Search efforts to track down the award winning dog prove futile

Article : Search efforts to track down the award winning dog prove futile
Print this article
Email this article

Stay Updated
News gadget on your Google homepage
Subscribe to a news feed in Google Reader

I spent 40 years working for a major airline which is considered the best in pet travel but we too have also had our 'incidents'. A few of the other major airlines have a lot more 'incidents'. Airline employess would never fly their pets unless absolutely necessary. Kennels should be secured very, very well and marked very, very well. Also, a photo of the dog should be placed on the kennel.
Please don't give up the search. The dog may have gotten into a cargo container. Many of them are moved around and placed close together and this would make it impossible for the dog to get out. Keep looking.

For those of you that still check this site for Vivi updates here is my story of today's search efforts(March 4th):
Hello everyone,
I just returned home from a full 8 hours of searching JFK. I'm completely exhausted and haven't even taken my boots off yet but I wanted to post right away since I know how much everyone outside of the NYC needs updates. Well unfortunately I don't have any great news or sightings to post, I was wishing and praying that I would have something fabulous to post when I got home today. Ok, so here is how the day went:
I arrived at JFK shortly before 8am and found my new friend and search partner from last weekend, Judy and she brought her friend Marie. We checked in at the volunteer area Bonnie had set up. We all had brought our search gear, shipping/boxing tape dispensers, etc. We stocked up on tons of flyers and headed out to our first area to literally "cover" with Vivi flyers. We posted them at every Cargo area we possibly could, we put them under the windshield wiper of every car in nearly every parking lot. We went into dozens of buildings and gave stacks of flyers to the main offices, we even posted many in the windows of the buildings, in the Post office, Import/Export shipping areas, more cargo areas, anyplace we could find, we made sure that *everyone* will know about Vivi. I went up to 6 different limousine drivers sitting in their cars and gave them a flyer, explaining the story, and asked them to *please* keep and eye out for her. We revisited many of the locations we had searched last weekend, hoping maybe today our timing would be good and we would spot Vivi somewhere. Once again, Judy and I went back out to the Hamilton Beach area, crawled under the 'A' train bridge, over the rocks and watched the beach/marsh area for awhile with our binoculars. We managed to get to a few 'restricted' areas again and posted flyers everywhere we could. Unfortunately the one area we really wish we could get to, the beach/marsh area where the traps are set and where the pawprints were found is the one area we are not allowed to get to. Only the Port Authority has access to that, as we watched that small stretch of beach area through the binoculars we kept saying how perfect it would be if we had a boat and could somehow get clearance to go to that area. We made sure that nearly every single bus stop had a flyer or two, we taped them on the "inside" of the glass of the pedestrian waiting areas, that way the rain or snow won't affect the flyers. We stopped people whenever we could, security, truck drivers, cargo workers, giving them flyers and asking them to pass them out to everyone they know. We are disappointed of course from not having a sighting to report today but we have to also look at the positive of what today's work/search will do. By posting the flyers, placing them on cars etc we are making sure that now a LOT more people will know of Vivi and will report a sighting. The problem with the most recent sighting, as Bonnie was telling us, is that when she approached some of the workers at the Sky Chef's(one of the many companies on the JFK property) about Vivi they were very casual about it and were basically like "Oh yeah, we've seen her around here". The problem was they didn't know about Vivi so they didn't think much of it at the time, but now they DO know, so when she is seen again they can notify someone immediately. Another positive thing about today- Judy had given one of the security officers a flyer and he had said his whole company had a half an hour meeting about Vivi this morning, they were informed all about her and how the search is continuing and for them to be on full alert for her. So we saw that as another very good sign.
The weather unfortunately remains to be very cold here in NYC, this morning was incredibly cold, around 26 degrees but the winds were approximately 30 mph, making it feel much colder. But luckily as the day continued the sun warmed the temperatures up a bit, close to nearly 40 degrees. God, I just wish I had more news to give all of you, but I wanted to at least give you the report on the day so you would know how it went. As we were driving around from one area to another we heard Vivi's continued search efforts mentioned on the news radio station so that was definitely a great sign. I have the local NY channel on tv now, I'm hoping something else will be mentioned. It's a very local NY channel, covering events of the NYC, Queens, Brooklyn areas etc, so you never know when they might do a feature on Vivi. Here is the web link if anyone wants to also keep an eye out:http://www.ny1.com/index.jsp I was just scanning over some of your posts that I missed while I was at JFK today and I saw quite a few mentioning "web cams" to watch certain areas etc. I had actually said exactly the same thing to Judy today when we crawled under the bridge, to the end of the rocks near the beach. I said I wish there were a way to set up a camcorder where we were that could just be left to "record" and that could also be connected to someone that could watch it 24/7. I even said it would be wonderful if 'motion detectors' could be set that would alert the Port Authority. That way if Vivi was out, lurking around in a certain area the motion detectors would be set off and then perhaps she would be caught on video and the police could get to that spot right away before she vanished again. So we are definitely all thinking on the same level, but that is something the Port Authority would have to set up, since 9/11 everything has changed, security etc, so it's not something we, the volunteers, could really do unfortunately. So at this point we have to hope and pray that our efforts today helped inform many people that weren't area of Vivi and that she shows herself again soon so she can be rescued. After being out there all day and feeling so sad right now I have to hold on to that, hold on to "hope", and keep this hope alive. We all do. I have to feel that we made a difference today, that it will ultimately bring us all the happy ending we so desperately need. That is what is keeping me going, preventing me from feeling completely defeated. We still have hope and faith. Ok, well I apologize if this story rambled a bit, I wanted to try my best to include as much of the details of the day as I could for all of you. I'm going to get my boots off and have some water and rest for a little bit but I am here, home, so feel free to ask me any questions about the search if you want. I'll be happy to answer.
*keeping hope and faith alive here in NYC*
We love you Vivi!
Renee

To my fellow Vivi friends,

I'm sorry I haven't posted my story regarding the Saturday Search Party sooner but last night I came home emotionally drained with a skull splitting migraine still feeling so helpless that we couldn't find Vivi and knowing the temperatures were going to drop down to nearly "zero" with the wind chills. I continued checking all the various Vivi websites every few minutes, watching every news channel, praying for some word on her. I also made the mistake of watching Vivi's online dog show video (on the Westminster Dog Show website). I ended up breaking down in tears of course.

Well I arrived at the Vetport at JFK airport Saturday morning at 7:30am, I was a half hour early for the search, which was scheduled at 8am. Shortly after my arrival another searcher (Judy) arrived. We bonded while waiting for the rest of the group to arrive. Bonnie, the organizer of the search, is truly and amazing person. She did a wonderful job of filling us all in on the latest details and breaking us into teams of two and assigning us areas to "search" and "watch". Some of the volunteers searchers brought their own Whippets along to help out. I got to make friends with five different beautiful Whippets, it was fabulous. Judy and I headed out to our first "watch" location, then continued on to a large number of various locations, watching, searching everywhere and anywhere possible. The "needle in a haystack" term definitely rang true. That's exactly how we felt. There just weren't enough of us searching to possibly begin to cover all of the territory, but we tried our hardest. At one point Judy and I ventured to Hamilton Beach hoping to get a good view of the marshy area where Vivi's pawprints were found. We literally crawled over the large rocks and then squeezed under the "A" train bridge. I'm nearly 6 feet tall and the space under the bridge was about 3 feet high so it was a little tricky but luckily we made it. We took turns watching with binoculars for awhile, but we had to make our way back since we weren't sure what time the tide would rise and we feared getting trapped out on the rocks.

Later on we came across a partially open lot near British Airways cargo that had dozens and dozens of stray cats running all around us. We searched around for Vivi, thinking it might be possible she would hide out near there since there were tons of cans of cat food that people had left for the cats. I wished I could have rescued all the poor stray cats, it was breaking my heart to see them all out there in the freezing cold weather and howling winds. We continued searching, we managed to get access to *many* places I never imagined possible. There was one point that we were quite literally a few feet from a runway, not to mention a *huge* plane that was being fueled. Although I have to admit it was very disappointing to realize that many people that work right there on the runway and cargo areas don't even know about Vivi. We gave a flyer about her to one of the security guards, he looked baffled, said he hadn't heard anything about it until we just told him. But hopefully the efforts made by Bonnie and al the searchers will help spread the word, which will ultimately increase the odds of someone eventually spotting and more importantly "recognizing" Vivi and bringing her to safety. Bo (Viv's breeder) and Paul (one of her owners) stopped by the search party camp, so we had the opportunity to meet them. They thanked us all for coming out in the cold to help out and expressed how much they appreciated it. We searched from 8am until about 4:30pm, it was a long day but well worth every single moment. If there are more searches I will most definitely be there, willing and ready. I, like most of you, have slept fitfully and continue to cry and worry throughout each day and night, thinking of poor Vivi. I keep her in my thoughts, prayers and in my heart, always.

Keeping hope and faith alive here in New York,
Renee Polgar

Greetings my fellow animal lovers..

It's so wonderful to read your comments, I have posted a few messages here myself and have been checking every day for any new information regarding Vivi. Yesterday after work I attempted to head out to the neighborhood near the airport and help search for Vivi. I gathered some various meats and put them in a plastic bag which I poked holes in so the smell would hopefully lure Vivi out of hiding if I happen to pass wherever she was hiding. I also made a leash out of a rope I had in the trunk of my car. Well off I went, map in hand, trying to navigate and drive at the same time. Unfortunately I ended up missing a turn and got pretty lost. The surrounding area near the airport is unfortunately a very bad neighborhood so I was beginning to realize going on this mission all alone wasn't the best idea I ever had, but I have just been SO worried about poor Vivi, I wanted to at least *try* to help her. After a great deal of circling all around, trying to figure out where I was and locate that spot Vivi had last been seen it was getting pretty late and had to head back home, angry at myself for not having any luck. I also learned today that there had been a volunteer search party going on at JFK airport at 5pm, I only wish I had known, I would have joined in. Well, I have not given up, I am checking a website called Craigslist for info regarding the next search party for Vivi, I will *definitely* join if another search is organized for volunteers. Here is the link for those interested:

http://newyork.craigslist.org/cgi-bin/search?areaID=3&
subAreaID=0&query=vivi&catAbbreviation=pet

There has also been a good sign posted on another site regarding the possibility of Vivi's pawprints in the sand of the nearby marsh area of the airport:

http://newsday.typepad.com/news_local_flaim/

(This is a GREAT site that is posted updated reports on the search for Vivi so be sure to check it often).

Ok, I will keep you all posted on any news that I hear and I hope to continue my quest to help search for vivi a.s.a.p. My heart is breaking for her and my prayers are with her. If anyone would like to contact me for any reason feel free, you can email me at BatgirlRenee@nyc.rr.com

-Renee

I am so sorry for the dog and her owners! My heart breaks for them.
Don't give up hope- these little stick dogs can be very smart.
An Owl stole my 5 month old Italian Greyhound on a 15 below zero night. The little pup some how got away and found her way home after 2 and half days in that cold!
They are so fragile and I know the pain the owners are going thru. These dogs are our family.
All I can say is that when they are scared and in shock, they don't respond well to people. I pray that your dog will be smart and find her way to saftey.
My prayers are with you.

I do not know any "Shankar" people because I stay away from people like that. If you cannot show compassion for a defenseless animal or a child, I don't care to know your heart or you. You will never know the love you are missing.

As for Vivi, I am so hopeful this tip about the construction site is accurate and she is found soon. I have a friend in New York who has two well-trained German Shepherds. I have even encouraged her to help with this search.

I also have been searching for hopefully good news, saying so many prayers, and crying over this sad happening. Unfortunately, it happens much too often to many other animals being transported by airlines as well. My dog will only go on the plane and under my seat with me - never leaving my hands. Tink and I are so hopeful Vivi will be found safe and well.

Kathleen Stephenson
Memphis, TN

I read this recent article posted about Vivi and I thought you all might be interested to read it as well. I only pray the source is accurate and that Vivi is indeed alive and well, if it is true I will *thrilled* beyond belief!!-http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/60113.htm
SOME DOG-GONE GOOD NEWS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 18, 2006 -- The missing Westminster Dog Show whippet may be alive and well and living in a construction site, according to a tipster who says she saw the prize pooch early yes terday morning near JFK Airport.
The dog's excited owners spent yesterday searching the streets around South Conduit Avenue and 145th Street, not far from the runway where Vivi was last seen Wednesday, running away from cargo workers after she got loose from her cage.

The tipster "sounded like she knew what a whippet was," said Vivi's breeder, Bo Bengtson. Heidi Singer
----------------------------------------------------

Very concerned animal lover here in NYC,
Renee

To shankar -

I hope that when you are reincarnated - as a canine - you'll be residing in Little China or Saigon!!

Even though she is a valuable dog....my heart goes out to her owners....she is pet, a family member, a laugh when she's playing....and I hope that she might be found safe.....

I live here in NYC and was unable to obtain tickets to the Westminster Dog show in Madison Square Garden this past Monday and Tuesday however I watched it on tv. I'm a huge animal lover and fell in love with nearly every beautiful dog in the show, *especially* the Whippets. I woke up Wed morning and was in shock to hear of poor Vivi, I was and still am extremely upset, it has been all I can think about. I was furious to learn the search was called off so quickly! How can they just give up? This poor defensless animal is lost, terrified and the temperatures are going to drop down to the 20's this weekend! It has been tearing me up inside, I have been *so* worried, checking the news constantly hoping to hear good news that Vivi has been found. I wish more than anything I could gain access to the area so I could search for her myself. I'm relieved to know I am not the only one extremely distressed over this situation. Barbara, Melanie and Peggy all made sensitive and insightful posts, however, "Shankar's" post is absolutely dispicable, immature and downright cruel. The person that posted that comment really should be ashamed of themself. I will keep hoping and praying for Vivi and they she is found *very* soon.
-Renee

Why don't they use another dog to try to detect her scent and follow to where she is?

Since she is microchipped, is there anyway that type of technology can be put to use to find her? I know they are usually scanned at close range but with all the GPS technology, owners of extremely valueable animals might have such devices available to them...? How about night vision possibilites, heat sensors, etc. Since it is a remote area, that may be a chance.

Have the owners called all the local vets in the area to see if anyone has brought a Whippet to them. Unlike me, many people have not heard of Vivi's blight and may just consider her a "lost dog".

Please check the area Korean restaurants.