekend of travel going to his new home in Vermont.

When I picked this sweet boy up in Brinkley, AR last night, it was instant LOVE. Oh what a beauty and SO SWEET. We got home about 8:30 pm and got ready for bed after eating. My Stinkerbell wanted to start a dog fight, so she, Onnie and Sophie spent the night in my room on my comfortable bed while I slept on the couch in the living room with Scooby. Early this morning Scooby heard a noise, and let out a BIG AH-ROO right in my ear. You should have seen me jump on that couch! I now know what an AH-ROO sounds like for sure! We left for Jackson, TN around 8:00 am this morning and arrived safely. All of these people I have met on the transport are just so wonderful.

Sorry, not many pictures as my camera was acting up (and Stinkerbell), but I will try to post this week what I did get.

I was shocked at the number of woods and trees along the expressway that were hit by the tornados. You could really see the force of these when they went through Jackson!

Hi Everyone,

I have to make a difficult decision with my two senior dogs. My daughter's wedding is coming up and my husband and I have to stay in PA for about four days for this. The problem is what to do with my two seniors. Everyone that we remotely trust with them will be at the wedding. They have never been boarded before, my cairn is 16 yrs. old and my yorkie is 13 yrs. old and gets very nervous around people she doesn't know and my cairn can get really stubborn if he doesn't get his way. They are very spoiled. If I board them they'll have to stay in a cage for this length of time and I didn't know if that would traumatize them. If anyone has had any experience with this or suggestions it would be most appreciated.

Thanks,

Laura

Hey Laura - You live in NY, right? If so, e-mail me at kat_stephenson@juno.com

My friend Amanda who started Camp4Paws in Memphis also has a home in NY. She may have someone doing the same thing there, and I can assure you Amanda would not hire anyone to watch the dogs who is not good.

Here is her website in Memphis, TN so you can get an idea of her camp for dogs and felines, and their daily routines.

http://www.camp-4-paws.com